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.
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 visa by five months.
Note that some visitor visa categories will not be extended. These categories include:
- the critical purpose visa holders,
- guardians of students,
- partners or dependants linked to a work visa holder whose visa was extended previously
A new visitor visa: COVID-19 Short-Term Visitor Visa
The Government is also introducing a new two-month COVID-19 short-term visitor visa to allow foreign nationals stuck in New Zealand more time to arrange travel back to their home country.
Who is eligible?
This visa is meant for people reaching the end of their current visitor, work, student or partnership visa who may not meet the criteria for another visa, and just need a little more time to arrange travel home.
What are the requirements and conditions?
You may apply for this new visa from mid-September. A fee applies.
You will not be allowed to work on this short-term visitor visa.
Applicants must show they:
- hold a valid passport
- are of good character
- have a genuine reason for remaining in New Zealand
Applicants do not need to show they have:
- enough money to support their stay in New Zealand
- existing onward travel arrangements
- good health
- met any time-limits for how long they are able to stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa.
More information soon!
