The net migrant gain has rebounded, pushing the annual population gain from this source to a record 53,800.
Arrivals exceeded departures by 5500 last month, seasonally adjusted, after two months of a lower net gain.
In the year to January, migrant arrivals reached a new high of 111,500, up 17 per cent on the year before. Departures fell 17 per cent to 57,700. Student visas rose 52 per cent and work visas rose 11.5 per cent to 33,800.
Westpac economist Felix Delbruck said New Zealand's stronger job market attracted foreign workers.
"And the safety valve ... Kiwis moving to Australia, is operating at a trickle. [Annual net migration] will rise to 60,000 before moderating gradually."
