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Changes to interim visas and variation of conditions ahead of Skilled Migrant Category opening
Ahead of the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa opening on 9 October 2023, the Government has recently agreed to changes to interim visas.
Ahead of the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa opening on 9 October 2023, the Government has recently agreed to changes to interim visas and interim variations of conditions for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants, their dependents, and partners.
Changes to interim visas come into effect on 9 October 2023 when the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa opens, and variation of conditions changes will be effective from 5 November 2023.
Interim visa changes
Changes have been made to interim visas to allow for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants to be on an interim visa while they await the outcome of their application.
Applicants will be granted an interim visa which will be valid for up to 24 months and include multiple entry travel conditions, allowing them to leave New Zealand and return on the same interim visa while it is valid. Applicants must be in New Zealand on the date their visa expires to be eligible to be granted an interim visa.
These interim visa changes will also apply to partners and dependents of Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants.
Interim variation of conditions changes
The changes to variations of conditions (VOCs) to interim visas will mean interim visa holders who are awaiting the outcome of their Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application will be able to vary some of the conditions of their interim visa if their circumstances change.
As interim visas for Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa applicants are valid for 24 months, it is highly likely some applicants’ circumstances will change in that timeframe. These changes are being made to allow applicants to vary the conditions of their visa while they await the outcome of their applications.
Eligibility for Skilled Migrant Category Interim Visa VOCs will be based on the conditions of the interim visa held and the situation of the applicants.
This means that not all people with the same interim visa conditions will have the same VOC pathway.
The cost to vary the conditions of a visa is NZD$210.
Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa