New residency visa category: Migration Associates

Thousands of migrants now have a pathway to New Zealand residency.

Immigration New Zealand has just announced a new category, starting December 1, offering a one-off opportunity for many migrants who are currently living and working in New Zealand to apply for a residency visa.

The new 2021 Residency Visa Category recognises the contribution migrants have made to New Zealand during Covid-19 and the uncertainty they and the businesses they work for have faced with closed borders and necessary changes to immigration settings.

Migration Associates (NZ) Ltd managing director Borey Chum says this means that certain migrants will now be able to apply for their residency visas on a streamlined fast-track process.

A licensed immigration advisor, director of the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment, and a qualified barrister and solicitor, Mr Chum says the visas will be available to most work-related visa holders. These include Essential Skills, Work to Residence, and Post Study Work visas, plus their immediate family members.

“We can help with that, assist you to determine whether you and your family are eligible and plan your pathway to residency in New Zealand,” he adds. The streamlined application process will require health, police and security criteria to be met. Plans are to have the majority of applications granted within a year of the category opening.

“Our team of Licensed Advisors in Christchurch is able to determine your eligibility for the 2021 Residency Visa free of charge. Please visit our website to complete our free no obligation visa eligibility form.”

Eligibility for the 2021 Residency Visa

Criteria

• Have been in New Zealand on September 29 this year
• Be on an eligible visa or have applied for an eligible visa before September 29
• Have lived in New Zealand for three or more years; or earn at or above the median wage ($27 per hour); or work in a role on the ‘scarce list’.

Visa eligibility
All applicants must already hold a Post Study Work Visa, Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, Essential Skills Work Visa, Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa, Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa and in some cases, a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa.

Applications open
Phase One opens December 1 for people who have submitted a Skilled Migrant Category or Residence from Work application, plus those with dependent children 17 years or older who currently have an SMC Expression of Interest submitted.

Phase Two opens on March 1 next year for all other eligible applicants, including any others in the SMC Expression of Interest pool, can apply.

455 Papanui Road
Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Phone 03 355 1495
email borey.chum@migrationassociates.co.nz
www.migrationassociates.com