VISA APPLICATION PROCESSES FOR VICTIMS OF THE CHRISTCHURCH MASS SHOOTINGS AND THEIR FAMILIES

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has priority processing for the families of the people killed or injured in the mass shooting at the Masjid Al Noor and Linwood mosques in Christchurch. INZ recognises this is a difficult time, and will process visa applications with urgency.

How to apply for a visa
If a visa is required, please follow these steps to apply for a visitor visa:
1. Apply for a visitor visa online.
2. Submit the application and make a note of the reference number.
3. Send INZ an email ([email protected]) so that we can prioritise the application.
include:
a. the reference number in the subject line
b. the name, date of birth and passport number of the person who has applied for a visa
c. the date the online application was made, and
d. name and date of birth of the family member in New Zealand.

Affected people may also wish to contact INZ’s contact centre on a dedicated number:
 Phone: 0508 22 52 88 - Within New Zealand
 Phone: +64 9 952 1679 - Outside New Zealand
Note: These phone numbers are intended solely for the use of victims, their family members and those
supporting them at this distressing time.

Getting help in person
Information about getting help in person is also available online. INZ staff in Christchurch are working closely with New Zealand Police Victim Support who are leading support to victims and their families.
Staff are available to meet with victims and their family members to provide guidance on the visa application process and answer questions about immigration status.

To arrange a time to meet an immigration officer victims or family members should email [email protected].  This email address is intended solely for the use of victims, their family members and those supporting them at this distressing time.

Some people do not need a visitor visa
Individuals who are citizens of visa-waiver countries do not need a visa to come to New Zealand to visit their family.

Consular related matters
If family members require any consular-related information, such as they do not have a passport to travel or they do not have funds to purchase tickets, please advise them to contact the Embassy/High
Commission/Consulate with responsibility for New Zealand. If they do not know how to contact their diplomatic representative for New Zealand, they should contact their local Foreign Ministry who can assist with this information.

Media Personnel
1. Apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa online.
2. Submit the application and make a note of the reference number.
3. Send us an email so that we can prioritise the application. Include:
a. the reference number in the subject line
b. the name and date of birth of the person who has applied for a visa, and
c. the date the online application was made.

Diplomats and government officials
Diplomats and government officials should contact the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), who will facilitate the priority processing of these visas.

Visa applications for victims of the mass shootings and their families who are based
in Christchurch 
INZ understands that some migrants who hold temporary work visas to work in Christchurch may wish to relocate elsewhere in New Zealand. Here are the options currently available:

Varying the conditions of a work visa
Some work visas restrict work to a particular occupation, employer or location. If a work visa has one of these restrictions an individual can sometimes change the conditions of their existing visa instead of applying for a new visa.

If a work visa allows someone to work in any job, for any employer and in any location, they don’t need to apply for a variation of conditions.

Essential Skills Work Visa holders
If an individual holds an Essential Skills work visa and their job is not on the skills shortage lists, the only
condition they can vary is their employer. However, they can apply for a new work visa to change their
job or location or to change employment to a lower skill-band. Before a new application is made, they
must ensure they have been offered a full-time job and have the necessary qualifications and experience
to work in that job.

Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Visa holders
If an individual holds a Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa they can apply to vary the conditions if
the base salary offered is not less than the base salary that was required at the time their initial work
visa application was made. Their new employer must meet the requirements for compliant employers.

If an individual wants to vary the conditions on their work visa and they are eligible to do so, they must
provide the following:
 Offer of employment or employment agreement
 'Application for a Variation of Conditions or a Variation of Travel Conditions' (INZ 1020)
 Application fee
 Employer Supplementary form (INZ 1113), if the client is applying to work for a different employer – the new employer must complete the form. This is not required if the employer is an accredited employer who is supporting the application to vary conditions of a Talent (Accredited Employers) work visa.

Post Study (Employer-Assisted) Work Visa holder
If an individual holds a Post Study (Employer-Assisted) Work Visa, they can apply to have their job,
location and employer removed from their label conditions. They may then work for any employer. To
do this, they must provide the following:
 Completed form INZ 1243
 Application fee
 Passport
 Application for a Variation of Conditions for holders of an employer-assisted post-study work visa (INZ 1243)

Post Study (Open) Work Visa holder
If an individual holds a Post Study (Open) Work Visa they can work for any employer. No Variation of
Conditions is required to change their job, location and employer.

Further visa arrangements
We know members of the Muslim community have been asking about residence options for those affected by the shootings. The New Zealand Government is currently considering options and will make any announcements in due course. In the meantime Immigration New Zealand will work with people to help them understand their visa options.

Non-visa related advice and support available in New Zealand
The MFAT website outlines the advice and support services available in New Zealand following the events in Christchurch. https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/about-us/christchurch-terror-attacks-help-and-support/