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.

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.