Changes to interim visas and variation of conditions ahead of Skilled Migrant Category opening
Ahead of the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa opening on 9 October 2023, the New Zealand Government has agreed to the following changes to interim visas and variation of conditions for applicants of the SMC, partners and dependents:
– Interim visas: Applicants will be granted an interim visa which will be valid for up to 24 months and include multiple entry travel conditions, allowing them to leave New Zealand and return on the same interim visa while it is valid.
– Variation of conditions: Applicants who are already in New Zealand on a temporary visa will be able to apply to vary their conditions to an interim visa. This will allow them to stay in New Zealand and work while they wait for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa to open.
The changes to interim visas and variation of conditions will provide more flexibility and certainty for people who are planning to apply for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
The changes to interim visas and variation of conditions are a welcome development for people who are planning to apply for the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. The changes will provide people with more flexibility and certainty, and they will make it easier for people to stay in New Zealand and work while they wait for the new visa to open.
