Background
As a result of COVID-19, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) suspended the processing of most offshore visa applications until 10 November 2020. This suspension has now been extended.
Update
Processing suspension extended
INZ will be extending the suspension of offshore visa processing,
until after 8 February 2021.
Several application types will not be impacted by this update. These include:
- Relationship-based visas for dependents of NZ citizens or residents;
- Visas for diplomats, consular and official staff, and their dependent family members;
- Individuals travelling for a critical purpose;
- Antarctic work and traveller visitor visas; and
- Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) limited visas.
Our advice
Those wanting to submit visa applications from offshore who do not meet the requirements for a border exception and are not applying under one of the categories listed above will need to wait until 9 February 2021 to submit their application.
Some individuals may have already prepared their visa applications to be submitted, on or after 10 November 2020. For these applicants it is important to check that the supporting documentation they have prepared will still be valid in February 2021. For example, new medical certificates must be less than 3 months old at the time an application is submitted.
We would be happy to advise applicants who are unsure of the timeframes for submission, or who just need someone to walk them through the application process.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
