Idesi Update March 2021 – Residence Visa 2021 – 2nd Wave, Special Ukraine Visa, Borders Reopening
At IDESI LEGAL we provide help for migrants and refugees coming to New Zealand. If you’re a NZ migrant and need help with the immigration process, get in touch.
16 March 2022
Over the last few months things have been rapidly changing both in the New Zealand Immigration Space and the world at large. The Coronavirus pandemic continues and a new wave of Omicron infections has spread throughout the world and that now includes New Zealand. In the wider world Russia’s launched an invasion of Ukraine and there has been a wave of refugees over into Poland, Slovakia and other countries.
Residence Visa 2021 – 2nd Wave of Applications
On 01 March 2022 the second wave of Residence Visas under the 2021 special category opened. Having learned from the first round of applications – processing of applications will only start on 31 March 2022. Only then prioritised by date of visa expiry (eg. someone whose work visa expires on 31 October 2022 will be processed before someone who has a work visa expiring 31 December 2022) – instead of in order of receipt.
Users of the online system will notice the change in the formatting of the website and online forms.
By way of reminder – the last day to submit an application for Residence under 2021 Category is 31 July 2022. If you haven’t got around to doing your application – do it now and contact Idesi Legal for assistance. Don’t leave it until the last minute.
Ukraine Visa
On 15 March 2022 it was announced that a special humanitarian visa was being issued to allow Ukrainians with links to New Zealand (through family) to shelter in New Zealand for up to two years.
In the words of the PrimeMinister: ‘It is a two year visa that will allow applicants to work, and their children to attend school here. It’s estimated around 4000 Ukrainians could be supported by this visa, making this our largest humanitarian visa policy.’
Idesi Legal has already fielded inquiries regarding it and there are specific requirements for those sponsoring their Ukranian relatives. If you think you or your family qualify for this visa, please contact Idesi Legal for assistance.
Borders Reopening
On 16 March 2022 – the New Zealand government announced that the borders will reopen in stages for the following classes of people.
- Vaccinated Australian Tourists will be able to come into New Zealand from 11:59pm on 12 April 2022.
- Vaccinated tourists from Visa Waiver countries will be able to come to New Zealand from 11:59pm on 01 May 2022.
- Other valid visa holders will also be able to travel to New Zealand from 11:59pm on 01 May 2022.
So far there has been no announcement of when Immigration New Zealand will allow the processing of visa applications from elsewhere. The long wait for those wanting to visit New Zealand from outside Visa Waiver countries is not known as yet.
If any of the above raises questions – please contact Idesi Legal for further information.
