Immigration New Zealand Update
22 April’ 2020
Immigration New Zealand is preparing operationally to move into Alert Level 3 next week on Tuesday 28 April.
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Alert Level 3 impact on INZ
Staff will continue to work out of the head office in Wellington or remotely, focusing processing efforts on urgent COVID-19 related applications including applications from individuals who have a critical purpose for coming to New Zealand.
INZ is also prioritizing the processing of some visa categories for applicants who are already in New Zealand. These are:
temporary visa applications for Victims of Family Violence,
partnership category temporary visas (including reassessments),
full fee-paying student visas, and
post-study work visas.
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Essential services – short term variation of conditions request form online
From 16 April, employers or advisers who are acting on behalf of an employer can request a variation for a short period.
This is to help businesses continue essential services and allow temporary migrants and international students to further assist with our essential services during the COVID-19 response.
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Medical care for unlawful migrants
It is imperative that anyone who has symptoms of COVID-19 should contact Healthline for free on 0800 358 5453 or their doctor immediately. Immigration status will not impact people’s ability to receive health care. People unlawfully in New Zealand should seek medical advice if they are unwell. They can rest assured that their treatment will be in complete confidence and their information will not be passed on to other agencies.