Is it possible to apply for the Talent(Accredited employer) resident visa sooner?

[Danielwu0307]

Hello Guys

I am currently holding a Talent(Accredited Employer) work visa with a start date of 21st June 2016 and it expires on the 27th November 2018.

It states in the INZ website that I could apply for residence after 2 years of working for the same accredited employer.

Does it mean that I can only send my residency application after 2 years of my work visa start date (21st June 2018)?
Or can I send my application slightly earlier like in early June or even at May?

The reason I ask this question because I waited more than 5 months for my work visa before and I almost lost my job last time. I hope this time INZ could look into my future residency application on time before my work visa expires.


Sorry for the long post
Any response would be appreciated

Daniel

[JandM]

No, you can't apply early. The regulations say what they mean. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...-visa#criteria (They do suggest that if you want to get Residence sooner, you could check to see if you meet the requirements for applying under SMC.)

I guess (and you could check this with INZ) you could apply for a further visa of the same kind as you now hold https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...-visa#criteria, before the present one expires, to bridge the gap while you're applying for your Residence, because this application would mean INZ could issue you with an interim visa to cover processing time. Being the same kind of temporary visa you would be applying for, the interim visa would allow you to continue working. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...isa-conditions (They can't issue interim visas for residence applications.)

[Danielwu0307]

No, you can't apply early. The regulations say what they mean. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...-visa#criteria (They do suggest that if you want to get Residence sooner, you could check to see if you meet the requirements for applying under SMC.)

Thanks JanM for your prompt reply I will send my application on the 19th or 20th of June 2018 then, so that INZ could receive it at after the 21st of June.

Unfortunately my current job(Dairy products Maker) is not under the SMC list and my uni degree is not related to it

Sorry for my very late reply Work was very busy this week.

I guess (and you could check this with INZ) you could apply for a further visa of the same kind as you now hold https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...-visa#criteria, before the present one expires, to bridge the gap while you're applying for your Residence, because this application would mean INZ could issue you with an interim visa to cover processing time. Being the same kind of temporary visa you would be applying for, the interim visa would allow you to continue working. https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-...isa-conditions (They can't issue interim visas for residence applications.)

Does it mean I need to pay for both fees of residency and a new working visa then?

If so, Is it OK that I apply for a new work visa after 3 months of waiting for my residency application (September)?

[JandM]

Does it mean I need to pay for both fees of residency and a new working visa then?

Yes.

If so, Is it OK that I apply for a new work visa after 3 months of waiting for my residency application (September)?

Yes, or even later than that. As long as your application is lodged while the old visa is still valid (even by a day), INZ can issue you with an interim visa to cover you and keep you legal while you wait.

[Danielwu0307]

Thanks JandM! You are the best!