The shores of New Zealand have seen a change in its immigration policies since the COVID-19 crisis. For the first time ever in the country's history, its borders were sealed off entirely on March 19, 2020, to prevent any transit across its boundaries. In early October 2020, New Zealand approved certain classes of workers and Work Visa holders to travel to the country after some lengthy six months. Later, provisions to allow family members to reunite were also made when visa categories to reunite with a partner or a dependent child opened up.
However, the Immigration instructions are still quite stringent, and entry into the country is relatively inflexible, though the government has started processing offshore visa applications. There is reason to believe that the situation will remain so for quite some time as the risks posed by the COVID-19 will not be quickly allayed. Thus, it will prove fruitful if we are familiar with the NZ Immigration Policies and the Critical Purpose Visitor Visa changes. Book a consultation with our immigration advisors if you want to know the minute details about the various visa applications and processing time and fees.
The Critical Purpose Visitor Visa is a type of temporary entry class visa which allows entry to a person because they have a "critical purpose" to visit New Zealand. With a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa, you can gain access to New Zealand even though its borders are currently closed. However, to get the visa, you must meet one of the conditions given below of the critical purpose criteria list set by the government:
Procurement of a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa is a two-fold process:
In applying for a new visa, you can apply online or offline. The online link will be given in your invitation mail itself. Alternatively, you will have to select "Type of Visitor Visa" in the Online Application form, followed by "Special Category Visitor Visa. "Finally, select" Critical Purpose Visitor Visa."
You will need a RealMe account to file a visa application and make all necessary payments. All important updates will be mailed to you, while all-important transaction receipts will be displayed on your account's Acknowledgments page. Therefore, you should positively create an account before filing an application.
With your Visa application, you will need to send a host of other information and evidence to prove whether you're eligible to enter the shores of NZ. These will be discussed in the subsequent portion.
Below is a list of the documents you need to provide as evidence while applying for the visa or a variation of your visa conditions:
Proof of your identity would involve a photograph(s) and your passport. In the absence of a passport, a special waiver can be obtained for producing a Certificate of Entry.
A proof of good health needs to be produced by conducting a medical examination as well as a chest X-ray, if required, by a Panel Physician who is a medical practitioner with a special license to perform medical tests and X-rays on patients for NZ Visa Apps. Whether it is mandatory to have an X-ray done will depend on your span of stay, country of origin, and various other factors.
These are certificates of good character issued by the Police of your country, which you need to produce if you are 17 years or above to ensure that you pose no threat to the security of NZ.
Your request to grant a visa may be declined if the Immigration authorities suspect that you may have applied for a visa on false grounds or that once you are there, you may not abide by the conditions of your visa and may intend to disrupt the order of the country. They will conclude after studying all the documents provided by you.
It is true that things indeed appear kind of gloomy when it comes to traveling overseas to NZ. But it is best to gear yourself with the latest modifications and immigration policy implementations so that you can plan your tour or work-purpose journey well in advance without having to go through the unnecessary hassle.
