New Zealand has recently announced changes to the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa, which will provide more opportunities for Ukrainians in New Zealand to bring their families over. These changes are expected to take effect in two stages, giving Immigration New Zealand ample time to implement them.
The changes to the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa will expand the eligibility criteria for sponsors and increase the time visa holders have to travel to New Zealand from 9 to 12 months for applications made on or after 15 March 2023. Furthermore, the time for Family Members to submit an expression of interest will be extended until 15 March 2024.
One of the most significant changes is the expansion of eligibility criteria for sponsors. From 27 March 2023, New Zealanders with Ukrainian heritage will be able to sponsor Family members. To qualify as a New Zealander with Ukrainian heritage, either you or one of your parents or grandparents must have been born in Ukraine, hold or have held Ukrainian citizenship, or hold Ukrainian permanent residence.
The changes will also expand the list of family members who are eligible to be nominated. Extended family members, such as aunts and uncles, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, first cousins (an aunt or uncle’s children), step siblings, and partners of nominated family members, will be able to be included in the visa application.
In addition, each visa application can now have a nominating family member and an ‘acceptable sponsor.’ They can be the same person, two different people, or one person and an entity. An entity can be an organization. The nominating family member must meet the New Zealand and Ukrainian heritage and residency requirements. The acceptable sponsor must take on financial responsibility for the applicant.
There are no changes to the support offered to applicants and their families. Immigration fees will be waived, and applicants will not be required to provide police or medical certificates. Once in New Zealand, visa holders can access publicly funded healthcare and can receive a free initial health check, which includes assessment for tuberculosis (TB) and vaccinations.
Children under the age of 18 years old can attend school as domestic students, and adults can access free English language classes.
In conclusion, these changes to the 2022 Special Ukraine Visa will provide more opportunities for Ukrainian families in New Zealand to be reunited. New Zealanders with Ukrainian heritage will be able to sponsor their family members, and the list of eligible family members has been expanded to include adult extended family. The changes will also allow more time for visa holders to travel to New Zealand and provide ongoing support to them and their families.
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