New 2021 Resident Visa

On 30 September 2021, Immigration New Zealand announced the introduction of a new “one off” 2021 residency visa for skilled migrants who were in New Zealand on 29 September 2021.

This new pathway has been created to address the current backlog of visa applications awaiting processing and lack of residency options for skilled migrants.

The 2021 Resident Visa offers

• Certainty to New Zealand businesses and migrant workers, so they can plan for the future
• A simplified, more streamlined process
• Faster processing (within 12 months, with many applications expected to be processed faster)
• The ability to include your partner and children, whether they are offshore or in New Zealand

This pathway is only available for a limited time. Applications must be submitted by 31 July 2022.

Application Process
The 2021 Resident Visa will be rolled out in two phases, depending on your circumstances you will be eligible to apply from 1 December 2021, or 1 March 2022.

Eligibility Criteria

• You must have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021, and
• You must be on an eligible visa or have applied for an eligible visa before 29 September 2021 that is later granted, and
• You must meet one of the three criteria:

1. Have lived in New Zealand for over 3 years, or
2. You earn at least $27 per hour, or
3. You work in a role on a scarce list (Dentists, Dental Hygienists, Dental Therapists, Clinical Dental Therapists are included on this list).

Immigration New Zealand has advised that further information regarding fees and the application process will be available by the end of October 2021.

This document is intended as a guide only. If you are interested in an eligibility assessment for this visa, please contact Sarah Caulton at sarah@mcmillanco.nz to register your interest. McMillan & Co are lawyers, mediators and notary publics located in Dunedin, New Zealand, who specialise in Immigration Law and can be contacted on +64 3 477 2238.