IMMIGRATION NZ UPDATE 03 MARCH 2021
I have just received the following Adviser Update by email from Immigration NZ.
As follows:
Visitor Visas extended, additional visa available
Kia ora,
Thank you for your continued engagement with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
The Minister of Immigration is extending visas expiring before 31 March 2021 held by visitors in New Zealand, due to COVID-19. There is no fee for this automatic two-month extension.
Visitors help sustain our tourism and hospitality industries, and the Government recognises the need for ongoing flexibility as we respond to the pandemic.
The extension does not apply to visitors on the special Covid-19 Short-term Visitor Visa, introduced in September 2020.
INZ will shortly be contacting the holders of visitor visas who have been given this extension to confirm their new visa expiry date.
Visa extensions and visa conditions | Immigration New Zealand
Time in New Zealand restriction waived
The rule requiring Visitor Visa holders to be out of New Zealand for 9 months in an 18-month period is waived temporarily, for applications lodged up until 30 June 2021. If all other requirements for a visitor visa are met, applicants will be eligible for a visitor visa of up to six months.
Other requirements include applicants still have enough funds to support themselves, as well as health and character requirements. Visitor visa holders must lodge an application for any further visas before the end of their current visa.
Visitor Visa information and fees | Immigration New Zealand
Employer-assisted workers
In December 2020, visas held by employer-assisted workers, as well as their partners and dependants who held visitor visas, were extended by 6 months from the date of expiry. This includes:
Essential Skills Work Visas
Work to Residence visas
Special and Skilled work visas for China, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines and Vietnam
Special Category Work Visas for Japanese Interpreters and Thai Chefs
Employer-specific work visas granted under section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009
Silver Fern Practical Experience Visas
Religious Worker Work Visa
To be eligible the workers had to be in New Zealand on 1 January 2021 and hold a visa expiring between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2021 (inclusive).
INZ will soon be contacting partners and dependent visitor visa holders who have been extended through this December special direction with confirmation of their new expiry date.
COVID-19 Short-term Visitor Visa
COVID-19 Short-term Visitor Visas are not extended.
This two-month Visitor Visa allows more time for the holders to arrange onward travel.
COVID-19 Short-term Visitor Visa
Visa Verification Service
The majority of visitor visa holders are now able to confirm their visa expiry dates through INZ’s visa verification service. However, partners and dependents will be able to check their expiry dates soon.
Ngā mihi,
Immigration New Zealand
Visa Verification Service | Immigration New Zealand
Need more information?
If you need more information from Immigration NZ their contact details are below
Contact Centre (Toll-free from NZ landlines only) 0508 558 855
Auckland: 09 914 4100 (try pressing different options to get through to an operator. People eventually do)
The call centre is open 6am -10pm 6 days a week
Email: [email protected]
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