MIQ gone! Border reopens......slowly

MIQ is now only required for people arriving in NZ who are not vaccinated. The requirement to self-isolate after arrival has gone (unless you test positive on arrival).

Who can enter New Zealand right now?

• NZ citizens and residents.

• Australian citizens or Australian residents where NZ is their primary place of residence (NZ is their home).

• People issued with border exemptions or critical purpose visas.

• Partners, dependent children, or parent of a dependent child*

*We recommend anyone in this group secure visas before travelling to NZ to avoid drama at the border.

The timeline for the rest of the border reopening is:

From 14 March 2022

• Skilled Workers (see earlier article here).

• Working Holiday Visas (WHV). WHVs applications open gradually to a limited number of countries. We anticipate the UK, USA, and Canada will be among the first. Great talent pool if you are looking for enthusiastic 18 to 30-year-olds looking to work while on holiday.

From 12 April 2022

• People onshore holding a valid Work or Student visa can now leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.

• Up to 5,000 international students can start applying for border exemptions. Those studying at degree level or higher will normally get work rights.

• Expansion of the worker criteria for border exceptions.

From July 2022

• Australian citizens, Australian residents and any other citizens travelling to NZ direct from Australia.

• Visitors from visa waiver countries.

• People onshore holding a valid Visitor visa can now leave and return provided the visa remains valid on arrival back into NZ.

• Applications for the new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) are open. Once a AEWV is issued the holder can enter NZ.

From October 2022

• Applications for all visas reopen.

• All or most border restrictions lifted.

Note 1: When visa applications reopen (including visa-free travellers) it does not mean everyone will be approved. People still need to meet strict rules before a visa is granted. Take professional advice early on to avoid disappointment.

Note 2: These reopening dates may change (i.e. open earlier) as the government watches the impact of the Omicron wave on our health system.