Holiday Hours: Our offices close from 5.30pm, Wednesday, 18 December and reopen 8.30am on Monday, 6 January 2025. If you need urgent assistance during the holidays call 0800 800 612 to talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser. Wishing you and your family safe and happy holidays!
MIQ gone! Border reopens......slowly
MIQ is now only required for people arriving in NZ who are not vaccinated. The requirement to self-isolate after arrival has gone.
MIQ is now only required for people arriving in NZ who are not vaccinated. The requirement to self-isolate after arrival has gone (unless you test positive on arrival).
Who can enter New Zealand right now?
- NZ citizens and residents.
- Australian citizens or Australian residents where NZ is their primary place of residence (NZ is their home).
- People issued with border exemptions or critical purpose visas.
- Partners, dependent children, or parent of a dependent child*
*We recommend anyone in this group secure visas before travelling to NZ to avoid drama at the border.
The timeline for the rest of the border reopening is:
From 14 March 2022
- Skilled Workers (see earlier article here).
- Working Holiday Visas (WHV). WHVs applications open gradually to a limited number of countries. We anticipate the UK, USA, and Canada will be among the first. Great talent pool if you are looking for enthusiastic 18 to 30-year-olds looking to work while on holiday.
From 12 April 2022
- People onshore holding a valid Work or Student visa can now leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.
- Up to 5,000 international students can start applying for border exemptions. Those studying at degree level or higher will normally get work rights.
- Expansion of the worker criteria for border exceptions.
From July 2022
- Australian citizens, Australian residents and any other citizens travelling to NZ direct from Australia.
- Visitors from visa waiver countries.
- People onshore holding a valid Visitor visa can now leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.
- Applications for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV NZ) are open. Once a AEWV is issued the holder can enter NZ.
From October 2022
- Applications for all visas reopen.
- All or most border restrictions lifted.
Note 1: When visa applications reopen (including visa-free travellers) it does not mean everyone will be approved. People still need to meet strict rules before a visa is granted. Take professional advice early on to avoid disappointment.
Note 2: These reopening dates may change (i.e. open earlier) as the government watches the impact of the Omicron wave on our health system.
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