Kia ora,  

Thank you for your continued engagement with Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Entry to New Zealand from all countries remains strictly controlled to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. 

The Government continues to enable the health sector's access to highly skilled health personnel required for the COVID-19 response with adjustments to visa settings. Specified health and disability workers may be granted exceptions to New Zealand's strict border controls.

The start date required for new approved employees was previously on or before 31 March 2021. There is now no start date criteria for new employees. 

Start dates are still dependent on the availability of places in Managed Isolation and Quarantine facilities. Other entry criteria still apply.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) prioritises visa applications for key roles. We remain committed to assisting with the recruitment of doctors and other medical professionals overseas, and the retention of skilled critical workers already in New Zealand. Health workers here can apply for a new visa or a variation of their visa conditions.

Partners and dependent children of critical health workers may be granted a visa to travel to New Zealand. Criteria apply.

Ngā mihi,
Immigration New Zealand