2021 Resident Visa

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.

Already have a visa

CLOSED

The 2021 Resident Visa closed at 23:59 on 31 July 2022. Applications received after this date will not be approved.

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.

2021 Resident Visa application process

Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa opened in phases, and closed on 31 July 2022. Requests for reimbursement for medical certificates close on 30 September 2023.

2021 Interim Visa

The 2021 Interim Visa lets you stay in New Zealand while your 2021 Resident Visa is being processed. You can now request a visa to travel so you can leave and return to New Zealand.

Dependent Child Tertiary Student Visa

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.

2021 Resident Visa scarce lists

To meet the ‘scarce’ criteria of the 2021 Resident Visa, you must work in a role on one of these lists.

How to supply supporting documents

Documents you may need to supply for your 2021 Resident visa application.

Dependent child work rights on a visitor visa

Information about dependent child work rights on a visitor visa.