So while INZ have been a bit sketchy on a few details, watching the EMA webinar with Kris Faafoi has answered a couple of more questions:
When will the applications open and close?
Applications open for the priority list on the 01/12/2021. Applications for those not on the priority list open on 01/03/2021 and all applications close on the 31/07/2022.
What are the criteria for priority applications?
To be considered for the priority applications on the 01/12/2021 you need to have met one of the following conditions on the 29/09/2021:
– Have lodged an SMC residency application.
– Have lodged an EOI that includes dependent children over the age of 17.
Just to be clear, just having an EOI submitted does not meet the criteria, it MUST include a dependent child aged 17 or older.
When are clients being contacted?
INZ will start making contact with eligible applicants towards the end of October already.
What is the application fee?
There is still no definitive answer for this, but the Minister has mentioned $2,600 numerous times and this is what we expect to see.
Is there an age limit?
No there is no age limit which is great news for a lot of migrants who have aged out of the SMC pool.
If I applied for a work visa prior to 29/09/2021 but it has not been granted yet will I still be eligible?
As long as the visa you applied for is granted then you will be eligible to apply from the day that it is granted.
Must I have been on an eligible visa for the full 3 years?
No, this is not a requirement, you just needed to be on an eligible visa on the 29th September 2021.
What are the requirements around police certificates?
No overseas police certificates will be required unless there is something INZ are unhappy with. INZ will obtain NZ police certificates for all applicants as usual.
What are the health requirements?
These appear to be fairly standard, if you have provided INZ with a medical certificate previously that is less than 36 months old you will not be required to provide another. If not, it appears that INZ will only require a limited medical certificate instead of a full general medical certificate.
I’ve already paid for my SMC application, will I have to pay again?
No applicants who have already paid for an SMC application will not have to pay an additional fee. INZ will offset the payment of the new visa against that of the SMC payment.
I’ve already been assigned a case officer for my SMC, should I still apply under the new visa?
That is entirely up to the applicant and how far they are down the line with SMC. The new visa will be quicker and the requirements are far easier to meet.
How are applications drawn and allocated?
Applications will be drawn and assigned in order of receipt.
I don’t qualify for this visa, can I still apply via the SMC route?
Yes you can, INZ has indicated that they will be reopening the SMC EOI pool once the 2021 once-off residence applications close on the 31/07/2021.
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