MIQ gone! Border reopens

MIQ is now only for people arriving in NZ who are not vaccinated. The requirement to self-isolate after arriving in New Zealand is also gone (unless you test positive on arrival).

Who can arrive in New Zealand today?

• NZ citizens and residents.
• Australian citizens or Australian residents where NZ is their primary place of residence (i.e. NZ is their home).
• People issued with border exemptions or critical purpose visas.
• Partners, dependent children, or parent of a dependent child*

*We recommend anyone in this group secure visas before travelling to NZ to avoid drama at the border.

The timeline for the border reopening to others is:

From 14 March 2022

• Skilled Workers. A “skilled worker” is:

- When a job offer pays 1.5 times the median wage (i.e. NZD $84,240 a year OR NZD $40.50 an hour) and;

- The job is for longer than 6 months and at least 30 hours of work a week; and

- The applicant can prove they have experience/qualifications to do the job.

• Working Holiday Visa applications for some countries gradually will reopen. The list of lucky countries to be announced soon.

From 12 April 2022

• People onshore holding a valid Work or Student visa can leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.
• Up to 5,000 international students can start applying for border exemptions. Those studying at degree level or higher will normally get work rights.
• Expansion of the worker criteria for border exceptions.

From July 2022

• Australian citizens, Australian residents and any other citizens travelling to NZ direct from Australia.
• Visitors from visa waiver countries.
• People onshore holding a valid Visitor visa can leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.
• Applications for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are open. Once a AEWV is issued the visa holder can enter NZ.

From October 2022

• Applications for all remaining visa categories reopen.
• All or most border restrictions are lifted.

Note 1: When visa applications reopen (including visa-free travellers) it does not mean everyone will be approved. People still need to meet strict rules before a visa is granted. Take professional advice early on to avoid disappointment.

Note 2: These reopening dates may change (i.e. open earlier) as the government watches the impact of the Omicron wave on our health system.