COVID UPDATES Archives - New Zealand Shores https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/category/covid/ We help people move to New Zealand Mon, 30 Jan 2023 22:38:42 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://www.newzealandshores.com/wp-content/uploads/android-chrome-512x512-1-150x150.png COVID UPDATES Archives - New Zealand Shores https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/category/covid/ 32 32 Partners of Critical workers get work rights https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/cpvv-partners-work-rights/ Wed, 25 Jan 2023 22:24:44 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=19533 CPVV partners can now work. The Government has decided to grant work rights to partners of critical workers. Who is eligible The new visa conditions will apply if: you hold a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa and; your are the partner of a critical worker and' you are included in their 2021 Resident visa application and; you have not applied for a subsequent work visa Validity The work rights will be valid for the duration on the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa. ...

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CPVV partners can now work.

The Government has decided to grant work rights to partners of critical workers.

Who is eligible

The new visa conditions will apply if:

  • you hold a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa and;
  • your are the partner of a critical worker and'
  • you are included in their 2021 Resident visa application and;
  • you have not applied for a subsequent work visa

Validity

The work rights will be valid for the duration on the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa. If you are then granted an RV21 interim visa, the rights would remain.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> 2023 New Zealand has no COVID restrictions https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/covid-update-202301/ Tue, 24 Jan 2023 03:05:13 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=19482 Business as usual As at January 2023, there are no restrictions on travelling to New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. New Zealand Traveller Declaration There is no longer a need to complete a Traveller Declaration. COVID vaccine/test It is no longer a requirement to hold evidence of COVID vaccination or COVID testing. Airlines may have separate requirements. Masks Masks are no longer require in public and must only be worn in medical facilities throughout New Zealand. Airlines may have ...

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Business as usual

As at January 2023, there are no restrictions on travelling to New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Zealand Traveller Declaration

There is no longer a need to complete a Traveller Declaration.

COVID vaccine/test

It is no longer a requirement to hold evidence of COVID vaccination or COVID testing.

Airlines may have separate requirements.

Masks

Masks are no longer require in public and must only be worn in medical facilities throughout New Zealand.

Airlines may have their own requirements.

Visas

Normal visa requirements apply.

See visas

 

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New visa extensions for onshore work visa holders https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/work-visa-extensions/ Wed, 11 May 2022 04:08:38 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=19066 New round of visa extensions Current visa holders who were in New Zealand on 9 May and whose visa expires between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (dates inclusive) may be been granted a new open work visa or a 6-months extension on their work to residence visa. These will be automated and visa holders will be notified from 25 May 2022. Questions? Contact us! Who qualifies? Open work visas for... On 9 May 2022, open work visas are granted ...

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New round of visa extensions

Current visa holders who were in New Zealand on 9 May and whose visa expires between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (dates inclusive) may be been granted a new open work visa or a 6-months extension on their work to residence visa.

These will be automated and visa holders will be notified from 25 May 2022.

Questions? Contact us!

Who qualifies?

Open work visas for...

On 9 May 2022, open work visas are granted to onshore holders of the following work visas expiring between 9 May and 31 December 2022 (inclusive):

  • Essential Skills Work Visa
  • Post Study Work Visa
  • Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

These new open work visas are valid from 9 May 2022 until two years from the date of expiry of the previous visa. They have open work rights, which means they allow the holder to work for any employer anywhere in New Zealand, and they also allow the holder to leave and re-enter New Zealand.

New visas have also been granted to partners and dependent children of these work visa holders and will also be valid for 2 years with the same conditions as the previous visas.

Work to residence visa extensions

From 9 May 2022, the following visa holders:

  • Talent (Accredited Employers)
  • Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports)
  • Long Term Skill Shortage List
  • Skilled Migrant Job Search
  • South Island Contribution

will be granted a six months extension on their visas. Their family with them in New Zealand will also benefit from 6-months extensions.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New Zealand Borders fully reopen 1st August 2022 https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/borders-fully-reopen/ Wed, 11 May 2022 03:26:37 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=19057 Reopening dates brought forward After initially announcing a full reopening of New Zealand borders in October, the Government has decided to bring the date forward and lift all restrictions at our borders after 31 July 2022. This means all visa categories will reopen by then, including visitors and students, and the New Zealand border will be fully reopened by 1 August 2022. On 4 July 2022 - applications for work visas open, including the Accredited Employer work visa On 1 ...

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Reopening dates brought forward

After initially announcing a full reopening of New Zealand borders in October, the Government has decided to bring the date forward and lift all restrictions at our borders after 31 July 2022. This means all visa categories will reopen by then, including visitors and students, and the New Zealand border will be fully reopened by 1 August 2022.

On 4 July 2022 - applications for work visas open, including the Accredited Employer work visa

On 1 August 2022 - applications for visitor visa and student visas reopen

This is fantastic news for prospective migrants who have been patiently waiting to make the most of the countless career opportunities currently available in New Zealand. With 3.2% unemployment rate, there is a shortage of skilled talents across a wide range of industries.

More on NZ Herald

Questions? Contact us!

New residence prospects

Fast-track Residence for "Green list" jobs

A new, fast tracked "Straight to residence" pathway will be available for people who come to New Zealand on a work visa from 4 July 2022 and apply for residence from September 2022. This residence application can also be applied for from offshore, from September. Eligible migrants include those who work or have a job offer in New Zealand in an occupation on the "Green List".

As an additional benefit, employers won't need to provide proof of advertising for these occupations when applying for a job check in anticipation for a work visa application.

These occupations include:

  • Construction Project Manager
  • Project Builder
  • Quantity Surveyor
  • Surveyor
  • Chemical Engineer
  • Civil Engineering Technician
  • Civil Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Electronics Engineer
  • Electrical Engineering Technician
  • Electronic Engineering Technician
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Geotechnical Engineer
  • Industrial Engineer
  • Materials Engineer
  • Mechanical Engineer
  • Production or Plant Engineer
  • Structural Engineer
  • Engineering Professionals (Not Elsewhere Classified)
  • Telecommunications Engineer
  • Telecommunications Network Engineers
  • General Practitioner
  • Anaesthetist
  • Psychiatrist
  • Specialist Physicians Not Elsewhere Classified
  • Surgeons (Including General Surgeons Cardiothoracic Surgeon Neurosurgeon Orthopaedic Surgeon Otorhinolaryngologist Urologist And Vascular Surgeon)
  • Other Medical Practitioners (Including Dermatologist Obstetrician And Gynaecologist Ophthalmologist Diagnostic And Interventional Radiologist And Radiation Oncologist)
  • Resident Medical Officer
  • Medical Laboratory Scientist
  • Clinical Psychologists & Psychologists Physicist (Medical)
  • Orthoptist
  • Veterinarian
  • Other Spatial Scientist Environmental Research Scientist Food Technologist
  • ICT Managers ($120,000)
  • Software Engineer ($120,000)
  • ICT Security Specialist ($120,000)
  • Multimedia Specialists ($95,000)

Work to residence pathway

Eligible migrants in the following occupations will be able to apply for residence after two years working in New Zealand under:

  • Anaesthetic Technician
  • Medical Laboratory Technician
  • Medical Imaging Technologist
  • Medical Radiation Therapist
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Sonographer
  • Podiatrist
  • Audiologist
  • All Registered Nurses (including but not limited to Aged Care)
  • Midwife
  • Teachers - Secondary with specialisations and registered ECE
  • Automotive Electrician
    Diesel Motor Mechanic (including Heavy Vehicle Inspector)
  • Electrician (General) - registered
  • Plumber - registered
  • Dairy Farm Managers

Any person paid at least twice the median wage will also be able to apply for residence after 2 years.

How about everyone else?

People whose role does not feature on these lists may still be eligible to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New Zealand Borders reopen to over 60 visa waiver countries https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/borders-reopen-to-visa-waivers/ Tue, 03 May 2022 04:20:50 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=19031 Emotional reunions After allowing highly skilled workers and Working Holiday visa makers a few weeks ago, this week marks another major step towards a complete reopening of New Zealand, as the borders reopen to visitors from 60 visa waiver countries. The countries permitted that are known as 'visa waiver countries' include most of Europe and the Americas, as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East. Monday 2nd May saw Auckland and Christchurch airports welcome the reunion of many ...

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Emotional reunions

After allowing highly skilled workers and Working Holiday visa makers a few weeks ago, this week marks another major step towards a complete reopening of New Zealand, as the borders reopen to visitors from 60 visa waiver countries. The countries permitted that are known as 'visa waiver countries' include most of Europe and the Americas, as well as parts of Asia and the Middle East. Monday 2nd May saw Auckland and Christchurch airports welcome the reunion of many families who had not been able to see each other for over 2 years.

More on Stuff

Questions? Contact us!

From 2 May 2022, NZ borders reopen to visitors from 60 visa waiver countries

People who hold a valid visitor visa, perhaps granted before the pandemic, and which has not expired, may also now travel to New Zealand.

A boost to the New Zealand economy

The sudden, large influx of visitors and tourists is expected to rapidly boost the New Zealand economy as tourism picks up. This will generate further employment opportunities for prospective migrants who intend to move to New Zealand long term, as the tourism and hospitality sectors are finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.

NZ HeraldEmployment tipped at a record low

This new milestone is part of step 3 of the Government's plan to Reconnect New Zealand with the world. The next step is 4 July, when a new Accredited Employer Work visa will allow skilled migrant to secure work rights on the basis of a job offer at median wage.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New visa for Ukrainian families https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/nz-visa-for-ukrainians/ Tue, 15 Mar 2022 22:07:28 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=18930 A new temporary visa for family of Ukrainians in New Zealand The New Zealand government has released a new temporary visa to help Ukrainians in New Zealand bring their family still in Ukraine to New Zealand. Applications for the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa are open for 12 months from 15 March 2022. Questions? Contact us! Who is eligible for a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa? To be eligible, you must have family members in New Zealand who are eligible to sponsor ...

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A new temporary visa for family of Ukrainians in New Zealand

The New Zealand government has released a new temporary visa to help Ukrainians in New Zealand bring their family still in Ukraine to New Zealand.

Applications for the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa are open for 12 months from 15 March 2022.

Questions? Contact us!

Who is eligible for a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa?

To be eligible, you must have family members in New Zealand who are eligible to sponsor you.

You must be physically in Ukraine as at January 2022, and meet the usual and health and character requirements.

Who can be a sponsor?

Eligible family members in New Zealand can sponsor their:

  • parents
  • grandparents
  • siblings
  • adult children

Each of these applicants can include their partners and dependent children in their visa application.

To be eligible to sponsor, you must:

  • be ordinarily resident in New Zealand
  • be a New Zealand citizen or the holder of a current residence class visa
  • have been born in Ukraine, or have held citizenship or be a permanent resident of Ukraine, and
  • be an acceptable sponsor for a temporary visa.

Sponsors will be responsible for your accommodation and living expenses while in New Zealand.

How to apply

An eligible sponsor (a Ukrainian in New Zealand who is a citizen or resident) can nominate a relative and their family. A successful nomination will lead to an invitation to apply for a visa. If the visa application is successful, the family member will have 9 months to travel to NZ and can remain in New Zealand for 2 years.

What is the process?

If you are a Ukrainian New Zealander you can sponsor family members in Ukraine to apply for the new temporary visa. You first need to complete an expression of interest (EOI) and nominate them.

If you are in Ukraine, once your New Zealand family member has nominated you, you can apply for the visa. If you cannot apply yourself your New Zealand family member can apply on your behalf.

If you are successful

If you are invited to apply and your application is successful, you and your wider family will be offered a 2-year visa. Adults will have the right to work in New Zealand and children aged 18 may study as domestic (fee-free) students.

How we can help

The team at New Zealand Shores can help secure the nomination and visas for your family.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New Zealand Borders reopen to skilled workers https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/borders-reopen-to-skilled-workers/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:52:58 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=18920 Easing of restrictions for skilled workers In line with step 2 of the Government's staged approach to reopening NZ borders, skilled workers offshore may now seek a border exemption and Critical Purpose visa, subject to a job offer in New Zealand. Questions? Contact us! New workers You will be deemed critical worker and qualify for a border exemption and Critical Purpose Visa if you are offered at least  1.5 times the median wage (NZD $84,240 a year or NZD $40.50 ...

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Easing of restrictions for skilled workers

In line with step 2 of the Government's staged approach to reopening NZ borders, skilled workers offshore may now seek a border exemption and Critical Purpose visa, subject to a job offer in New Zealand.

Questions? Contact us!

New workers

You will be deemed critical worker and qualify for a border exemption and Critical Purpose Visa if you are offered at least  1.5 times the median wage (NZD $84,240 a year or NZD $40.50 an hour) for a role longer than 6 months

The requirement to demonstrate that your skills are not readily obtainable in New Zealand has also been removed.

These workers may enter NZ with their partners and dependent children to take up employment.

Family reunification

In line with the criteria above, if you are currently working in New Zealand, earning at least 1.5 times the median wage, and your family has been unable to join you from offshore due to border restrictions, they may now seek a Critical Purpose Visa to travel to New Zealand.

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> Working Holiday visas reopen https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/working-holiday-visas-reopen/ Mon, 14 Mar 2022 01:11:24 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=18911 Reopening of Working Holiday visa categories As part of the 5-step approach to reopening NZ borders, the Government is reopening uncapped Working Holiday schemes from 14 March 2022. On 14 March 2022, the following working holiday schemes will open to applicants from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA, Japan. All others will open on a rolling basis with all schemes to be reopened by 13 September 2022. Immigration New Zealand is also ...

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Reopening of Working Holiday visa categories

As part of the 5-step approach to reopening NZ borders, the Government is reopening uncapped Working Holiday schemes from 14 March 2022. On 14 March 2022, the following working holiday schemes will open to applicants from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, United Kingdom, USA, Japan. All others will open on a rolling basis with all schemes to be reopened by 13 September 2022.

Immigration New Zealand is also reactivating certain Working Holiday visas granted prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

INZ website

Previously-granted Working Holiday visas

People granted Working Holiday Visa from offshore have been unable to enter New Zealand due to border restrictions. As part of the staged reopening of New Zealand borders, the Government is granting new Working Holiday Visas to about 19,500 people who:

  • were granted a Working Holiday Visa on or after 20 March 2019, and
  • are offshore and have been unable to enter New Zealand, and
  • have not subsequently been granted a new visa under a different category.

If you hold a valid Working Holiday Visa and are offshore, its dates have been extended to allow you to enter New Zealand.

Those who wish to travel to New Zealand on their newly granted or extended Working Holiday Visas can enter until 13 September 2022. Visas are valid for 12 months from the date of first entry.

 

Questions? Contact us!

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]]> New Zealand borders to reopen from February 2022 in 5 stages https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/reopening-new-zealand-border-2022/ Thu, 03 Feb 2022 21:32:48 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=18874 Reconnecting New Zealand to the World (again) The Government has announced a new, five-step approach to reopen New Zealand borders to the world. Key to this process is the removal of Managed Isolation and Quarantine for most travellers. MIQ will be replaced with self-isolation and tests on-arrival. Note that mandatory MIQ will remain for unvaccinated travellers. This new plan prioritises the reopening of certain key visa categories in a short timeframe in order to address worker shortages. New Zealand's unemployment ...

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Reconnecting New Zealand to the World (again)

The Government has announced a new, five-step approach to reopen New Zealand borders to the world. Key to this process is the removal of Managed Isolation and Quarantine for most travellers. MIQ will be replaced with self-isolation and tests on-arrival. Note that mandatory MIQ will remain for unvaccinated travellers.

This new plan prioritises the reopening of certain key visa categories in a short timeframe in order to address worker shortages. New Zealand's unemployment rate early 2022 is just over 3%.

Official announcement
YouTube

A new, five-stage approach to reopening New Zealand Borders

Updated 11 May 2022

STEP TIMING TRAVELLERS
STEP 1 From 11.59pm, Sunday 27 February 2022
  • NZ borders will reopen to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers (including Critical Purpose visa holders) under current border settings (e.g. people with border exceptions) from Australia
STEP 2 From 11:59 pm, Sunday 13th March 2022 
  • Reopen to New Zealanders and other eligible travellers under current border settings from the rest of the world (from Friday 4th March)
  • Open to skilled workers earning at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZ$40.50 per hour or NZD$84,240 annual salary)
  • Open to Working Holiday Scheme visas
STEP 3 From 11:59 pm, Tuesday 12 April 2022
  • Open to Australian citizens and permanent residents arriving from anywhere in the world
  • Open to current offshore temporary visa holders, who can still meet the relevant visa requirements,
  • Open to up to 5000 international students for semester two
  • Further class exceptions for critical workforces that do not meet the 1.5 times the median wage test will be considered

From 11.59 pm, Sunday 1 May

  • Open to visa-waiver travellers
  • Open to existing holders of visitor visas (including guardian visas).

From 16 May

  • Open to visitors from Pacific islands, including Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.
STEP 4 From 4 July 2022
  • The Accredited Employer Work Visa will open, meaning the skilled and health worker border exception can be phased out
STEP 5 From 31 July 2022
  • Border fully reopens to visitors and students from anywhere in the world
  • All visa categories fully reopen

CONTACT US

ELIGIBILITY ASSESSMENT

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]]> New border exception to support New Zealand Tech Sector https://www.newzealandshores.com/news/border-exception-tech-sector/ Tue, 14 Dec 2021 00:36:20 +0000 https://www.newzealandshores.com/?p=18818 The NZ Government announces new border exceptions for up to 600 tech workers as well as external auditors and primary industry employees More information (Beehive) Newshub Specialist tech workers wanted A range of specialist tech workers will be able to request a border exception from early 2022, as part of a Government initiative to support the IT sector, one of the top three export industries in New Zealand, and growing. Eligible occupations include software and application programmers, ICT managers, ICT ...

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The NZ Government announces new border exceptions for up to 600 tech workers as well as external auditors and primary industry employees

More information (Beehive)
Newshub

Specialist tech workers wanted

A range of specialist tech workers will be able to request a border exception from early 2022, as part of a Government initiative to support the IT sector, one of the top three export industries in New Zealand, and growing. Eligible occupations include software and application programmers, ICT managers, ICT security specialists, multimedia specialists, cyber security, interactive media, and more.

Specifically, the class exception includes four categories of workers:

  • Software and Application Programmers
  • ICT Managers
  • ICT Security Specialist
  • Multimedia Specialists

Depending on the occupation, applicants will need to meet a certain annual salary threshold, namely at least $120,000 a year for software and application programmers, ICT managers and ICT security specialists, and at least $95,000 a year for multimedia specialists.

The lack of tech skillset in New Zealand has been putting a lot of pressure on New Zealand tech firms and this announcement is seen as a clear acknowledgement of an immediate need for overseas talent. It also bodes well for long term opportunities for prospective migrants who are specialists in this fast-growing industry.

Quota for External Auditors

180 external auditors (and their family) will benefit from a new class exception. Minimum salary thresholds apply for this class too:

  • $70,000 a year for auditors with two to three years’ relevant experience
  • $85,000 a year for auditors with at least four years’ relevant experience

Additional border exceptions for agricultural workers

After a much welcome round of exemptions mid-2021, the Government has approved new border exceptions for up to 200 rural contractors/mobile plant machinery operators, 40 shearers and 50 wool handlers to support autumn harvest requirements. Existing exemptions for dairy managers and assistants have also been merged into 200 dairy farm workers to provide more flexibility for the dairy sector to fill these positions, but the minimum wage requirement has been increased from $27 to $28 per hour.

615 deep-sea fishing crew and 550 cargo crew servicing the Pacific to undertake managed isolation in New Zealand will also benefit from this new exemption.

QUESTIONS? CONTACT US!

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