Updates from Immigration NZ - 30 August 2021

Current processing of online visa categories
Staff who are home due to the current COVID-19 restrictions and are able to work are processing the following online visa products:    

• Border Exceptions 
• Essential Skills work visas 
• Work to Residence visas   
• Partnership visas (temporary and residence)    
• Post-study work visas   
• Student visas   
• Visitor visas   
• Section 61 requests 
  
  

New Essential Skills Work Visa application form online
On 19 July 2021, changes were made to Essential Skills visas to streamline application processing and increase visa duration for some workers who are staying with the same employer.
We encourage you to use the new online application form for Essential Skills Work Visas, available from 31 August 2021.
Reconsideration process for temporary entry visas
An interim reconsideration process of a temporary entry decision for onshore applicants has been set up during lockdown.
Please note applicants requesting reconsideration via the Immigration Contact Centre by your lawyers or immigration advisers must still do so within 14 days.  

Visa Processing during Lockdown.
If you submitted your paper visa applications, for information security and privacy reasons, paper applications cannot be removed from the office and cannot be processed at current alert levels.

Migrant Exploitation Visa
Employment New Zealand and Immigration New Zealand can help protect migrants from being exploited.  This process is now online. Check here.