Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has made new amendments to the assessment of Border Exception for the following:
These amendments to the immigration instructions are effective from 15th November, 2021.
The following are the summary of main changes to the immigration instructions:
The employer or the supporting agency/organisation is required to make an Expression of Interest (EOI) for an Approval in Principle (AIP) to INZ through a prescribed form available on their website and pay the relevant fees for the person and their family who intend to come to New Zealand as ‘other critical worker’. This person’s partner and dependent children can be included. in the AIP too. In addition to meeting health, character and bona fide requirements worker must have funds or sponsorship and onward travel arrangements too.
A marine crew who has a genuine reason to travel to New Zealand, their shipping agent or employer or the owner of the ship may request for AIP by way of an EOI which is emailed to INZ and pay the prescribed fees. The AIP must include evidence that the said crew meets the definition of ‘Marine Crew’
An ‘other critical worker’ is defined as someone who is required to come to New Zealand for up to 6 months and has technical/specialist skills and unique experience; or undertakes a time-critical role; or meets requirements of approved class worker (see list here)
A person who is determined as ‘other critical worker’ can be granted up to 12 months stay in New Zealand if they are in a work that is time-critical or the person has unique experience or technical/specialist skills and they earn twice the median salary (currently NZD $106,080 pa) among other important criteria.
A student who has an offer of place or enrolled in Doctoral Degree with a New Zealand University can be determined as ‘other critical worker’ if they have a role that is essential to complete a science programme which government funded and has support of MBIE Science, Innovation and International Branch. In addition must also have unique experience and technical/specialist skill set not readily available in New Zealand and are undertaking a time-critical role.
The said worker must be earning twice the median salary (currently NZD $106,080 pa) in addition to having unique, specialised or technical skill sets not readily available in New Zealand. Other criteria can be read here.
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.