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Ukraine Resident Visa NZ Closing March 2026: What You Need to Know Before Applying

13/1/2026

If you or someone you know holds a Special Ukraine Visa and wishes to remain in New Zealand permanently, time is running out. Immigration New Zealand has announced that the Ukraine Resident Visa category will close to new applications on 16 March 2026. After this date, no further applications will be accepted under the current policy settings.

At Immigration Trust, we are an independent, licensed immigration advisory firm offering this information as a public service to the Ukrainian community. We are not Immigration New Zealand, but we have helped many clients secure their residence successfully.

Who Can Apply for the Ukraine Resident Visa?
To qualify for this pathway to residence, applicants must:

Be the principal applicant who arrived in New Zealand on a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa on or before 15 March 2024
Meet standard character and identity requirements
Submit a Limited Medical Certificate and chest X-ray certificate

Good news: There is no English language test required for this application.
You can also include your partner and dependent children in the same application.

Staying in New Zealand Lawfully While You Wait
If you currently hold a Special Ukraine Visa and intend to apply for residence, you can also apply for another Special Ukraine Visa while your residence application is being processed. This ensures you can remain lawfully in New Zealand while waiting for a decision.

Why You Should Apply Before the Deadline
The deadline of 16 March 2026 is final. Applications submitted after this date cannot be accepted.
We strongly encourage eligible individuals to apply as soon as possible to avoid last-minute issues or delays. Processing times may vary, and documentation requirements must be met in full.
Learn more about our Visa Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I still apply for a Ukraine Resident Visa after March 2026?
A: No. Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept new Ukraine Resident Visa applications after 16 March 2026 under current policy settings.

Q: Can I stay in NZ while waiting for my Ukraine Resident Visa?
A: Yes. You can apply for another Special Ukraine Visa to remain lawfully in New Zealand during processing.

Q: Do I need to pass an English test for this visa?
A: No. English language testing is not required for the Ukraine Resident Visa.

Q: Can I include my family in my application?
A: Yes. You may include your partner and dependent children in your application.

If you or a loved one is eligible for the Ukraine Resident Visa, don’t delay. Immigration Trust has helped many migrants transition to residence with confidence and care. We offer tailored, strategic advice to help you meet all the requirements before the window closes.

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Updates from INZ - Enhanced Immigration Online System Issues

19/12/2025

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Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has released a further update regarding ongoing issues affecting its enhanced Immigration Online system. We are sharing this information as a public service to assist applicants, employers, and families who may be impacted.

INZ has acknowledged that the recent system upgrade has caused disruption for some users, particularly when viewing, uploading, or processing documents. While most document upload issues have now been resolved, a small number of users are still experiencing difficulties.

INZ has confirmed that its technical teams continue working to fully resolve the remaining issues as quickly as possible.

Applications affected by this issue
INZ has advised that applicants may experience problems viewing letters or documents in the following online applications or forms:

Phase 2, 2021 Resident Visas
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) accreditations
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) job checks
Accredited Employer Work Visas
Permanent Resident Visa
Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
Variation of travel conditions on a resident visa
Transit Visa
International Student Visa
Most visitor visas

Current guidance for affected applicants

If you started an application before 7 December 2025 and are experiencing submission issues, INZ recommends trying the following steps:

Remove the photo (face image), re-upload it, and attempt to submit the application again.
If the issue continues, remove all supporting documents, re-upload them, and try submitting again.
If the problem still persists, contact the Immigration New Zealand Customer Service Centre so your case can be escalated and further assistance provided.

INZ has also confirmed that applicants will not be disadvantaged while these technical issues are being addressed, and that additional time will be provided where necessary to respond to correspondence or visa-related requests.

We are not Immigration New Zealand, but as a licensed New Zealand immigration firm, we understand how disruptive system issues can be—particularly where visa expiry dates or time-sensitive applications are involved. If you are unsure how these issues may affect your application, seeking tailored guidance can help ensure your matter remains compliant and properly managed.

For the official INZ update, refer to Immigration New Zealand’s website.

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Updates from INZ - 15 December 2025

15/12/2025

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This update is shared for public information only. Immigration Trust is a licensed immigration advisory firm and is not Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Immigration New Zealand has advised that a recent system upgrade has caused issues for some online visa applications, meaning applicants may be unable to view letters or documents in their Immigration Online accounts.

Who May Be Affected
The issue may impact document visibility for:

AEWV accreditation, job checks, and visas
Resident and Permanent Resident Visas
Second or Subsequent Resident Visas
Visitor, Student, and Transit Visas
Variations of travel conditions

What Applicants Should Do
If you cannot access your documents online:

Contact Immigration New Zealand directly
INZ can email your documents or advise how to respond while the issue is being resolved

Important Reminder
This issue affects document viewing only and does not automatically mean your application is delayed.

Immigration Trust is not INZ and does not control or manage INZ systems. This notice is provided as a public service to help applicants stay informed.

Source: INZ website

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INZ Hub:INZ Updates​ & ​Visa FAQs

Ukraine Resident Visa NZ Closing March 2026: What You Need to Know Before Applying

Updates from INZ - Enhanced Immigration Online System Issues

Updates from INZ - 15 December 2025

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INZ Updates & Visa FAQs