H7.15 Determining an application for a variation of conditions (14/06/2021)

A variation of conditions can be granted where an immigration officer is satisfied that the applicant:

1. holds a valid temporary entry class visa; and
2. either:
   1. has been approved by the Ministry of Health for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine on the basis of nationally significant travel (see H7.15.5); or
   2. meets the intention of the Ministry of Health criteria for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine on the basis of nationally significant travel but is unable to demonstrate approval, as set out at H7.15.10; and
3. requires a variation of conditions in order to return to New Zealand after nationally significant travel undertaken on or before 31 August 2021; and
4. continues to meet all other requirements of the visa the person currently holds.

H7.15.5 People who have been approved for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine

1. Where a person has been approved for early access to the COVID-19 vaccine by the Ministry of Health on the basis of nationally significant travel, they must provide supporting evidence.
2. Evidence may include an email from the Ministry of Health confirming that their early access to the COVID-19 vaccination has been approved.

Note: This includes people who have already received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on the basis of nationally significant travel.

H7.15.10 People who are unable to demonstrate that they meet early access criteria

1. A variation of conditions may be granted where an applicant otherwise meets the national significance criteria for early COVID-19 vaccine access, but is unable to demonstrate they have been approved early access on that basis because:
   1. they have already received one or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine on grounds other than nationally significant travel;
   2. they have already left New Zealand;
   3. they are unable to receive a COVID-19 vaccine; or
   4. there is insufficient time to receive both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine before their departure date.
2. An immigration officer will determine whether a person who meets (a) above may be granted a variation of conditions based on a list of nominated individuals provided by the relevant government organisation or agency to Immigration New Zealand.
3. Relevant government organisations and agencies are listed on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Notes:
- Relevant government organisations will contact affected individuals directly. They will not be accepting applications or nominations.
- Instructions at H5.30.21 describe when individuals who have already left New Zealand and are not in a quarantine-free travel zone may be granted a border exception to return to New Zealand as a result of nationally significant travel.

Effective 14/06/2021