Kia ora,

We are pleased to let you know that from 21 February 2022, those who have a Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) expression of interest (EOI) in the pool, submitted on or before 29 September 2021, can apply for the 2021 Resident Visa.  

We have made good progress on processing the first phase of applications, and we can now open applications for groups of up to 1,500 people each day. This will be based on the application schedule below, and will start with the first group on 21 February. 

Those eligible will be able to apply on the day they receive an email from us. These will be ordered by EOI submission date.

Emails will be staggered throughout the day.  

From Monday 21 February  
EOI submission date: Before or on 30 April 2020   

From Tuesday 22 February  
EOI submission date: 1 May 2020 – 30 June 2020 inclusive  

From Wednesday 23 February  
EOI submission date: 1 July 2020 – 31 August 2020 inclusive  

From Thursday 24 February  
EOI submission date: 1 September 2020 – 30 November 2020 inclusive  

From Friday 25 February  
EOI submission date: 1 December 2020 – 28 February 2021 inclusive  

From Saturday 26 February  
EOI submission date: 1 March 2021 – 31 March 2021 inclusive  

From Sunday 27 February  
EOI submission date: 1 April 2021 – 31 May 2021 inclusive  

From Monday 28 February  
EOI submission date: 1 June 2021 – 31 July 2021 inclusive  

From Tuesday 1 March  
EOI submission date: 1 August 2021 – 29 September 2021 inclusive   

The total cost of the 2021 Resident Visa is still NZD$2,160, comprising:   

• NZD$1,330 application fee   
• NZD$830 immigration levy.    

People who decide to withdraw their SMC EOI will only have to pay the difference between that and the cost of the 2021 Resident Visa. 

The 2021 Resident Visa application fee must be paid after we have made a decision, and their visa will not be issued until payment has been received.  

Applicants will need to enter their EOI reference number to begin their application. Their reference number will be activated on the day they are able to apply from and can only be used once. Applicants will not be able to apply until this day and will receive an error message if attempted early. Applicants must also provide a medical certificate with their applications.

These applicants have until 31 July 2022 to make their application.

The INZ website has the latest information on the 2021 Resident Visa and processing times. 

We will contact you with more information before Phase 2 applications open on 1 March. Applicants in all phases will be able to apply until 31 July 2022. 

Ngā mihi,
Immigration New Zealand