Idesi Legal Update – July 2021 – Residence Visa 2021 closing – Visitor Visa (general) reopening – INZ Fee Increase
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.
14 July 2022
At Idesi Legal we have fielded a lot of inquiries regarding the Residence Visa under the 2021 Special Category. Many hundreds of people have applied, in fact in much larger numbers than the government anticipated.
Residence Visa 2021 – Time is running out!
While more than 200,000 people have applied for Residence under 2021 category. There are many eligible people out there who have not taken up the offer. The applications close on 31 July 2022. It is not too late to get your application in but you must act now. Contact Idesi Legal Limited for more information.
Visitor Visa Applications – Doors are about to open!
From 31 July 2022 – applications for Visitor Visa under General Category can be submitted. In March 2020 this category of Visitor Visa was suspended but now if you have a general purpose including sightseeing, family events, visiting relatives and friends or participating in amateur sport -you may put in an application. General conditions need to be met including finances, passport, police and medical as well as evidence of purpose. To discuss this visa please contact Idesi Legal.
Fees going up!
As reported in the press today – INZ application fees are going up. Common application fees such as Work Visa under partnership from $635 to $860.
Residence applications such as under Skilled Migrant Category rise from $2,710 (onshore) to $4,290. A substantial increase in INZ fees for those who missed out on Residence under the 2021 special category.
If you have submitted or about to submit a visa application – make sure you double check you have the correct amount on your visa application forms. It could save you.
I missed out on Residence in 2021 – Can I still get Residence?
If you did not get Residence under the 2021 Category – there are pathways open for you but you will have a harder time than those who qualified before. Immigration New Zealand has announced a Green List of occupations which will allow you to obtain residence immediately or through a ‘Work to Residence’ Pathway over two years. Proof of employment, occupation and income levels will need to be presented.To discuss your options please contact Idesi Legal.
Then there is the Skilled Migrant Category which comes in two stages – the Expression of Interest (EOI) and Invitation to Apply (ITA). Applicants need to meet points criteria based on offer of employment, occupation, income level, academic achievement and location of work. Expressions of interest are now open and Immigration New Zealand is close to opening the Invitations to Apply. To discuss Skilled Migrant Category please contact Idesi Legal.
If any of the above raises questions – please contact Idesi Legal for further information.
