Announced Thursday, 13th August 2020

As most of us will by now be aware, due to new community transmission cases of COVID-19 being identified in Auckland, we have now moved to Alert Level 3 while the rest of New Zealand is at Alert Level 2.

INZ have sent out information to all advisors about how this will affect Immigration New Zealand and what arrangements are being made to deal with the situation.

“INZ has been planning for the possibility of changing Alert Levels. We have contingencies in place to ensure that transitions between Alert Levels are as smooth as possible.

There are currently no changes to visa processing or border restrictions.

Many of our visa products can be applied for and processed online. The online process for requesting an exception remains the same.

The well-being of our staff is a priority. The Manukau, Henderson and National Documentation Office in Auckland remain open and some of our staff are working from home.

Please note that the drop box in Manukau is currently closed but we can continue to receive paper applications by postal or courier delivery.

The remainder of INZ offices in New Zealand remain open and operating as usual.

It is possible processing times could extend slightly because like all work forces, we may have some staff who are unable to work due to personal circumstances such as compromised immunity or childcare.

Our front-line staff are critical in ensuring migrants remain lawful in New Zealand and other essential workers or families of New Zealand citizens and residents are able to enter New Zealand.

We are working hard to minimise any impact on you and your clients and to give as much certainty as possible to migrants both in and outside of New Zealand.

We will continue to provide you with updates as the situation develops.

Our website remains the best place for up to date information.”

IF YOU THINK YOU MAY BE AFFECTED BY THESE CHANGES OR NEED HELP, PLEASE CONTACT EITHER DOREEN ([email protected]) OR TIM ([email protected]).

SOURCES AND REFERENCES:

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/covid-19/coronavirus-update-inz-response

https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications