Changes have been made to immigration instructions to resume the processing of applications from residents and people who can be directly granted permanent residence. This includes visa applications from eligible residents who are applying for:

• variations on the travel conditions on their resident visa
• a permanent resident visa.

Also included are applicants who are eligible to apply for the grant of a permanent resident visa under the following instructions:

• Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions (who meet requirements set out in RW2.1)
• Christchurch Response (2019)
• Global impact visa.

These instructions are effective on and after 3 November 2020.

The current priority list is as below

RESIDENCE VISA APPLICATIONS

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and work to residence visa applications, priority will be given to applications with job offers where registration is required or applications have a higher hourly rate.
• Residence class visa applications under the COVID-19 Support Residence instructions
• Applications for variation of travel conditions for resident visas or further resident visas

• Applications for a permanent resident visa under the following instructions:

  • Residence instructions for holders of work visas granted under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions (who meet requirements set out in RW2.1);
  • Christchurch response (2019);
  • Global impact visa.

TEMPORARY VISA APPLICATOIN

• Visas applications and variation of condition requests for those invited to apply under the COVID-19 Support Restricted Temporary instructions;
• Visa applications for victims of domestic violence
• APEC visas
• Diplomatic visas
• Visas for partners of New Zealand residents and citizens
• Temporary visas for those who are currently in NZ.

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