2021 Interim visa
You can get an interim visa automatically if you apply for a 2021 Resident Visa and your temporary visa expires before a decision is made on your residence application.
What is the 2021 interim visa?
The 2021 interim visa is a 12-months temporary visa that will be granted to you automatically if you apply for residence under the new 2021 Resident visa category, and your temporary visa expires before your residence application can be processed.
What can I do on this interim visa?
The conditions of your interim visa will be the same as your current temporary visa if you are a worker. If you have a student visa, you will have open study rights, allowing you to study any course at any education provider in New Zealand.
How long will this interim visa be granted for?
The 2021 Interim Visa will be granted just 1 week before your current visa expires, and will be valid for 12 months unless your 2021 Resident Visa application is declined or withdrawn. In the latter case, this interim visa will expire 2 months from the decline/withdrawal date.
Is this a good thing?
It is a very good thing for the vast majority of temporary visa holders who apply under the new 2021 residence pathway. This will bring them peace of mind that they will remain lawfully in New Zealand while their residence application is processed, without having to pay for further temporary visa applications. However, you must consider the following:
- you cannot apply for any other visa while on interim. For instance, it will not allow you to apply for a new visa if you wish to change jobs.
- If your 2021 Resident Visa application is declined you will only be able to apply for further visas if you have applied for or hold a temporary visa (not an interim visa).
