IMPACT – MEDIUM

The New Zealand government has announced that it will allow certain foreign nationals to submit 2021 Residence Visas (2021RVs) beginning Feb. 21.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Feb. 21, foreign nationals who submitted Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Expression of Interest (EOI) applications on or before Sept. 29, 2021, can submit 2021RV applications before March 1, 2022, using a staggered early opening system.
  • New Zealand Immigration (INZ) will allow 1,500 EOI applicants per day to apply early for a 2021RV. Eligible applicants will receive an email from INZ on the day that they are able to apply for a 2021RV based on the day that their EOI application was submitted.
  • Individuals who are applying for a 2021RV must submit medical certificates with their application unless their previous certificate is still valid.

Additional Information: More information regarding 2021RVs is available here, and an overview of 2021RV processing is available here.

BAL Analysis: New Zealand authorities are intending to process 2021RV applications faster than normal and hopes to limit the number of applicants at any given time to not overload the system. Eligible foreign nationals should submit their 2021RV applications in a timely manner to avoid possible delays.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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