2021 Resident Visa eligibility
The eligibility criteria for the 2021 Resident Visa focuses on people whose primary purpose for being in New Zealand is to work.
Use our online system to apply for selected visas or check visa details. Get help to use our online services.
We have enhanced Immigration Online. You can still access applications, documents or eVisas in the old system.
If you are a work visa holder in New Zealand or a critical purpose visitor visa holder you may be eligible for residence under the new 2021 Resident Visa. Some critical purpose visa holders arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 on long term visas may also be eligible for the new visa.
The eligibility criteria for the 2021 Resident Visa focuses on people whose primary purpose for being in New Zealand is to work.
The 2021 Resident Visa will be open for applications in phases.
If you apply for a 2021 Resident Visa and your current visa expires while you are waiting for the resident visa to be processed, you can get a 2021 Interim Visa so you can stay in New Zealand.
Dependent children of people eligible for the 2021 Resident Visa can access tertiary education as domestic students while their family’s 2021 Resident Visa is processed and work up to 20 hours a week.
To meet the ‘scarce’ criteria of the 2021 Resident Visa, you must work in a role on one of these lists.
Documents you may need to supply for your 2021 Resident visa application.