New Zealand Refugee Visa Guide

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Key Takeaways:

Refugee Family Support Resident Visa helps refugees reunite with family in New Zealand, requiring an eligible sponsor and application approval.
Eligible sponsors must be NZ residents/citizens, over 18, and have no other family eligible for residence via other categories.
Applicants need proof of identity, character, accommodation, and sponsorship; Immigration NZ processes applications and grants visas for indefinite stay.

If you’ve found refuge in New Zealand and are looking to reunite with your family, the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa might be your answer. This visa allows refugees, protected persons, or qualifying family members to sponsor family members for residence in New Zealand. Let’s explore the eligibility requirements, the application process, necessary documents, and other vital details about this visa.

Who is Eligible for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?

To apply for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa, you must meet specific eligibility criteria:
– Health and Character Requirements: You need to be in good health and have a clean character record.
– Eligible Sponsor: You must have an eligible sponsor who has registered as a tier one or tier two sponsor.
– Accommodation: Your sponsor must ensure accommodation for you in New Zealand.
– Invitation to Apply: Only individuals who receive an invitation to apply can submit a residence application. Note that tier two registrations are currently closed, and Immigration New Zealand is only accepting tier one registrations.

Your partner and dependent children must have been part of your sponsor’s registration to be included in your residence application.

What Are the Sponsorship Requirements for the Refugee Family Support Category?

To qualify as an eligible sponsor for the Refugee Family Support Category, your sponsor must:
1. Be at least 18 years old.
2. Be a citizen or resident of New Zealand.
3. Live in New Zealand.
4. Have been granted residence because they are a refugee, a protected person, an Afghan interpreter, or their partner or dependent child.
5. Have no other family members eligible for New Zealand residence under another category.
6. Be a direct family member who wants to sponsor you and your immediate family.
7. Have not sponsored anyone else who has since received a resident visa under this category.
8. Fulfill the criteria to register as a tier one or tier two sponsor.

What Are the Tier One Sponsorship Requirements?

For tier one eligibility, your sponsor must:
– Have no immediate family in New Zealand.
– Have no other family members eligible for New Zealand residence under another category.

What Are the Tier Two Sponsorship Requirements?

For tier two eligibility, your sponsor must:
– Have immediate family in New Zealand.
– Have no other family members eligible for New Zealand residence under another category.

What Documents Are Required for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?

To apply for this visa, you must gather the following documents:
– Proof of Identity:
– Two passport-sized photos.
– Original or certified copy of your passport or certificate of identity.
– Original or certified copy of your full birth certificate.
– Proof of Good Character:
– A police certificate from your country of citizenship and from any country where you have stayed for more than one year in the last ten years.
– Proof of an Eligible Sponsor:
– Confirmation of your sponsor’s status as a New Zealand resident or citizen.
– Sponsorship Forms:
– Refugee Family Support Category Sponsor Registration Form (most recent version).
– Proof of Accommodation:
– Documentation showing that your sponsor has arranged suitable accommodation for at least the initial two years in New Zealand.
– Invitation to Apply:
– The invitation letter from Immigration New Zealand.

Note: Only submit documents after receiving an official invitation to apply for residence from Immigration New Zealand.

How to Apply for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa in New Zealand?

The process to apply for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa involves several steps:
1. Completing the Sponsorship Form: Your sponsor must fill out the Refugee Family Support Category Tier One or Tier Two Sponsor Registration Form with accurate information.
2. Submission of the Form: The completed registration form should be sent to the postal address provided in the form or found on the Immigration New Zealand website.
3. Queuing the Form: Immigration New Zealand will enter the registration into a selection queue and verify your sponsor’s eligibility.
4. Invitation to Apply: If your sponsor meets the eligibility criteria, you will receive an invitation to apply for residence and have one year to submit your application.
5. Completing the Residence Application Form: Fill out the Residence application form (INZ 1000) and attach two passport photos that meet NZ requirements, with your full name written on the back.
6. Submission of the Application: Send your completed application form and all supporting documents to the postal address or courier address mentioned on the Immigration New Zealand website.

What Are the Fees and Processing Time for a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?

Fees:
– There is no fee to apply for the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa.

Processing Time:
– Typically, it takes about four weeks for Immigration New Zealand to process the visa application.

How Long Is a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa Valid?

This visa allows you to stay indefinitely in New Zealand. However, your travel conditions will expire two years after your first arrival. After that, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa or request a Variation of Travel Conditions if you plan to leave and re-enter New Zealand.

What Are the Conditions of the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?

After being granted this visa, you must adhere to the following conditions:
– Entry Permission: Complete the arrival card provided on your flight and present it at the border.
– Travel Window: You have 12 months to enter New Zealand from the date the visa is granted.
– Valid Passport: Your visa must be in a passport valid for at least three months beyond your entry date.
– Accommodation Responsibility: Your sponsor is responsible for your accommodation for the initial two years.
– Travel Conditions: You have the freedom to travel in and out of New Zealand until your travel conditions expire two years from your initial arrival. To travel after that, you need a Permanent Resident Visa or a Variation of Travel Conditions.

Can I Work and Study in New Zealand on a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa?

Absolutely, you can work and study in New Zealand on this visa. This provides significant flexibility and opportunities for you to build a new life while reunited with your family.

Can I Include My Family in the Application?

Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your residence application if they were part of your sponsor’s initial registration. Ensure you have the necessary documents to prove this relationship, such as birth and marriage certificates.

How Are Refugee Family Support Resident Visas Selected?

Immigration New Zealand grants 600 Refugee Family Support Resident Visas annually. Tier one registrations receive priority until the yearly quota is met. If there are still available slots, tier two sponsors may be invited to register within a set timeframe.

Additional Information

For a comprehensive outline of the application forms, steps, and up-to-date information, visit the Immigration New Zealand official website. This source will provide additional support and guidelines on the process, ensuring you have the most current information.

By understanding these requirements and processes, you can take the necessary steps to reunite with your loved ones in New Zealand. This visa gives refugees and their families a chance to integrate into New Zealand society, enabling them to contribute positively and build a better future together.

Still Got Questions? Read Below to Know More

Can my extended family members (aunts, uncles, cousins) visit me in New Zealand on a tourist visa?

Yes, your extended family members, such as aunts, uncles, and cousins, can visit you in New Zealand on a tourist visa. They will need to apply for a “Visitor Visa,” which allows them to visit for up to nine months for purposes such as seeing family, exploring the country, or participating in tourist activities.

Here are the basic requirements for a New Zealand Visitor Visa:

Identity: They must have a valid passport.
Health and Character: They might need to provide medical certificates and police certificates.
Proof of Funds: They need to show that they have enough money to support themselves during their stay, around NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 if accommodation is prepaid.
Genuine Intentions: They must genuinely intend to visit for holidaying purposes and leave New Zealand before their visa expires.

For more detailed information and to apply, your family members should visit the official New Zealand immigration website: Immigration New Zealand Visitor Visa.

Each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Make sure they provide all the required documents to avoid any delays or issues with their visa approval.

How do I get my foreign academic or professional qualifications recognized in New Zealand after obtaining a refugee family support resident visa?

To get your foreign academic or professional qualifications recognized in New Zealand after obtaining a refugee family support resident visa, follow these steps. First, you will need to contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). They evaluate qualifications from overseas to ensure they meet New Zealand standards. Visit the NZQA website at NZQA for detailed instructions.

Here are the steps involved:

Application: Submit an application to NZQA for an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA). This process involves assessing the equivalency of your qualifications to New Zealand standards.
Documentation: Provide certified copies of your academic or professional qualifications, official transcripts, and a certified translation if they are not in English.
Assessment Fee: Pay the required assessment fee, which you can find on the NZQA website.

According to the NZQA,

“The IQA process will evaluate your qualifications and provide a report detailing the level of your qualifications compared to the New Zealand Qualifications Framework.”

For certain professions in New Zealand, you may also need to contact the relevant professional body to have your qualifications recognized. For example, if you are in healthcare, engineering, or teaching, professional bodies like the Medical Council of New Zealand or Engineering New Zealand will be involved. Each profession has its own set of requirements and processes, so check their specific websites for more information.

For a comprehensive guide and access to application forms, visit NZQA.

Are there community organizations in New Zealand that provide support to newly arrived refugees?

Yes, there are several community organizations in New Zealand that provide support to newly arrived refugees. These organizations help refugees integrate into their new communities by offering a range of services, including assistance with finding housing, employment, language classes, and social support networks.

Some key organizations include:

New Zealand Red Cross: They assist with settlement services and provide support through programs such as the Refugee Trauma Recovery and Volunteers for Refugees. You can find more information on their official website.
Auckland Refugee Family Trust (ARFT): This charity helps reunite refugee families by providing financial assistance for travel costs. For more information, visit the ARFT website.
Refugee Council of New Zealand (RCNZ): They advocate for refugee rights and provide resources to support refugees. Check out their official site.

According to the New Zealand Red Cross, “Our teams of refugee support volunteers provide practical and social support to help former refugees successfully resettle in their new community.” These organizations play a crucial role in making sure that newly arrived refugees feel welcomed and supported as they start their new lives in New Zealand. By visiting their websites, you can learn more about how to get involved or access the available services.

If your sponsor in New Zealand is facing financial difficulties after your arrival, it’s important to explore available options to ensure your stay remains legally compliant. Here are the steps you can take:

Contact Immigration New Zealand (INZ):

Reach out to Immigration New Zealand to inform them of your situation. It is crucial to communicate any changes in your circumstances as soon as possible.

Phone: You can call INZ on their helpline.
Email: Send an email detailing your situation.
“If you are having problems while being sponsored, you should contact Immigration New Zealand immediately to discuss your circumstances.”

Seek Community Support and Resources:

Look for community organizations that provide support to immigrants. These organizations can offer assistance such as food, shelter, and financial aid while you resolve your sponsorship issues.

Citizens Advice Bureau: Offers free advice and information on a wide array of issues.
New Zealand Red Cross: Provides support services for refugees, asylum seekers, and other migrants.

Visit Immigration New Zealand’s website for a list of community resources.

Review Visa Conditions:

Understand the specific conditions of your visa. Depending on your visa type, you might have options to extend your visa, switch to another visa category, or even find self-sponsorship.

“Visa conditions can vary significantly; check the specific requirements and maintain compliance to avoid legal issues.”

For more information, visit the Immigration New Zealand website. It’s full of helpful resources, up-to-date guidelines, and contact details to assist you further.

What should I do if my refugee family support visa application gets delayed?

If your refugee family support visa application gets delayed, the first step is to stay informed about your application status. You can do this by regularly checking the status online through the immigration department’s official website or by contacting them directly. It’s important to keep your contact information up to date to receive any communication from immigration authorities.

Here are some steps you can take if your visa application is delayed:

Contact the Immigration Authority:
- Use the contact details provided in your acknowledgment receipt.
- Be ready to provide your application reference number.
Seek Legal Advice:
- Consult with an immigration lawyer or advisor to understand your options and rights.
- They can provide personalized assistance and may help expedite the process.
Check for Processing Time Updates:
- Immigration websites often provide estimated processing times and updates.
- For example, the UK Government’s visa processing times can be found at GOV.UK.
Submit a Complaint or Inquiry:
- Some immigration authorities allow you to raise concerns if your application has been pending longer than the average processing time.
- Details on filing a complaint with the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) can be found on their official page.

“Always make sure you keep records of all your communications with the immigration office and any updates regarding your application. This will be helpful in tracking your case and in case you need to escalate the issue.”

If the delay is causing significant hardship or you suspect there might be an issue with your application, taking these steps can help you get clarity and possibly expedite the process. Remember to follow up regularly and consult professional help when necessary.

Learn Today:

Glossary of Terms

1. Refugee Family Support Resident Visa

A type of resident visa in New Zealand that allows refugees, protected persons, or certain family members to sponsor their relatives for residence, facilitating family reunification.

2. Eligible Sponsor

An individual who meets specific criteria, including being a New Zealand citizen or resident, and granted residence status due to being a refugee or a protected person, who can sponsor family members for the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa.

3. Tier One Sponsor

A category of eligible sponsor who has no immediate family in New Zealand and no other family members eligible for New Zealand residence under any other category. This status often receives priority in the selection process.

4. Invitation to Apply

An official invitation issued by Immigration New Zealand to applicants who meet the eligibility criteria, allowing them to proceed with submitting a residence application for the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa.

5. Proof of Good Character

Documentation, such as a police certificate, demonstrating that an applicant does not have a criminal record and is of good character, which is a mandatory requirement for the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa.

This Article In A Nutshell:

Reuniting with family in New Zealand as a refugee requires a Refugee Family Support Resident Visa. Sponsored by eligible family members, the process involves meeting health and character requirements, ensuring accommodation, and receiving an invitation to apply. Comprehensive guidelines are on the Immigration New Zealand website.
— By VisaVerge.com

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