Breaking news

On February 22 Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is opening the 2021 one-off residency visa to people who have a Skilled Migrant Category expression of interest (EOI) in the pool, submitted on or before 29 September 2021. Up to 1,500 people will be able to apply each day.

This affects up to 10,500 people who will now be able to process their applications sooner than expected.

We assume that INZ has done this to try and avoid the bottleneck of applications and the resulting system crash that occurred last time applications for pool one was opened.

Who is eligible?

If you meet the criteria, you will be emailed by INZ on the day you can start your early application. The order will be determined by the date you entered your EOI into the pool. Emails will be sent daily by 6pm, between 21 February and 1 March 2022.

You will not be able to start your application before you get your email – you will get an error message in the application form if you try to apply too early.

You will need to enter your EOI reference number to begin your application. Your reference number will be activated on the day you can start your application. You can apply any time from the day you get your email until applications close on 31 July 2022.

To submit your application

• you must have a valid passport, and
• you must provide an eMedical reference number for a limited medical certificate if you have not provided medicals within the last 36 months.

From 1 March 2022 all other eligible applicants can apply.

Application schedule 2022

Note: Emails will be staggered throughout the day.

From Monday 21 February 

If your EOI submission date was: Before or on 30 April 2020

From Tuesday 22 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 May – 30 June 2020

From Wednesday 23 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 July – 31 August 2020

From Thursday 24 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 September – 30 November 2020

From Friday 25 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 December 2020 – 28 February 2021

From Saturday 26 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 March – 31 March 2021

From Sunday 27 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 April – 31 May 2021

From Monday 28 February 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 June – 31 July 2021

From Tuesday 1 March 

If your EOI submission date was made between: 1 August – 29 September 2021

Application cost

The total cost of the 2021 resident visa is still NZD$2,160

If you need help or advice about your 2021 one-off residency application, get in touch with our team.