How to Apply for the 2021 Resident Visa
Preparing a residence application can be a daunting experience, especially if you’ve never done it before.
In this post, we’ll set out what our research tells us are the keys to a successful 2021 Resident Visa application.
What is the 2021 Resident Visa?
Last year, in 2021, the New Zealand government announced a one-off residence pathway covering over 165,000 migrant workers in New Zealand with simplified rules meant to make processing easier for Immigration NZ.
Step 1: Know the rules and self-assess
✔ You must have held an eligible visa on 29 September 2021.
Eligible visas include:
Essential Skills Work Visa
Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
Post Study Work Visa
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Work Visa
Religious Worker Work Visa
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa
Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa
Trafficking Victim Work Visa
Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
Victims of Family Violence Work Visa
South Island Contribution Work Visa
Work Visa granted under Section 61 (provided you held another eligible visa within 6 months before being granted a Section 61 visa)
Some Critical Purpose Visas (see below)
If your work visa was granted under Section 61, you need to be clear about the visa you held before you were granted a Section 61 visa.
If you hold a Critical Purpose Visa, you need to make sure that it was granted (1) on the basis of your job as a critical health worker or other critical worker and (2) for a long-term role (more than 6 months).
✔ You must hold an eligible visa or have applied for one already at the time you submit your application.
✔ You must meet one of these criteria –
Settled: You’ve been in New Zealand for most of the past three years.
Skilled: You’re paid at or above $27 per hour.
Scarce: Your job appears on one of the scarce lists.
✔ Acceptable health and good character are standard requirements across all New Zealand visa categories.
Read these blog posts if you have a health or character issue and need somewhere to start:
Step 2: Double-check your eligibility with Immigration NZ’s online tool
We think Immigration NZ’s online tool for checking your 2021 Resident Visa eligibility is the best tool for the job. It’s quick and easy to use. Try it out, if you haven’t already.
Step 3: Work out what you need to prepare for your application
You’ll be submitting your 2021 Resident Visa application online and the documents you need to upload for your application will depend on your situation.
For example, identity documents such visa photos, passports, and birth certificates will be needed from all applicants while other documents such employment agreements and job descriptions will only be needed if you’re ‘skilled’ or ‘scarce.’
Lucky for you we made checklists and a handy little quiz to make sure you prepare the right supporting documents for your application.
Step 4: Apply at the right time
2021 Resident Visa Phase 1 applications opened on 1 December 2021. This included people who had already made an application for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category or a Residence from Work category or who had a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest in the Pool which included a dependent child aged 17 years or older.
Phase 2 applications open on 1 March 2022 and is for all other eligible people not included in Phase 1. Be aware that early applications will be declined and you will not get your application fee back, so do avoid making this simple mistake.
The deadline for applications is 31 July 2022. Immigration NZ has been clear that all applications must be submitted by this time, no exceptions.
If you’re unsure about anything, ask an expert
Let us connect you instantly to an expert who can help and let you know exactly what you need to do.
