Idesi Update – Residence Visa 2021 (March) processing begins and Frequently Asked Questions
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.
31 March 2022
March has been a busy month with the second and much larger wave of Residence Visa Applications under the 2021 Special Category being accepted. From today onwards these Residence Visa applications will be processed.
Processing of Applications – What can you expect?
As mentioned from today, 31 March 2022 – applications for the second round of Residence Visa under 2021 category will be processed.
Applications will be 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.
If your application is complete you can expect a smooth process of your application and the issuing of a Residence Visa. However if there is issues, missing documents, other problems – you may expect an email from your INZ case officer requesting more information.
In more serious matters where there is a health or character issues – a Potentially Prejudicial Information Letter may be issued. If you receive one please contact Idesi Legal Limited for assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are the borders opened yet?
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.
Visas (Visitor, Work and Residence) based on Partnership have been open for some time.
2. Is there any news on Residence Visa under Skilled Migrant Category?
This is a complicated question.
Existing applicants for Residence under Skilled Migrant Category (and Residence from Work) are still being processed. But their priority of processing is behind the Residence Visa under 2021 Category. This has led to perverse situations such as Uber drivers getting priority over Medical Doctors.
Fortunately most who submitted Expression of Interests in the period between March 2020 and September 2021 were availed of an early opportunity to apply in the March group.
Expressions of Interest for Skilled Migrant Category never closed. However INZ has not selected Expressions of Interest from the queue since March 2020 and there has been no indication of when or whether it will resume. Idesi Legal awaits announcements around the future of the program or whatever Residence program comes about after Residence Visa 2021 is sorted.
In the Press: Including your Partner in Residence Visa 2022
Another common question that has come about is the inclusion of partners in Residence Visa applications. Radio New Zealand provided us with a sensational story regarding the inclusion of partners in a Residence Visa. In this story it is alleged that Residence Visa applicants are being offered money to include partners on their applications.
While we cannot comment on the content of the article. It needs to be stated – Immigration New Zealand can make inquiries into your partnership and can request your bank statements. No amount of money is worth risking your Residence in New Zealand.
If any of the above raises questions – please contact Idesi Legal for further information.
