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    Critical Health Workers and Other Critical Workers

    Up until now, due to the New Zealand border restrictions, critical health workers and other critical workers could apply for border exceptions to enter New Zealand.

    The 2021 Resident Visa announcement by Immigration Minister of New Zealand has created huge ripples and given pathway to live permanently in new Zealand.

    Those eligible for this 2021 Resident Visa includes some long-term critical purpose visa holders arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022.

    These include:

    • Health care workers in long term roles (6 months or more)
    • Other critical workers in long term roles (6 months or more)

    What is a critical health care worker?

    A critical health worker is a person who works in an occupation needed to deliver essential health services in New Zealand for certain employers.

    These include:

    • Registered health practitioners as set out in the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003. Professions like chiropractic, dentistry, diabetics, medical laboratory science, aesthetic technology, medical imaging & radiation therapy, medicine, midwifery, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathy, paramedics, pharmacy, physiotherapy, podiatry, psychology & psychotherapy. For more information, please refer to this link.
    • Internationally qualified nurses who:
      • are invited to come to New Zealand by the Nursing Council of New Zealand, and
      • are enrolled in a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP)
    • Workers that install, operate or maintain medical equipment
    • Paramedics and ambulance workers (including air and road)
    • Technical and support staff working in:
      • theatre
      • laboratory
      • radiology
      • nuclear medicine
      • pharmacy services
      • cardiology blood service
      • oncology
      • hematology
      • pathology
      • hyperbaric medicine
      • mortuary
      • research staff
    • Workers delivering mental health and addictions services, aged care, respite, home care and support, child health, palliative and hospice care, forensic health, and disability support,
    • Physician Associates.

    Critical health and disability workers may work in any of the following:

    • A District Health Board. There are 20 DHBs in New Zealand.
    • The New Zealand Blood Service
    • A hospice or palliative care
    • A primary care practice such as urgent care or a medical or healthcare centre
    • An aged residential care, respite or continuing care facility, including care in a person’s home or community facility
    • A government or Non-Government Organisation delivering health and disability services
    • Organisations that provide, operate and maintain medical equipment
    • Private employers delivering health and disability services.

    Who are other critical workers?

    A request can be made by an employer or a supporting agency to bring workers into New Zealand if they are deemed ‘other critical workers’

    Critical workers can come to New Zealand for short term (less than 6 months) or long-term (6 months or more) durations.

    To qualify as a short-term critical worker’, you must have unique experience, technical or specialist skills that are not easily available in New Zealand. Also, you must be undertaking a time critical role for an approved major infrastructure or government approved event/ programme or be engaged in work that will benefit the national or regional economy.

    Seasonal workers are generally not approved unless they are highly skilled or uniquely specialized like highly specialist domestic veterinarians, vendor appointed engineers required to install major equipment and any actor in a key film role.

    Long term critical workers need to meet one of the short-term critical worker requirements in addition to meeting other requirements like the pay being twice the median salary and have an essential role for the completion or continuation of a science programme partially or fully funded by the government and supported by the Science Innovation and International Branch of MBIE.

    Conclusion

    Apply for this visa if you have a critical purpose for coming to New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand has invited you to apply for visa.  With this visa you can travel to New Zealand even though the border is currently closed.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Source: Link1, Link2, Link3, Link4

    More NZ Border Exceptions and Approved Classes of Workers

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that immigration rules have been updated to include additional border exceptions and allow an approved class of persons for:

    • Winery workers

      • Entry Criteria – Up to 75 winery workers earning at least the median wage will be able to travel to New Zealand. Workers must be nominated by the Ministry for Primary Industries and be working in the preidentified roles.
    • Meat Processing Workers

      • Entry Criteria – Up to 150 meat processing workers will be able to travel to New Zealand. Workers must be nominated by the Ministry for Primary Industries and must earn at least the NZ median wage over a specified pay period (no longer than 1 month).
    • Seafood Processing Workers

      • Entry criteria – Up to 150 seafood processing workers will be able to travel to New Zealand. Workers must be nominated by the Ministry for Primary Industries and must earn at least the NZ median wage over a specified pay period (no longer than 1 month).

    Additionally, changes have been made to immigration instructions to:

    • Expand the low-risk Pacific pathway to include Nauru, Tuvalu, and American Samoa
    • Create a border exemption for 50 selected Global Impact Visa candidates and their families; and
    • Extend the Global Impact Visa pilot program through 31 December2022

    The above changes are effective on and after 21 February 2022.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Update: 2021 Resident Visa – Phase 2 Application Process

    The applications for the next phase of the 2021 Resident Visa will be accepted beginning at 10 a.m. on March 1, 2022.Those who qualify will be able to apply online at any moment between then and July 31, 2022.

    Applications received after 01 March 2021, through the improved Immigration Online method, will be held in Immigration New Zealand (INZ) system. INZ won’t begin processing the submitted applications until the end of March. This essentially means that from 01 April 2022, submitted New Resident Visa applications will be processed in the order of the primary applicant’s existing visa expiry date at the time of their 2021 Resident Visa application.

    INZ has also said that applicants will not require a medical certificate when applying under the improved Immigration Online system. If a medical certificate or more information is necessary, INZ will request for it at a later date.

    Applicants have also been conveyed that they must submit information from a valid passport. There is no requirement to submit the document itself. Anyone in need of a new passport has plenty of time because applications for the 2021 Resident Visa will be accepted until July 31, 2022.

    Check Your Eligibility

    Potential Applicants are advised to check their eligibility here.

    Applying Online

    As part of Phase 2, the improved Immigration Online system has been built to handle more applications. However, there is still a maximum number of people that can use the system at one time. When the Immigration Online system reaches capacity, those who are already registered will be allowed to submit their applications. Those who attempt to log in will, however, be urged to try again later or to wait until a spot becomes available.  INZ urges you to be patient and return later, or the next day. They want to be clear that there is no benefit to applying on the first day or during the first few weeks.

    In the improved Immigration Online system, there is no limit to the number of applications that can be submitted each day. This implies you are not required to apply for ‘High Volume User’ classification. All applications must be accompanied by a Resident Visa Declaration Form (INZ 1242).

    Licensed Immigration Advisers are aware that, beginning March 1, 2022, two forms will be accessible on the INZ website:

    1. The current form for people who have a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Residence from Work (RFW), or Expression of Interest (EOI) for Skilled Migrant Category in the works. When using this form, no advance payment is necessary.
    2. For all other applicants, a new form has been added to the improved Immigration Online system. When you submit this form, payment is to be made immediately.

    Costs

    When the applicants submit their 2021 Resident Visa application in Phase 2, they must pay the cost of their application at the time of submitting their application.

    The total amount is $2,160 including GST. This amount comprises a $1,330 application cost and a $830 immigration charge.

    Staying up to Date

    INZ website is the most up-to-date source of information on the 2021 Resident Visa criteria and processes and interim visas.  Please click here to read the information.

    Your Support

    INZ is devoted to provide a great experience for their customers during the 2021 Resident Visa application process, and they have been working hard to achieve that goal. INZ thanks you for your efforts and ongoing support.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Changes to Immigration Instructions Regarding Afghan Nationals Holding Critical Purpose Visitor Visa

    The Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that Afghan nationals who were granted a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa under section 61A of the Immigration Act 2009 by the Associate Minister of Immigration between November 8, 2021 and March 15, 2022 are now eligible for Permanent Residency under the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Category.

    The above changes are effective on and after 17 February 2022.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Visa Processing for Overseas Partners of Temporary Migrant Workers from July 2022

    Kris Faafoi, Minister of Immigration, has reconfirmed that the overseas partners of temporary migrant workers who are currently in New Zealand will be allowed to enter the country in the fourth phase of the border reopening plan. This phase starts from July 2022.

    Recently, the Minister had stated that short term visitors from visa waiver countries will be able to entry New Zealand in the fourth phase to enable people to reunite & meet the partnership requirements. Also, partnership visa processing for partners of work visa holders would resume during this phase.

    Temporary migrant workers and Kiwis were frustrated that they were not allowed to bring their overseas partners to New Zealand while the Government gave priority to tourists & travellers from visa waiver countries before them. The Minster’s comments on this topic had created confusion as it was assumed that he was referring to the overseas based partners from visa waiver countries like India & other South Asian countries.

    Following this confusion, the Minister has reiterated that partnership visa processing for all temporary migrants who are currently in New Zealand will open in the fourth phase (July) irrespective of whether or not the partner is from a vis waiver country.

    The Minister has further added that visa processing for partners of students from non-visa waiver countries will open in the fifth phase i.e. October 2022

    In addition to the above, the Minister has also declared that temporary migrant workers earning 1.5 times the median wages under the ‘Other Critical Worker’ criteria, will be able to bring their overseas partners & dependents to New Zealand in the second phase starting from 13 March 2022. Also, those people with border exceptions or with the ability to get one would be allowed to enter New Zealand and self-isolate. This includes people eligible under the current family reunification border exceptions.

    However, it is unclear when partners of New Zealand citizens will be allowed to enter the country. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is reported to have stated that prioritizing the entry of foreigners is based on the requirements placed on them for visa processing.

    Source: Click here

    Changes to the 2021 Resident Visa Immigration Instructions

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that the immigration instructions have been modified for the 2021 Resident Visa.  The changes are effective from 21 February 2022 and are:

    • Allow those who have a current Expression of Interest in the Skilled Migrant Category Pool can start applying on 21 February 2022
    • Clarification on existing eligibility conditions for Critical Purpose Visa holders

    2021 Resident Visa –

    Some PHASE 2 Applicants Can Apply Early

    INZ has announced that, according to the chart below, the 2021 Resident Visa application category will open on 21 February 2022 for Phase 2 applicants who hold a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Expression of Interest (EOI) in the Pool that was submitted on or before 29 September 2021.

    EOI Submission Date  Date the applications open 
     Before or on 30 April 2020  Mon, 21 Feb 2022
     Between 1 May 2020 to 30 June 2020  Tue, 22 Feb 2022
     Between 1 July 20202 to 31 August 2020  Wed, 23 Feb 2022
     Between 1 September 2020 to 30 November 2020  Thu, 24 Feb 2022
     Between 1 December 2020 to 28 Feb 2021  Fri, 25 Feb 2022
     Between 1 March 2021 to 31 March 2021  Sat, 26 Feb 2022
     Between 1 April 2021 to 31 May 2021  Sun, 27 Feb 2022
     Between 1 June 2021 to 31 July 2021  Mon, 28 Feb 2022
     Between 1 August 2021 to 29 September 2021  Tue, 1 Mar 2022

    NOTE:

    • Applications sent prior to the matching opening date listed in the table above will be declined.
    • Applicants will be notified through email of the optimal time to submit their applications each day. Emails will be sent at different times throughout the day.

    Important Points to Remember:

    • It is important to note that there are changes made to the medical requirements for residence class visa applications. If an application is submitted using an online method that does not need a Medical Certificate or a Chest X-ray to be completed, an immigration officer may request one if it is necessary to ascertain that the applicant is in good health.
    • To be eligible for a 2021 Resident Visa, any applicant who held a visa or variation of conditions granted on or after September 29, 2021, for the purpose of completing a Competency Assessment Programme (CAP) and obtaining occupational registration as a Nurse in New Zealand must demonstrate that they have successfully passed their CAP and secured occupational registration.
    • Dependent children of work visa holders, who wish to undertake tertiary studies in New Zealand, now also include children of Critical Purpose Visitor Visa holders who were granted on the basis of holding an Essential Skills or Work to Residence

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Evidence of Funds Required by International Students to Study in New Zealand

    Many students want to go abroad for higher education, and New Zealand (NZ) has shot right to the top of the popularity list. NZ is known for its high-quality education with global pathways and outstanding work-life balance. In addition, it allows most students to work part-time while studying, thus offering them the opportunity to gain skills and prepare for the future.

    Different supporting documents are required depending on where you are applying from and your individual situation. Please remember that along with evidence of funds to support your study, you must also provide evidence to show you have enough money to cater for your living expenses while you study in NZ.

    What are the challenges of applying for a Student Visa?

    Getting a student visa is often strenuous as one must meet the complex immigration policies.  Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is very particular while assessing the documentary evidence submitted for obtaining a Student Visa. As per INZ, students must have sufficient funds for fees and living expenses in acceptable form for the entire study duration in NZ.

    Why is it essential to submit verifiable and credible funds?

    INZ ensures that the evidence of funds provided by the student is genuine, available, and accessible. Once they are 100% satisfied that the funds will be available to the student in NZ under the applicant’s name, the sponsor, or the financial guarantor, they will consider the applicant bona fide. If INZ cannot ascertain the source of funds, the application will likely be declined.

    Historically INZ has found Gold loans, funds held by the post office or cooperative societies, mutual funds, bonds, property sales and agricultural income challenging to verify and hence are not readily accepted by them as credible and genuine funds.

    Who is an INZ-accepted financial guarantor?

    A financial guarantor is acceptable by INZ only if they are an immediate family member and the relationship can be proved. This can include the applicant’s partner or spouse, a parent, sibling, grandparent or parent-in-law. The evidence to prove the relationship with the sponsor is very critical, hence only acceptable documents should be submitted.

    In which form are funds usually accepted by INZ?

    An applicant can provide a wide range of financial information, such as:

    1. Banking Information

    This can include past six months’ bank statements, bank deposit statements/certificates or fixed deposit certificates at least six months old. If the bank account has been recently opened or the statement shows large deposits, the applicant must explain the source and corroborating evidence, if possible.

    • Assets & Loans:

    An applicant can provide a loan sanction letter from an acceptable financial institute, stock transaction reports or sale of property agreements. For most countries, INZ does not accept funds sourced from property sales, gold loans or reappropriated funds unless the funds have been in the account for six months or more and the source can be verified.

    Remember that INZ only accepts loan sanction letters from nationalized or multi-national banks that are secured against fixed assets belonging to the applicant of the financial guarantor. Evidence of how the loan will be repaid also needs to be provided.

    • Provident Fund Accounts:

    Only public and employee provident fund accounts are acceptable by INZ. Along with this, the applicant has to provide documents confirming the employment, such as Income Tax Returns, Income Tax statements, Financial statements, salary statements or an employee reference letter from the employer.

    2. Information about income

    An applicant can provide a lot of evidence regarding this, such as tax returns showing income and savings patterns and evidence of income generated from assets. For instance, if you own property that has been rented out, you can provide proof of ownership and tax paid on the income.

    Besides this, applicants can also provide a letter from the employer confirming their position, duration of work and income. If self-employed, recent business tax returns with an income statement or recent business bank statement showing daily transactions can be provided.

    3. What is a Payment Plan, and how can it be used?

    For anyone planning on studying in NZ for more than 12 months, a payment plan with documentary evidence can be submitted that explains how you will fund your future years of study. The money to support your first year of study (or first course if it is less than one year) must be readily available. The payment plan

    You must support your payment plan with your income documents and saving spread over three years. As proof of your payment plan, you can submit Tax Returns. These must reflect your income patterns. You can submit various forms of acceptable savings details showing the yearly accumulation of funds. You can also include saving account statements which may include recent funds in them and provide the source of those funds. You may include any fixed deposit due to mature next year.

    Conclusion

    A visa decline can be disheartening. Hence one must ensure that the correct information/documents are provided with a student visa application to avoid disappointment. Evidence of funds must be in your or your financial guarantor’s name. Do not include evidence of funds that INZ cannot confirm as genuine.

    INZ accepts education loans as evidence of money, but only if they are from nationalised or multi-national banks with security against fixed assets that belong to you or your financial guarantor. You must provide evidence of how you will repay the loan and a loan sanction letter that states the security, moratorium period, interest payable, repayments, and details of the security offered for the loan.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Source: Click here

    Changes to Immigration Instructions Pertaining to Border Exceptions

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made some changes to Temporary Entry instructions effective 14 February 2022.

    The changes have been made to:

    • Show that the border exception for replacement cargo crew covers all commercial ships.
    • Add new border class exceptions for external auditors, specialist tech workers and wool handlers.
    • Expand the existing border exception for shearers.

    Applicants will have to meet certain INZ requirements to be eligible for the above-mentioned border exceptions.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Changes to Immigration Instructions for Migrant Workers in Healthcare and Supermarkets

    Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made changes to immigration instructions to provide more flexible working conditions for specific migrant workers working in healthcare and supermarkets.

    This is only applicable under the COVID-19 Framework, red and orange zone settings.

    Until 31st January 2023, for any student visa, work visa, or interim visa holder (who held an eligible student or work visa immediately before this visa) working under COVID-19 Protection Framework for red and orange zones, the following will not be defined as ‘Work’:

    • Any tasks associated with the supply chain of a supermarket and was an employee of that supermarket on the day before the region entered the red or orange zones.
    • Any task related to working as a COVID-19 vaccinator/tester, or working as a critical health worker for their employer until this date.

    These changes are effective from 3rd February 2022.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Changes to the Immigration Online System

    Immigration New Zealand has started delivering enhancements to its Immigration Online system. The paperless visa processing technology is being phased in to make applying for a visa easier and improve visa processing times.

    What is Immigration Online?

    Immigration Online is a system that allows people to apply online for certain types of visa categories like work, student, visitor, group visitor, partner of a New Zealander Resident and dependent child resident visas.

    Changes to the Immigration Online system

    On 31 January 2022, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has started making improvements to the Immigration Online system. This is being done to phase in paperless visa processing technology to make the application process easier and improve visa processing time.

    • Applying for a visa made faster & easier

    At the time of application, applicants will be informed about the evidence they need to submit. If medical certificates are needed, they will be requested after the application is lodged.  Visa sponsors & supporting partners can submit their declarations online. The system includes new tools that will help the applicant to provide correct & complete information. E.g. global address finder, photo quality checker. There are plans of introducing an eChip verification mobile app in the future. There will be fewer follow-ups which means a visa application will be processed more quickly.

    • Progress updates and email notifications

    The status of an application will be shown in real-time on the online dashboard. Applicants will receive email notifications if additional information is required. Applicants, whose original application was made through the immigration Online system, can apply for reconsideration or variation of conditions.

    • New Workflow approach for quicker processing

    Immigration New Zealand’s transition to the new system begins on 31 January 2022. Staff based in any location can process applications lodged online.  Processing starts the minute an application is lodged online. Since administrative tasks will be automated, a lot of time will be saved. Multiple staff can work on one application at the same time – they will not have to wait for tasks to be finished one after another by a person. This will enable quicker decisions on applications in the future.

    The three systems

    There will be 3 systems in operation until all visas are moved to the enhanced system. Depending on the type of visa one is applying for, the applicant will be guided to the right system:

    1. Existing Immigration Online System
    2. Enhanced Immigration Online System
    3. Paper application channels

    High volume users

    The enhanced system has features designed to support high volume users:

    1. Apply on behalf feature – Immigration advisers and those exempt from licensing can continue submitting applications on behalf of their clients.
    2. Sharing feature – Applicants can share their applications with trusted third parties and vice versa.
    3. Email notifications – These will be sent to the primary contact mentioned in the application
    4. Networks –Immigration professionals can create a ‘network’ so that others in the business can collaborate on applications

    In short, INZ has updated the Immigration Online system with enhancements to make it simpler and easier to use.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.

    Source: Link

    Reconnecting New Zealand: Borders to Reopen from 27th February

    The New Zealand government has announced its 5-step plan to re-open New Zealand borders, commencing 27 February 2022. The border will initially open to vaccinated New Zealand citizens and visa holders coming from Australia, then from the rest of the world, and finally to all other vaccinated visitors.

    Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other eligible travellers from Australia will be able to enter New Zealand without staying in MIQ from Sunday 27 February. Two weeks later, they can come from all other countries. Critical workers and skilled workers will be eligible to enter New Zealand from this date. The working holiday scheme will also resume.

    From 12 April, 5,000 international students and other eligible temporary visa holders will be allowed to enter. After that, the border opens to Australians and other travellers who do not require a visa to enter New Zealand. All other international visitors will be allowed to enter New Zealand from October.

    The Five phases are:

    Phase 1:

    When: From Sunday, 27th February 2022 from 11.59 pm

    • Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other currently eligible travellers from Australia will be able to travel to New Zealand and, instead of going into MIQ, will be able to self-isolate
    • Eligible travellers must have spent 14 days in Australia and meet the health requirements before travelling.

    Phase 2:

    When: From Sunday, 13th March 2022 from 11.59 pm

    Those who will be allowed to enter New Zealand are:

    • Fully vaccinated New Zealanders and other currently eligible travellers from around the world will be able to travel to New Zealand.
    • Critical purpose work visa holders and skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage
    • Highly skilled workers’ family members who may have been separated from their loved ones
    • Working Holiday Scheme will reopen in a phased manner.

    All travellers must meet health requirements before traveling.

    Phase 3:

    When: From Tuesday, 12th April 2022 from 11.59 pm

    Those who will be allowed to enter New Zealand are:

    • Large international student cohort of up to 5000 students for semester two
    • Temporary visa holders who are currently outside New Zealand and hold valid visas can enter New Zealand as long as they meet the visa requirements.

    Phase 4:

    When: From July 2022

    Those who will be allowed to enter New Zealand are:

    • Australian citizens, Australian permanent residents and other foreign nationals travelling from Australia
    • Visitors from visa waiver countries
    • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders

    The border exemption pathway for critical workers will be phased down at this time since the new AEWV category will eliminate the necessity for it. In addition, the new AEWV will be restricted to jobs that pay more than the national median wage.

    Phase 5:

    When:  From October 2022

    The normal visa processing resumes.  The border opens for all other New Zealand visa holders, including visitor and student visas, unless the visa is closed or paused.

    Key Points:

    1. Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) requirements

    Travellers entering New Zealand from all countries, excluding those from a quarantine-free travel zone, must undergo a 10-day stay in controlled isolation and quarantine (MIQ) beginning 23rd December 2021. Before boarding an aircraft, you must get a Managed Isolation Allocation system voucher verifying your spot in a managed isolation facility.

    1. Quarantine-free Travel

    Travelling between New Zealand and safe zones is easier with no quarantine. On arrival in New Zealand, visitors from safe zones will not be required to enter quarantine or controlled isolation.

    1. Vaccination and COVID-19 Test

    Most visitors to New Zealand must have a negative COVID-19 test result 48 hours prior to their scheduled departure. Before visiting New Zealand, most non-New Zealand nationals must be fully vaccinated.

    For more details, please see the link here.

    According to Immigration Minister, Kris Faafoi, the reopening of the border to a variety of visa holders is a vital component of New Zealand COVID recovery strategy.  This strategy is a huge step forward in tackling skills and labour shortages, and it will help to get back on our feet faster.

    To gain a better understanding of the above changes to the immigration instructions and to learn more about them kindly get in touch with us.

    Please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd. at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.  Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.

    Changes to Immigration Instructions Pertaining to Myanmar

    Immigration New Zealand has made some amendments to the immigration instructions effective 1 February 2022.  This has been done to impose further travel bans on people who were responsible for 2021 military coup and related human rights violations in Myanmar.

    This includes persons who wholly or in part meet the following criteria:

    • hold membership in the State Administrative Council and/or
    • were instrumental in the February 2021 military coup and/or
    • were or have been responsible for the violent suppression of peaceful anti-coup protestors and/or
    • were responsible for other human rights violations, including those against the Rohingya, prior to the coup.

    Get in touch with Immigration Advisors New Zealand Ltd, which provides up-to-date immigration information so you can consider opportunities and prepare yourself for the future. To know all the required procedures, contact us at contact@nzimmigration.info or call on +64 09 3790219.