Immigration

New Zealand borders to reopen from February 2022 in 5 stages

Reconnecting New Zealand to the World (again) The Government has announced a new, five-step approach to reopen New Zealand borders to the world. Key to this process is the removal of Managed Isolation and Quarantine for most travellers. MIQ will be replaced with self-isolation and tests on-arrival. Note that mandatory MIQ will remain for unvaccinated travellers. This new plan prioritises the reopening of certain key visa categories in a short timeframe in order to address worker shortages. New Zealand’s unemployment …

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New border exception to support New Zealand Tech Sector

The NZ Government announces new border exceptions for up to 600 tech workers as well as external auditors and primary industry employees More information (Beehive) Newshub Specialist tech workers wanted A range of specialist tech workers will be able to request a border exception from early 2022, as part of a Government initiative to support the IT sector, one of the top three export industries in New Zealand, and growing. Eligible occupations include software and application programmers, ICT managers, ICT …

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Christmas Closing Dates 2021-2022

Merry Christmas and a happy New Year! New Zealand Shores offices will be closed from Friday 24th December and will reopen on Monday 10th January 2022.   Only urgent emails and visa approvals will be addressed over the break. Immigration New Zealand branches will generally close from 25 December and reopen on 5 January We wish you all a safe holiday!

Domestic tertiary student eligibility change for dependent children of migrants applying for 2021 Resident Visa

Domestic student eligibility in tertiary institutions Along with the one-off resident visa and the one-off 12 months interim visa, the Government has announced a one-off tertiary student visa that may enable certain non-resident dependent children to study at tertiary level as domestic students (no international student fees) from 1st January 2022, and for the 2022 and 2023 academic years. INZ website What is a domestic student? Traditionally, a domestic student is a New Zealand resident or citizens, and pays 1/2 …

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INZ to Resume processing offshore residence applications

Offshore residence applications reopened Residence applications received by Immigration New Zealand from offshore applicants received before, and after March 2020, had so far been kept on hold. Across all categories, this represents over 5,000 residence applications which processing was on hold due to border restrictions. A recent court case has ruled that there was no legal ground to halt processing of these applications. INZ website First time resident visa holders to be allowed in NZ In line with these decisions, …

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Staged reopening of New Zealand borders

Note: updated 19 January 2022 Reconnecting New Zealand to the World The Government has announced several dates to map out the reopening of New Zealand borders to international travellers. With restrictions dramatically eased for New Zealand citizens initially, the first quarter of 2022 will see these steps progressively extended to all travellers from April 2022. The announcement also comes with a substantial easing of quarantine requirements, allowing a reduced period of isolation at  home rather than in managed facilities. Official …

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Very High Risk Countries classification to be removed

Since April 2021, only New Zealand citizens and their immediate family member could travel to New Zealand from Brazil, India, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea. More information (Beehive) Travellers from Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and Brazil The Government has announced that the Very High-Risk classification for Indonesia, Fiji, India, Pakistan and Brazil will be removed early December 2021. Since April 2021, only New citizens and their family could travel to New Zealand from one of these countries. Travellers from these …

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Pathway for migrant farm workers

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) have announced a new one-off residency visa, which allows thousands of farm workers to apply for residence, a vital step in securing their long-term future in NZ. The new 2021 residency visa helps up to 165,000 migrants currently in NZ, many of whom may not have otherwise qualified for residence.   “This new residence visa is great news, not only for farm workers but also farm owners. Keeping our current skilled staff is vital. Prior to …

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New Border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students

More international students allowed in New Zealand A further border class exception for 1,000 international tertiary students has been approved by the New Zealand Government. This is very exciting news and a positive indication of the steps New Zealand is taking towards allowing students and workers into the country. This new exemption will allow certain categories of international students to commence their studies in New Zealand, namely: 400 pilot trainees 300 students at degree level and above, and 300 students …

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MIQ spots for Healthcare workers

A change in process The New Zealand government has announced that it is changing the way that it manages MIQ (Managed Isolation and Quarantine) for Healthcare workers by guaranteeing 300 spots per month for the health and disability sector. Building and maintaining a world-class health workforce is vital in rebuilding the healthcare system and adding capability to deal with the Covid19 Pandemic. The specifically allocated rooms will allow for migrants and New Zealanders brining their skills home to easily obtain …

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New Zealand Shores