Frequently Asked Questions
ABOUT THE ONE-OFF RESIDENCE VISA 2021
The application stage for the 2021 Residency visa has already begun for every migrant eligible. For general information, check our page(LINK) on it. That being said, what if you are thinking about applying and have a specific inquiry about the process? Here at Visa Advisors have heard every kind of question regarding this visa. We are sharing with you a selection of some of the most common or challenging ones with answers from our licensed immigration advisers.
I don’t have a valid passport because of a highly unique reason or I'm adding a baby without one. Do I really need one to apply?
No exceptions! INZ has specifically mentioned the 5-months span they have given for every eligible migrant to sort out passport issues before applying.
I'm on an interim visa now, can I apply?
No, migrants on interim visas cannot apply for any visa until their applications are resolved. This question may arise from the confusion regarding applications under the Scarce criteria being valid if the applicant was on an interim visa by September 29 2021.
My payment was revised and I was paid $27 for work made on September 29 but it was made in the form of backpay. Am I eligible to apply under the Skilled criteria?
No. INZ treats the cut-off date of September 29 2021 in black-and-white terms. You must have met the conditions on that day and then provide the evidence that you did.
I was not in NZ on September 29 2018; can I still apply under the settled category?
You don’t need to have been in NZ by September 29 2018 if you arrived earlier. However, you do need to meet the 821 days in NZ criteria from that date.
Is it true that I don’t need any documents to apply for residency?
Applications for phase 2 of the 2021 residency are made on the new Immigration Online platform. This consists of a questionnaire of basic personal and eligibility details as well as payment. No supporting documentation is required at this stage. However, INZ will ask for documentation as soon as the application begins to be processed. A similar situation happens with the medical and x-ray exams.
Should I apply as soon as the application opens or would I be at the back of the queue if I don’t do so?
INZ was always adamant about their wish to avoid a mass application as soon the phase 2 stage opened at 10 am on March 1. This is why all applications will be stored until the end of March and start to be processed until then. Applications will then be released for processing in order of the applicant’s current visa expiry date at the time of their Resident Visa application.
If I apply for the residency but then I leave NZ, is my application still being processed or put on hold?
You need to be in NZ at the time of application. If you leave NZ after it, your application will continue to be processed without any procedural changes.
Can I quit my job after applying?
Short version: probably not. Stay put!
Long version: You need to keep your eligibility condition at all times. This means that you need to keep your full-time work conditions under both the Skilled and Scarce criteria. On the other hand, while the Settled criteria do not require you to be working, you do need to keep the conditions of your current visa, and if you are on an essential skills work visa you do need to keep your employment conditions. If you are under another class of non-work restricted eligible visa such as a Post-Study Work Visa, you can quit your job with no repercussions.
Can I add my partner even if we are not living together at the moment
You may, but you will need to explain the reasons for not living together at the moment and how you are keeping in touch during this time. You can take a look at our guide on relationship-based visas
I met one or several on the Settle/Skilled/Scarce criteria. Can I apply if I was on a partnership-based visa?
You can meet any of the 3 residency criteria but if you didn’t have one of the eligible visas on September 29 2021 you are not eligible for residency. There is no partnership-based visa on that list.
To ensure you have a clear mind before applying, you can always contact us at EMAIL for consultation and advice regarding your residency application.
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