2021 Resident Visa - Fees, Health and Character Updates

In an unsurprising move by Immigration New Zealand, major updates regarding the 2021 Resident Visa (2021RV) were released in the last hour on the last working day of this month.

While we still await full instructions, the INZ website has been updated to provide additional information regarding health and character requirements and fees for the 2021 Resident Visa.

You can read the most important updates below:

Health:

• Health requirements will be limited - The aim is to capture medical conditions not eligible for medical waivers: Tuberculosis, haemophilia, and conditions requiring dialysis or full-time care.
• You do not need to provide a further medical certificate if you provided one within the last 36 months and were assessed as having an acceptable standard of health.
• You must provide a new limited medical certificate if your health has changed since your last medical, or you were previously assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health.
• INZ may request more health information if required.

Character:

• NZ Police Checks will be conducted by INZ for all 2021RV applicants aged 17 years or older (no action needed from applicant).
• Overseas police certificates may be requested if INZ requires more information.

Fees & Refunds:

If you’ve already submitted or paid for an SMC application or an Expression of Interest, or submitted a Residence From Work application, then you will only have to pay the difference between what you have paid and the cost of the 2021 Resident Visa, provided you withdraw your previously submitted application.

• $2,160 is the total cost of the 2021 Resident Visa (including GST).
• This total cost includes $1,330 application fee and $830 immigration levy.
• The process for refunds (for any who are entitled) is still to be decided.
• Anyone who has already submitted a residence application previously does not need to pay the fee upfront when submitting the 2021 Resident Visa application.
• The fee will have to be paid before the application is completed, whether it is approved or declined.

Other Resources:

You can review our other useful resources on this topic

• Overview of full eligibility requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions part 1 and part 2