September 2021 Immigration Updates

INZ visa processing update

From this week, some staff will be in most of Immigration New Zealand’s offices receiving and processing priority temporary visa application categories. INZ will redirect mail to offices outside the Auckland region to ensure applications can be lodged. There will be delays in the receipting and lodgement of paper applications as these applications are processed by other offices.   

Individuals in exceptional circumstances awaiting a decision on a paper-based temporary visa application are encouraged to contact us to discuss a viable solution for them.

Clients who have submitted both a paper and online application will be eligible for a fee refund on one of these applications. Immigration New Zealand will work with them and their immigration advisers once the application is assessed.

Variation of Conditions can now be done online

Work visa holders can apply online for a variation of conditions. 

A new application can be submitted online now for VOC paper applications sent before the Alert Level 4 nationwide lockdown that has not been acknowledged with an email, and those sent after. They will be returned when staff become available. No fees will be charged for those paper applications. 

Requests will be processed in the order received, with priority given to paper VOCs submitted prior to lockdown.

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Changes have been made to the family reunification requirements for onshore teachers who would like offshore family to join them in New Zealand

The onshore temporary visa holder supporting the visas of their partner and/or dependent children must be registered with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand, as well as being employed as a full-time teacher in either Early Childhood Education or at a primary or secondary school.

Effective from 13 August 2021.

Travel conditions extended for New Zealand resident visa holders overseas

Those who hold a resident visa with travel conditions set to expire between 25 August 2021 and 10 September 2022 and were outside New Zealand on 22 August 2021 will have their travel conditions extended to 11 September 2022. 

INZ will contact by email by 10 Sep 2021.  Current border restrictions apply. 

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INZ has withdrawn visa processing from their Beijing office on 31 August 2021

Alongside closures at Mumbai, Manila and Pretoria offices in March this year, this is a continuation of INZ’s adaptation to the impact of COVID-19. INZ is taking this opportunity to reduce costs, introduce advanced technology to improve efficiency, manage offshore risk more effectively and move visa processing activities onshore. Their Risk and Verification team in Beijing will remain and grow as visa volumes rebound.

Are immigration rules causing you too much stress? Reach out to us today for a complimentary chat to learn how we can look after you and your family's immigration process.