Apply for Recovery Visa NZ
The New Zealand government introduced a recovery visa NZ under the specific purpose work visa scheme after the devastating cyclone Gabrielle hit New Zealand’s North Island in February 2023. To aid in the recovery process, the government allowed the employers to hire skilled experts who could assist in rebuilding efforts.
This visa permits a stay of up to six months in NZ. At the time of application, a fee of NZ$700 is required, which will be fully refunded upon approval of your application.
The recovery visa is specially designed for capable individuals in various professions who wish to contribute to the country’s recovery after the disaster. It’s a special chance for talented people to help the country and build a thriving career in a beautiful and progressive land of Kiwis.
The application process of the recovery visa usually takes around 6 working days (Monday to Friday) or even less. However, it’s really important to have all the necessary documentation to accelerate the process.
Until August 5, 2023, the government had received 2586 applications for this visa. Among those, 1446 were accepted, and the applicants were granted visas.
Eligibility Requirements For Recovery Visa
According to New Zealand Immigration, migrant workers must be qualified to perform the following tasks to contribute to the North Island’s recovery efforts.
• Immediate response to emergencies
• Perform clean-up activities after the disaster
• Assess risk or loss
• Support in planning and rebuilding infrastructure and housing/building stabilisation
• Any other role that directly aids in the recovery, such as producing building materials, heavy truck driving, etc.
The visa isn't available for businesses in the affected areas facing increased service demands or for filling vacancies of people who left their roles to participate in the recovery efforts.
Such employers can still hire labour using other visas like the Accredited Employer NZ Work Visa. But make sure to process the applications faster for the roles that aid in recovery and rebuilding of the NorthShore infrastructure. These roles won't need to undergo the labour market test.
Employers must confirm that the role they're offering contributes to the North Island's recovery from extreme weather events. They need to complete a supplementary form (INZ 1377) called the Recovery Visa Employer Supplementary Form. Migrants should also include this completed form with their application.
Also note that the recovery visa isn't restricted to roles only in the North Island; industries in the South Island that can offer direct support can also hire migrant workers under the recovery visa category without any accreditation.
Documents Required For Recovery Visa
To complete the online application form, you'll need these documents:
• Your Passport
• Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1377) to prove your eligibility for the Special Purpose or Event work visa.
Based on the details provided on the New Zealand government's website, you aren't required to take an English language proficiency test or show proof of funds for the New Zealand Recovery Visa. However, you should have enough money to support yourself during your time in New Zealand. The specific amount of funds needed may vary according to the time you will stay and your personal situation.
Contact Recovery Visa Consultant NZ Today
If you are a migrant worker and possess the skills needed for a recovery visa NZ, you can contact us today. As your local immigration consultants, we will assist you in completing the online application and provide guidance on your stay and various aspects of living and working in New Zealand. Our team of experienced consultants Auckland is well-versed in navigating the complexities of the immigration process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are people currently able to apply for the recovery visa?
Yes, at present, individuals who meet the criteria can actively apply for the visa to take part in the recovery efforts.
Does the flexibility to change regions or locations apply to the workers coming in and going out of a region to temporarily replace affected staff?
Indeed, the flexibility covers both inbound and outbound movements, as long as the movement is necessary due to the direct impacts of extreme weather events.
Can individuals already present in New Zealand alter their visa to engage in this work?
Not really. The flexibility is exclusively for work visa holders with specific conditions related to their role, region, and employer. It applies when such changes are prompted by circumstances linked to extreme weather events. Otherwise, no changes are being made to instructions regarding this matter, and these instructions cannot modify the visa conditions of existing visa holders.
Is this visa open to onshore applicants, or is it only available for offshore applicants?
Both onshore and offshore individuals are eligible to apply. However, Recognised Seasonal Employer workers are prohibited by the Immigration Act from applying for a different type of visa.
WHAT WE DO
As Auckland’s leading immigration Consultants, we are experts at assisting those who would like to migrate to New Zealand.
Whether it is a skilled migrant visa, work to residence visa, work visa, essential skills work visa, residence visa or something else that you require, our fully licensed immigration advisers can provide you with up to date information and walk you through advice.
Below is a list of the visas and migration options that we can help you with.
Visitor Visa
Assists you in coming over to New Zealand for a holiday or to stay in New Zealand temporarily. It is usually for visiting friends and relatives as well as sightseeing or could be for a dependent of a work visa or a student visa holder.
Student Visa
This enables a client to gain primary, secondary as well as tertiary education in New Zealand. Auckland South Immigration Consultants Limited liaises with various recognised Tertiary Institutions to assist in career development in many occupations
Work Visa
This could be through a job offer from a New Zealand employer, gaining Study to Work Instructions through a Graduate Job Search Visa or a Graduate work experience visa, joining a New Zealand resident or citizen as a partner or joining a student or work visa holder.
Residence Visa
A resident visa allows you to travel to and enter New Zealand anytime and allows you to stay in New Zealand Indefinitely.
Family/Partner Catagory Visa
Involves all types of visa applications. Talk to us today to see how we can help.
Skilled Migrant Visa
See the new changes to legislation for 2022/23
Paretnal Residence Visa
See the new changes to legislation for 2022/23
Special Cases
Pacific Access Category
New Zealand welcomes a number of citizens from the Pacific to settle in New Zealand each year.
Section 61 - Unlawful overstay
New Zealand welcomes a number of citizens from the Pacific to settle in New Zealand each year.
Domestic Violence
In cases of domestic violence, Immigration New Zealand may grant a special visa to allow continued stay in the country.
Deportation & Appeals
Deportation can be triggered by a number of factors. Let the team at ASIC see your situation and help.