Policy Shifts from Immigration New Zealand continues to be the new normal. 

Here is an overview of some recent updates:

The 2021 Resident Visa:

Phase 2 officially opened on 1st March, which is expected to include upwards of 150,000+ migrants. Please scroll down for additional information regarding Phase 2.

At the NZ border: From this point forward, self-isolation will no longer be required for fully vaccinated returnees who return a negative RAT test on arrival.

600 tech border exceptions are now available, which allows employers to bring eligible talent to NZ under the Other Critical Worker (OCW) category.

Step 1 of NZ’s border reopening officially began 28th February, NZers and other eligible travellers in Australia are now able to enter NZ.

Step 2 has now been split into two parts:

In part 1, which began on Friday 4th March at 11:59 pm, NZers and other eligible travellers from the rest of the world can re-enter NZ.

In part 2, which is from Sunday 13th March at 11:59 pm, working holiday visa schemes will reopen on a rolling basis, and there will be changes to Other Critical Worker border exception requirements.

Three-Step Process for Hiring & Supporting Migrant Workers

Applications open for the new mandatory employer accreditation and the job check on 9th May 2022.

3rd July 2022 will be the last day to submit an application for an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV).

The new three-step process and the Accredited Employer Work Visa will both come into effect on 4th July 2022.

All of this Immigration policy change taking place at once will lead to confusion.

Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions that you may have. 

- Steve