INZ is making changes to how we prioritise some resident visa applications

[Pereira86]

Hi all,

What do you think about it? Share your feelings. Fresh news


https://www.immigration.govt.nz/abou...-notifications

[EGoodhue]

On one hand I'm disappointed that this is the first time INZ have made information about the priority allocation criteria public, even though they've been using it for over 6 months.

But on the other hand, I'm encouraged by the fact that they claim they will now be able to resume allocations from the general queue.

I'm not sure what has changed to give them the capacity to resume allocations that hasn't already been available for the past few months, but I guess we should give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise....

[ysc5]

On one hand I'm disappointed that this is the first time INZ have made information about the priority allocation criteria public, even though they've been using it for over 6 months.

But on the other hand, I'm encouraged by the fact that they claim they will now be able to resume allocations from the general queue.

I'm not sure what has changed to give them the capacity to resume allocations that hasn't already been available for the past few months, but I guess we should give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise....

I thought its still pending cabinet to decide the 'overhaul' of residence program and issue quota for smc ?
so it won't really be resume allocation before that happens ?

[EGoodhue]

I thought its still pending cabinet to decide the 'overhaul' of residence program and issue quota for smc ?
so it won't really be resume allocation before that happens ?

No, they've said that they will resume allocation of the general queue as of now. And will review their allocation strategy again once Cabinet makes a decision on the new NZRP.

[desilva]

I thought its still pending cabinet to decide the 'overhaul' of residence program and issue quota for smc ?
so it won't really be resume allocation before that happens ?

but here they have publicly announced that they would begin to process applications using the previous nzrp target range, while also waiting for the new nzrp range. hence i would consider it to be a good news for now. lets see what happens next

[IT_GUY]

On one hand I'm disappointed that this is the first time INZ have made information about the priority allocation criteria public, even though they've been using it for over 6 months.

But on the other hand, I'm encouraged by the fact that they claim they will now be able to resume allocations from the general queue.

I'm not sure what has changed to give them the capacity to resume allocations that hasn't already been available for the past few months, but I guess we should give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise....

@EGoodHue,
Just out of curiosity, RFW is issued for 30 months and the applicant can apply for a resident visa after 24 months, Assuming it takes around 1 month for an applicant to apply, without prioritization INZ won't be able to finish the case in 5 months hence creating more issues like interim visas etc.
Call me cynical but I personally feel its a Knee jerk reaction to calm Media/People for a while rather than addressing the actual issue and this won't amount to any real solution.

[EGoodhue]

@EGoodHue,
Just out of curiosity, RFW is issued for 30 months and the applicant can apply for a resident visa after 24 months, Assuming it takes around 1 month for an applicant to apply, without prioritization INZ won't be able to finish the case in 5 months hence creating more issues like interim visas etc.
Call me cynical but I personally feel its a Knee jerk reaction to calm Media/People for a while rather than addressing the actual issue and this won't amount to any real solution.

Yes, INZ are not able to process RFW applications within the 6 months an applicant has available to them once they qualify for Resi (assuming they apply on the day they are eligible) - I have heard of INZ contact centre advising some clients that if they're not happy to apply for another temporary work visa to tide them over, they have the option of waiting offshore for a decision on their Residence application! This is absolute madness, given that waiting offshore would mean leaving the job they are currently in NZ to do (filling a gap in our labour market!) and therefore the whole basis of their Residence application (the job) no longer existing. An example of the pure stupidity INZ are offering as a solution to this mess of their own making.

[squishmaster]

Yes, INZ are not able to process RFW applications within the 6 months an applicant has available to them once they qualify for Resi (assuming they apply on the day they are eligible) - I have heard of INZ contact centre advising some clients that if they're not happy to apply for another temporary work visa to tide them over, they have the option of waiting offshore for a decision on their Residence application! This is absolute madness, given that waiting offshore would mean leaving the job they are currently in NZ to do (filling a gap in our labour market!) and therefore the whole basis of their Residence application (the job) no longer existing. An example of the pure stupidity INZ are offering as a solution to this mess of their own making.

Hi Erin


What is the option for RFW applicants for interim visa?

[EGoodhue]

Hi Erin


What is the option for RFW applicants for interim visa?

None I'm afraid - Interim visas only apply if you hold a temporary category visa and apply for another temporary category visa. When holding a temporary category visa and applying for a Resident category visa, you are obligated to keep your temporary visa valid at all times until your Residence application is finalised.

[deverett]

On one hand I'm disappointed that this is the first time INZ have made information about the priority allocation criteria public, even though they've been using it for over 6 months.

But on the other hand, I'm encouraged by the fact that they claim they will now be able to resume allocations from the general queue.

I'm not sure what has changed to give them the capacity to resume allocations that hasn't already been available for the past few months, but I guess we should give them the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise....

Seems they've been busy with processing all those residence from work talent visas as priority over SMC, so the plan they now have is to shove those in the queue with SMC applicants meaning theres now only one queue to take from for all those non registered low earners. Seeing as they are likely largely on top of those visas as they've been bothering to handle that pile of shame it basically means they won't be touching any residence from work visas for 15 months. They've just moved the ignore pile to another visa category that will merge in with SMC when they eventually get to them.

So good news for SMC applicants, terrible news for RFW applicants.