Fees
The Government fees for the 2021 Resident Visa will be $2,160 including GST.
If you have already submitted a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest or Residence from Work application you will only have to pay the difference between the Government fees that you have already paid and the cost for the 2021 Resident Visa, provided you WITHDRAW your previous application or EOI.
Don’t rush this decision as you need to know closely as possible that your new application will meet requirements – never assume!
Criteria requirements under the settled, skilled or scarce streams
- (‘settled’ criteria) have lived in New Zealand for the past three or more years
The time spent in New Zealand does not need to be consecutive. There is no minimum amount within a calendar year. You will not need to provide evidence of your ‘settled’ eligibility unless asked by an immigration officer. INZ will use border movement records to decide if you meet this criteria.
- (‘skilled’ criteria) earn at or above the median wage ($27 per hour)
Your job must be in genuine full-time work for an average of at least 30 hours per week. Applying under the skilled criteria you will need to provide:
- an employment agreement or a letter from your employer confirming the pay and hours, AND
- a full bank statement or an Inland Revenue summary of income or payslips.
There is some flexibility if your pay or hours are temporarily reduced due to the business being affected by COVID-19 related restrictions.
- (‘scarce’ criteria) work in a role on a scarce list.
To be eligible under this criteria, on 29 September 2021 you must work in a job on the scarce list. Applying under the ‘scarce’ criteria you need to be in genuine full time work for an average of at least 30 hours per week.
Dependent children aged 25 years and over
If you are a dependent child and were included in a skilled residence application or Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest as at 29 September 2021 but are now aged 25 years or older you will be eligible for a 2021 Resident Visa, if your parent is approved a 2021 Resident Visa and you meet the health and character requirements. A dependent child aged 25 must apply for a 2021 Resident Visa in your own right, but no extra fees will be charged.
Partnership requirements
Partners do not have to be in New Zealand to be included in an application. Partners will need to be able to show they have lived together in a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months. INZ recognises the COVID-19 pandemic and current border restrictions have meant some partners have been separated for genuine reasons. In these cases, INZ will take a pragmatic approach and consider the relationship history and how the relationship has been maintained during that time.
Health
If you have provided a medical certificate within the last 36 months and were assessed as having an acceptable standard of health, you will not need to provide a further medical certificate. INZ will have this information available.
If your health has changed, or you were previously assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health, you must provide a new limited medical certificate.
Character
INZ will undertake New Zealand Police checks for all 2021 Resident Visa applicants aged 17 years or older, regardless of how long they have been in New Zealand. An overseas police certificate may be requested if more information is required.
If you would like a free assessment if you will meet the new 2021 Resident Visa requirements then please provide your details below:
