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Immigration News

International Update On New Zealand Border Reopening

By 17 February 2022April 8th, 2024No Comments

International Update On New Zealand Border Reopening

The Government released on 3rd of February 2022 the process it will undertake for re-opening our New Zealand borders so that New Zealand does in fact re-engage with the rest of the World.

However, whilst these dates have been provided, there is no certainty with the spread of Omicron around New Zealand, so what will actually be put into practice we are yet to see – we will advise further.

Our advice is do not go making travel bookings until we have firmer knowledge.

Current Government Border Re-Opening Plan

STEP 1
From 11.59 pm, Sunday 27 February 2022
  • Reopen to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers under current border settings (eg people with border exceptions) from Australia
STEP 2
From 11:59 pm, Sunday 13 March 2022
  • Reopen to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers under current border settings from the rest of the world
  • Open to skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage
  • Open to Working Holiday Scheme visas
STEP 3
From 11:59 pm, Tuesday 12 April 2022
  • Open to current offshore temporary work and student visa holders, who can still meet the relevant visa requirements,
  • Open to up to 5000 international students for semester two
  • Further class exceptions for critical workforces that do not meet the 1.5 times the median wage test will be considered
STEP 4
By July 2022
  • Open to anyone from Australia
  • Open for visa-waiver travel
  • The Accredited Employer Work Visa will open, meaning the skilled and health worker border exception can be phased out
STEP 5
October 2022
  • Border fully reopens to visitors from anywhere in the world, and all visa categories fully reopen