2021 Resident Visa to Citizenship Timeline
Key dates and milestones from RV2021 through to NZ citizenship eligibility
What was the 2021 Resident Visa?
The 2021 Resident Visa (RV2021) was a one-off residence pathway created by the New Zealand government for migrants affected by COVID-19 border closures and processing delays. It was announced in September 2021 and opened to over 165 eligible visa categories.
Over 200,000 people applied across two phases. Phase 1 opened in December 2021 for selected visa holders, and Phase 2 opened in March 2022 for the majority of applicants. Bulk approvals were processed rapidly through 2022.
Key milestone dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Sep 2021 | Government announces the 2021 Resident Visa |
| Dec 2021 | Phase 1 applications open for selected visa holders |
| Mar 2022 | Phase 2 opens — bulk approvals begin for most applicants |
| Jul 2022 | Applications close |
| Mar 2024 | First RV2021 holders eligible for Permanent Resident Visa (2-year mark) |
| Jul 2024 | Last RV2021 holders reach PRV eligibility |
| Late 2026 | Earliest citizenship eligibility (with 125-day early credit) |
| Mar 2027 | Phase 2 holders reach standard 5-year citizenship mark |
| Jul 2027 | Last RV2021 holders reach 5-year mark |
| 2027–2028 | Expected surge in citizenship applications and ceremonies |
Permanent Resident Visa (2-year mark)
After holding your Resident Visa for 2 years, you become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). For most RV2021 holders approved in March 2022, this was from March 2024.
A PRV gives you unrestricted travel rights and removes any expiry conditions on your visa. While not required for citizenship, it provides flexibility to travel without worrying about visa expiry dates during the remaining years.
Citizenship eligibility (5-year mark)
Citizenship requires 5 years of holding a residence class visa, plus meeting physical presence requirements: at least 1,350 days total and 240 days per 12-month period.
With early credit: If you were in NZ for 125 days before your visa was granted (e.g., granted 1 March 2022, in NZ from late October 2021), you could be eligible from around late October 2026.
Without early credit, the standard 5-year mark for Phase 2 holders is from March 2027.
What to do now
- •Use the calculator to find your exact eligibility date based on your travel history
- •Keep a detailed record of all international travel dates (departure and arrival)
- •Apply for your Permanent Resident Visa if you have not already done so
- •Gather your documents early: birth certificate, passport photos, proof of presence
- •Budget for the application fee of NZ$470.20
- •Monitor DIA announcements for any changes to processing times or requirements
Common questions
When can RV2021 holders apply for NZ citizenship?
Most RV2021 holders were approved from March 2022 onward, meaning the standard 5-year eligibility date falls from March 2027. Those who qualify for the 125-day early credit may be eligible from late 2026.
Do I need a Permanent Resident Visa before applying for citizenship?
No. You can apply for citizenship with a standard Resident Visa. However, getting your PRV (available after 2 years) gives you unrestricted travel rights while you wait.
How does the 125-day early credit work for RV2021?
If you were physically present in New Zealand for up to 125 days immediately before your RV2021 was granted, those days can count toward your first 12-month period. This can bring your eligibility date forward by up to about 4 months.
Will there be delays because of the expected surge in applications?
DIA has indicated awareness of the upcoming volume. Processing times may increase from current averages. It is advisable to apply as soon as you are eligible and to ensure your documentation is complete to avoid delays.
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