Visas that Allow Your Loved Ones to Join You in NZ
The NZ border is currently shut to non-residents and citizens overseas. However, in some cases, partners and family members of NZ residents, citizens, or temporary visa holders may be exempt from travel restrictions.
Do you have family members stuck overseas? Here are the visa options that allow your loved ones to join you in NZ.
Visa Requirements for Dependent Children
The NZ Dependent Child Visa category helps ensure that dependent children and their parents do not stay separated, which is essential during these uncertain times we are living in. But what is considered a ‘dependent child’ to qualify for a visa?
Immigration NZ classifies a ‘dependent child’ as a person who is dependent on their parents for financial support, is not married, and has no children of their own. Overseas dependent children whose parents are in New Zealand may be exempt from border restrictions because they are viewed as having a critical purpose to travel.
There are different categories that dependent children can apply under to join their parents in New Zealand. If your child is applying for a temporary visa, they must be 19 years old or younger. To apply, they must first submit a request to travel and provide a legitimate reason for travel. These reasons may include:
- Being the dependent child of a temporary visa holder who is a registered teacher in NZ.
- Being the dependent child of a temporary visa holder who is a critical health worker in NZ.
- Being the dependent child of a highly skilled worker who is based in New Zealand.
- Being a dependent child who held a visa before the border closure.
If you want your child to join you in NZ as a resident, the visa requirements will be slightly different. For example, the dependent child must not be older than 24 and in some cases needs to prove financial dependence to a high degree. For more information about requirements and eligibilities for dependent child visas, get in touch with a licensed immigration adviser for New Zealand visa assistance.
Visa Requirements for Partners
Partners of NZ residents and citizens may also be exempt from border restrictions if they meet the requirements set by Immigration NZ. Before applying for a visa under the Partnership Category, it’s important to have a good understanding of what constitutes a partnership.
Immigration NZ defines a partnership as two people who are either legally married, in a civil union, or in a de facto relationship. The relationship must be proven to be “genuine” through documentary evidence such as marriage certificates, joint rental agreements, joint bank accounts etc. The couple must be living together in a relationship that is considered by an Immigration Officer to be genuine and stable. Visa applications under partnership are often difficult to navigate and will require the assistance of an experienced immigration adviser to make sure nothing goes wrong.
With the NZ Partnership Visa, partners of NZ residents or citizens may be able to gain residence in New Zealand. While many visas remain suspended due to Covid-19, this category remains open in an effort to keep partners and families together. To apply for a visa, the partner must first request permission to travel and state their reason for wanting to enter NZ. These reasons are similar to those of the dependent child visa—for example, you are the partner of a registered teacher in NZ, a critical health worker, a highly-skilled worker or a NZ citizen or resident. If you are already the holder of a valid Partnership Visa, you will be eligible to travel to NZ.
Need More Information? Get in Touch with Malcolm Pacific Immigration for Visa Assistance
Don’t know which visa is right for you or your family member? We know that NZ Immigration rules are complex and confusing. Here at Malcolm Pacific Immigration, it is our goal to make the process easier for you and your loved ones. Get in touch with our team today for reliable visa assistance and keep an eye on our news page for regular updates on NZ Immigration.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
Get started with a FREE consultation today
Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our employer team is on standby, ready to help.
More articles from the blog you might be interested in.
We stay on top of the most important updates to immigration law. Browse below or subscribe and get updates straight to your inbox.
Check out these important articles from our employer blog, or browse the entire collection here.
We stay on top of the most important updates to employment and immigration law. Browse below or subscribe and get updates straight to your inbox.
Latest Updates
Our team keep ahead of all the latest immigration developments and post updates regularly. Stay up to date by signing up to our newsletter and get these updates directly to your inbox.
Migrant Worker Residence
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for migrant workers who are living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave who are eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else they will miss out on this one off opportunity.
Skilled Migrants Opportunity
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else you miss the boat.
New Employer Accreditation Process
The government has moved the introduction of the new employer accreditation process across to mid-2022. At the same time, the Minister of Immigration announced new work visa rules for migrant workers who are already in New Zealand and working full time.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has increased the median wage to $27 per hour from 19 July. Any Skilled Migrant residence application lodged after this date will need to include a skilled job offer that pays at least $27 per hour. For some lower-skilled occupations, the minimum pay rate increases to $40.50 per hour.
Work Visa Rules
From 19 July 2021
- The median wage used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications increases from $25.50 per hour to $27 per hour.
- Applicants paid below the median wage may be granted a work visa for up to 24 months. The usual 6-month visa validity restriction is suspended until mid-2022.
- In certain cases, the labour market test is waived and in some cases, it will still apply.
Work Visa Rules
From 30 June 2021
- Employer Accreditation and Approval in Principle applications are now closed.
- No new Employer Accreditation applications (including renewals) will be accepted until the new process goes live in mid-2022.
Employer Accreditation Becomes Mandatory
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited. Those that are accredited will have to roll into the new system when it goes live in late September.
Work Visa Rules
From mid-2020 (delayed)
- Government to negotiate and introduce Industry Sector agreements setting minimum conditions for industries that heavily rely on overseas workers. Sectors include; residential care, meat processing, dairy, forestry, road freight transport, tourism, and hospitality. Construction, horticulture, and viticulture may also be included.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Skilled occupation "Dairy Cattle Farmer" spilt into three occupations. New occupations are: "Dairy Farm Manager", "Assistant Dairy Farm Manager" and "Dairy Herd Manager". Each sit at different skill levels, therefore, the award of points will depend on pay rates, job tasks and other requirements.
Work Visa Rules
From 15 February 2021
- Dairy Cattle Farmer job offers are now assessed by three new occupation descriptions: Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager. Pay rates and job tasks will determine how long a work visa is valid. Take advice.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool for six months (to be reviewed in April 2021). Invitations to Apply for Residence remain suspended. The last selection from the Skilled Migrant pool took place on 18/03/2020.
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2020
- Introduction of "Oversupply" and "Undersupply" occupation lists used to assess Essential Skills Work Visa applications when a job offer pays less than the median wage.
- Employers offering jobs to migrant workers where an occupation is on the "Oversupply" list will not get Skill Match reports issued by Work & Income. Solid evidence of genuine attempts to find a local to fill the job will be critical for approval.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government added four new occupations that are now regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. These are:
Aged or disabled carer, Bicycle mechanic, Driller and Nursing Support worker.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 July 2020
- Essential Skills work visa applications are now assessed based on the current median wage (NZD $25.50 or more per hour.).
- Job offers paying below the median wage require employers to pass the labour market test* and secure a Skills Match Reports from WINZ (work visas granted for a maximum of 6 months).
Skilled Migrant Changes
Anyone invited by Immigration NZ to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category where their invitation is dated between 1 November 2019 and 15 April 2020 (inclusive) has now been granted an additional six months to lodge their residence application.
Work Visa Rules
From 27 May 2020
- Regional Skill Shortage List goes live. 15 regions around New Zealand list occupations reflecting local skill shortages in each region. The labour market test is not mandatory provided the job offer matches the occupation and region plus the visa applicant has qualifications and/or work experience set out on the list.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool. This means Invitations to Apply for Residence are also suspended. Malcolm Pacific Immigration does not anticipate selections to resume until after the general election held on 17 October 2020.
Skilled Migrant Changes
Immigration NZ is now prioritising Skilled Migrant Residence applications where the main (principal) applicant meets the criteria:
- Has employment paying double the median wage which is currently NZD $51 per hour OR NZD $106,800 per annum; OR Has New Zealand occupational registration and is required to hold valid registration to lawfully carry out their job.
Work Visa Rules
From 24 February 2020
- Wage or salary thresholds increase for Essential Skills Work Visas applications lodged on or after 24/02/2020 (labour market tested; read more here).
- Higher Skilled employment increases to $38.25 or more per hour ($79,560 per annum*)
- Mid Skilled Employment increases to $21.68 or more per hour ($45,094 per annum*)
Work Visa Rules
From 7 October 2019
- Base salary to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa (WTR) supported by an accredited employer increases from $55,000 per annum to $79,560 per annum (or $38.25 per hour).
- Pay rates for WTR visas are now reviewed annually.
- Work visa applicants paid less than $79,560 per annum by accredited employers need to apply under other work visa categories.
Skilled Migrant Changes
The government recently added more occupations that are now to be regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. In order to qualify for points, the job must be paying at least the current median wage (or higher for certain occupations) at the time the residence application is lodged.
Work Visa Rules
From 1 November 2021
- Work to Residence Visa (Accredited Employer and Long Term Skill Shortage) applications close.
- Applications lodged on or before 31 October 2021 will be processed under current visa settings.
Mandatory Vaccination Required for Travel
From 1 November 2021 anyone who is not a NZ citizen must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt) before travelling to New Zealand. Fully vaccinated means your last dose of vaccine was given at least 14 days before travelling and it was an approved vaccine.
Employer Accreditation
Applications for employer accreditation closed at the end of June 2021. Applications lodged before the closure date are still being processed. New applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022. The process will be quite different to what employers have experienced in the past. Businesses will need to meet minimum standards.
2021 Resident Visa
Wednesday, 1 December is fast approaching and it is estimated that around 16,000 individuals and families can apply in the first wave for the 2021 Resident Visa opening next month. It is exciting for the thousands of people who have been waiting patiently to become residents that finally the finish line is in sight.
2021 Resident Visa
The first wave of applicants can apply from 1 December 2021. Around 16,000 applications are expected in this first wave. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. In total, the government expects approximately 110,000 applications that will include about 165,000 people.
2021 Resident Visa
The second group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 March 2022 are those who hold an eligible work visa and either meet "Settled", "Skilled" or "Scarce" as set out above. In total Immigration NZ estimate around 110,000 people will qualify to apply for this visa.
2021 Resident Visa
The first group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 December 2021 are those that on 29/09/2021:
- Had lodged a residence application under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) or Residence from Work category; OR Had lodged an SMC Expression of Interest (EOI) in the SMC pool that included at least one dependent child aged 17 or above.
2021 Resident Visa
Is this the only requirement to qualify for residence? No. In addition to the eligible work visa criteria workers also need to be regarded as one of the following:
- Settled.
- Skilled.
- Scarce.
2021 Resident Visa
People who were lawfully in NZ (or in Australia when the travel bubble closed between April and July 2021) on 29/09/2021 need to meet the visa eligibility criteria:
- Workers in NZ who held an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and on the day they apply for residence; OR Applied for an eligible work visa on or before 29/9/2021 and the work visa application is subsequently approved and still hold an eligible work visa on the day they apply for residence.
2021 Resident Visa
The government has introduced a limited pathway to residence for people who are already living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave of people eligible to apply. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa is 31 July 2022.
Critical Purpose Visitor Visas
A small number of critical health workers (taking up jobs for six months or longer) or specialist workers (taking up jobs that are for longer than six months) who were granted border exemptions may also have eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa. They will need to have arrived in NZ and lodge a 2021 Resident Visa application.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- July 4. Applications open for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa.
- July 31. Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa close.
- August. Skilled Migrant Residence category scheduled to reopen.
- August. A new pathway to residence for people earning 200% or more of the median wage.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Policy Decision Key Dates in 2022
- February 13. Fully vaccinated Kiwis plus certain other travellers entering NZ from the rest of the world* can skip MIQ.
- April 30. The border starts a phased reopen to fully vaccinated foreign nationals.
- April 30. The Productivity Commission reports back to the government on immigration settings.
- May 9. Applications open for mandatory Employer Accreditation.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
Work Visa Categories Closing
The work visa categories set to close are:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa – approval in principle
- Work to Residence (Talent – Accredited Employer)
- Work to Residence (Long Term Skills Shortage)
- Silver Fern Job Search Work Visa (closed October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa.
The Green List
In order to address labour shortages in New Zealand's crucial industries the NZ government has implemented a "Green List" of sought-after high-skill occupations. This list offers a prioritised pathway to residency.
There are qualification and/or occupational registration requirements to meet. Occupations are broken down into two tiers:
- Tier 1 - direct pathway to residence
- Tier 2 - requires a period of two years or longer before applying
The recent additions in May 2023 across many sectors can be found here