Further border exceptions announced

Update

Individuals who have been living in NZ, and are returning to the same job they held when they left, or continue to run a business as part of their entrepreneur work visa are now eligible to request a border exception. If an individual resigned or was made redundant then this option is not available.
To qualify, an individual must have:

• Departed New Zealand between 1 December 2019 - 9 October 2020;
• Spent a minimum amount of time in New Zealand before their departure; and
• Held either an entrepreneur, work to residence or essential skills visa (mid-skilled or higher) which will not expire before 1 January 2021, unless a renewal application was submitted prior to 9 August 2020.

Partners and dependent children can be included in an exception request if they currently hold a dependent visa, or held one at the time they departed NZ. Dependent children born on or after 1 December 2019 can also apply.

Our advice

It is expected that only about 850 individuals will meet the specific exception criteria under this new policy. For a full eligibility assessment or help with a border exception request please get in touch with the team.