The Government has announced a new one-off residence visa pathway, the 2021 Resident Visa, for some temporary work visa holders currently in New Zealand.  

Some people arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 on long-term critical purpose visas may also be eligible for this new visa. Partners and dependants can be included as part of these residence applications. 

The 2021 Resident Visa provides a residence pathway for up to 165,000 migrants, including more than 5000 health and aged care workers, about 9000 primary industry workers, and more than 800 teachers. 

The 2021 Resident Visa will be available to most holders of work-related visas – including Essential Skills, Work to Residence, and Post Study Work visas – and their immediate family members.

Detailed eligibility criteria, including an eligibility checker tool, are available on the Immigration New Zealand website: 

New 2021 Resident Visa | Immigration New Zealand

The 2021 Resident Visa will be open for applications in two phases.  

From 1 December 2021 you can apply if:  

• you have already applied for residence under the Skilled Migrant and Residence from Work categories before 29 September 2021, or 
• you have submitted a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest (EOI), and have included your dependent child in the EOI aged 17 years or older on 29 September 2021. 

Those who are eligible to apply from 1 December 2021 will receive an email from us by the end of October with further information. 

From 1 March 2022 all other eligible applicants can apply, including those who have submitted a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest. 

More information about fees and the application process will be available by the end of October 2021. 

All applications must be made by 31 July 2022.