Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa Changes

Changes are on the horizon for those applying for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. The government has recently agreed to updates regarding interim visas and interim variations of conditions.

Starting from 9 October 2023, when the new visa category opens, interim visas will undergo significant changes. Additionally, variation of conditions changes will become effective from 5 November 2023.

One big change involves allowing Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants to be on an interim visa while awaiting their application outcome. These interim visas will be valid for up to 24 months and will include multiple entry travel conditions. This means applicants can leave New Zealand and return using the same interim visa as long as it's still valid. However, it's important to note that applicants must be in New Zealand on the day their visa expires to be eligible for an interim visa.

These changes also extend to partners and dependents of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants. They too will benefit from the new interim visa rules.

Moreover, individuals holding interim visas waiting for their Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application outcome will have the ability to vary some of the conditions of their interim visa if their circumstances change. This flexibility is crucial since interim visas last for 24 months, and it's likely that applicants' situations may change during this time. Please note that eligibility for interim visa variations of conditions will be based on the specific conditions of the interim visa held and the applicant's situation.

It's important to keep in mind that not all individuals with the same interim visa conditions will have the same pathway for variation of conditions.

The cost associated with varying the conditions of a visa amounts to NZD$210.

Source: INZ website