Changes to Immigration Instructions for Australians

Immigration New Zealand has made some changes to the temporary and residence immigration instructions to simplify the process Australian citizens and permanent residents undertake to travel to New Zealand with the border restrictions still in place. This change has come into force from 30 July 2021.

The changes mean that Australians can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) if they want to travel to New Zealand. If the EOI is approved and they are given an Invitation to Apply (ITA), they can apply for a resident visa on arrival at the New Zealand border. This new process will replace the need for Australians from requiring a critical purpose visa during border restrictions since they too were not exempt from it.

A new border exception has also been introduced that will allow certain Australians who want to return to Australia but have limited options for travel, to travel through New Zealand but they will have to complete Managed Isolation & Quarantine (MIQ).

An instrument of delegation has been amended to remove the ability of immigration officers to grant resident visas to Australian partners of New Zealanders under section 61A of the Immigration Act 2009. These individuals will instead be considered for a resident visa under the new residence instructions.

For more information related to the above information please contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd by sending an email at contact@nzimmigration.info or call us on +64 09 3790219.