IMMIGRATION UPDATE - One-off Resident Visa
On 30 September 2021, the Government announced a new one-off residence visa for some temporary work visa holders currently living in New Zealand. To be eligible applicants must meet the following requirements on 29 September 2021:
· Have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021, and either
o be on an eligible visa or
o have applied for an eligible visa on or before 29 September 2021 that is later granted
Applicants must also meet one of the three criteria:
- Have lived in New Zealand for three or more years or
- Earn at or above the median wage of $27per hour or
- Work in a role that is on the Long-Term Skills Shortage List
The eligible visas include numerous categories, but categories relevant to hospitality include:
- Post Study Work Visa
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Work Visa
- Victims of Family Violence Work
- Visa South Island Contribution Work Visa
- Work Visa granted under Section 61 (special grant by INZ for people who would otherwise not be legally in NZ)
This one-off residence visa is not eligible for short-term visa holders such as:
- Visitors
- Students
- Working holiday visa holders
- Seasonal workers on the Recognized Seasonal Employer Scheme
- Short term critical workers
An overseas police certificate may not be required unless specifically requested. Limited medical certificate and chest x-ray may be required for some applicants. Immigration New Zealand may also request further information as part of the application process.
Applicants can apply from 1 December 2021 if:
- They already applied for residence under Skilled Migrant and Residence from Work categories prior to 29 September 2021 or
- They have submitted Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest on 29 September 2021
From 1 March 2022, all other eligible applicants can apply including applications who have submitted Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest. All applications must be made by 31 July 2022. Applications can be submitted online. Partners and dependents can be included as part of these residence applications.