COVID UPDATES

New changes to visa processing and border exemptions for partners, investors, entrepreneurs and skilled workers! September has brought several promising updates that show the New Zealand government is slowly working on easing restrictions for different groups of individuals. Border closure (INZ) Partners of NZ Citizens and Residents INZ has advised that Partners and dependants of New Zealand citizens and residents who normally live in New Zealand or hold a visa on the basis of their relationship will no longer need …

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Immigration New Zealand is easing border restrictions to allow more categories of foreign nationals to travel to New Zealand. This change is meant to help temporary migrants who have a connection with New Zealand to fly back here. These changes are expected to be implemented early October 2020. Beehive release (Government website) RNZ reports Border closure (INZ) Temporary visa holders normally resident in New Zealand If you hold a valid temporary work visa (Essential Skills or Talent: Work to Residence) …

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Immigration New Zealand is introducing two major changes to support foreign nationals stranded in New Zealand This change is meant to help temporary migrants and visitors to remain in New Zealand lawfully while they arrange to leave the country and return to their home country. More information (INZ website) Visitor visa extension If you are in New Zealand on a visitor visa due to expire between 4 September and the end of October 2020, the Government is automatically extending your …

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A limited number of applications processed Certain Visa Application Centres (VACs) offshore will reopen to assist with New Zealand visa applications. This is to assist with certain processes where original documents must be verified. More information (INZ website) When does this start? From Monday 7 September 2020, select New Zealand Visa Application Centres (VACs) will reopen to accept applications from applicants who meet the border exceptions criteria. These individuals will be able to send in their documents through post/courier as …

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The New Zealand Government implemented short-term changes in July to enable employer-assisted work visa holders to remain in New Zealand lawfully past the expiry of their visa. This resulted in an automated 6-months extension from the expiry of their current visa. Their family was previously excluded from this automatic extension. What changes? The change now allows for the family of a worker to have their temporary visas automatically extended, in line with the principal applicant’s (worker). The family includes partners …

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Immigration New Zealand is temporarily suspending the ability for overseas applicants to apply for certain temporary visas. You may still qualify under a specific category or exemptions criteria More information (INZ website) Who is NOT impacted? Are you currently in New Zealand? No change If you are in New Zealand, you can still submit any visa application as long as you meet the requirements of the category applied under. Residence applications, no change If you are overseas, you can still …

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The New Zealand Government is implementing short-term changes to enable temporary visa holders to remain in New Zealand lawfully. Why these measures? These temporary measures are meant to mitigate the impact that COVID-19 has had on migrants and New Zealand business. More information (INZ website) Extension for work visa holders Effective 10 July 2020 Employer-assisted work visa holders whose visas expire from 10 July to 31 December 2020 (inclusive) will be automatically extended by 6 months from their expiry date. …

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The COVID-19 crisis has put many migrants in New Zealand in a difficult position, and the New Zealand Government is responding with a set of initiatives to help alleviate this hardship. Are you a foreign national in need? There may be one or several organisations and initiatives that can provide assistance during these difficult times. Healthcare information All migrants with a work visa for 2 years or more –and their family– are eligible for public-funded healthcare. You are therefore entitled …

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Exemptions to border restrictions Update 19 April 2021 It is no longer required for the partners and dependent children of New Zealand citizens and residents to travel with their New Zealand citizen or resident partner/parent to New Zealand, they can now travel on their own to join the partner/parent, as long as they are from visa-waiver country. Contact us if you are in a relationship with a NZ citizen or resident and which to relocate to New Zealand   Eligibility …

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