The amended instructions issued vide this amendment circular allows entry permission to be given to those resident visa holders who were granted their visa while outside New Zealand and are arriving in New Zealand for the first time while holding that visa. However, the changes have been related to those entry permission instructions in place when they applied for a residence visa.
These amendments will allow entry into New Zealand by Immigration NZ to those visa holders who applied for their resident visas before NZ Immigration put COVID-19 border restrictions.
Changes also mention that entry into New Zealand will be allowed to people granted a 2021 Resident Visa while they are outside of New Zealand.
The amendment circular mentions clearly that entry permission includes the holder of a resident visa granted while outside of New Zealand who:
The entry permission covers those who applied for a resident visa on or after 1st December 2021 and were granted a resident visa outside of New Zealand under the 2021 Resident Visa Category.
However, a person subject may still be granted entry permission by an immigration officer, or by the Minister of Immigration, as an exception to instructions under s 108(9) or s109(7) of the Immigration Act 2009.
It is understandable that with so many policy changes and the exceptions to the same, you may have questions or concerns.
If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the above information, please do not hesitate to contact Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at [email protected] or call on +64 09 3790219. Our experienced team of Licensed Immigration Advisers will be happy to guide you.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.