New Zealand will close the Ukraine Resident Visa category to new applications on 16 March 2026. If you or your family are in New Zealand on a Special Ukraine Visa (2022) and you want to stay permanently, you must apply for the Ukraine Resident Visa on or before that date.

What exactly happened?

In January 2026 Immigration New Zealand said the Ukraine Resident Visa category will stop taking new applications from 16 March 2026. This special resident visa was set up for people who came to New Zealand on a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa and gave them a path to live, work and study here permanently. Applications after 16 March 2026 will not be accepted under the current rules.

The INZ pages also explain the main rule for who can apply: you must have arrived in New Zealand on a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa on or before 15 March 2024 to be eligible. The official pages show the application steps and the current fee for the visa.

Who will this affect?

• People already in New Zealand who hold a Special Ukraine Visa (2022) and who want to become residents.

• Partners and dependent children who can be included in an application.

• People who arrived after the eligible date need to look at other visa options.

If this applies to you or your family, it’s important to act before the deadline. Waiting could make your future in New Zealand harder.

Why this matters — a human view

Think about what “residence” gives you: steady work options, children’s schooling, health care, and the calm of not worrying about visas every few months. For many families who left Ukraine for safety, the Ukraine Resident Visa was that step toward a normal life in New Zealand. With the category closing, those people need to decide and apply — or they will have to try other, sometimes harder, routes to stay. This is stressful, and the simplest thing you can do is begin the paperwork now.

Important facts you must know (plain and practical)

• Closing date: The Ukraine Resident Visa category closes to new applications on 16 March 2026.

• Who can apply: People who arrived on a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa on or before 15 March 2024 may apply, and they can include partners and dependent children.

• Fee: The official Ukraine Resident Visa page shows the application fee and how to pay it — check the INZ page for the exact fee amount and any updates.

• Background: The residence pathway opened on 16 March 2024 and was planned to run for two years, closing in March 2026. This was announced when the special pathway began.

Because rules and fees can change, always check the official INZ pages before you apply.

Step-by-step: what you should do now

1. Check your eligibility today. Confirm you arrived in New Zealand on a 2022 Special Ukraine Visa on or before 15 March 2024.

2. Gather documents. Get passports, your Special Ukraine Visa record, ID, birth/marriage certificates, and any other papers INZ asks for.

3. Apply before 16 March 2026. Do not miss the deadline — INZ will not accept late Ukraine Resident Visa applications under the current rule.

4. Pay fees and follow INZ instructions. INZ explains how to pay and how to apply online. Keep copies of everything.

If you miss the deadline — other routes to stay in New Zealand

If you can’t apply in time for the Ukraine Resident Visa, there are other visas but they are not the same and can be harder:

• Skilled Migrant Category — for people with skills or a job offer.

• Work-to-Residence or Green List routes for some in-demand jobs.

• Family or partner visas, study visas, or specific work visas, depending on your situation.

Each route has its own rules, costs, and wait times. If you miss the Ukraine Resident Visa deadline, speak to an immigration adviser or community group who can help you find the best path.

Side note — travel and visitor rules (NZeTA)

If you or family plan to travel to New Zealand for short visits, remember that travel permission is different from residence. You might need an NZeTA Application Form before you travel, not a resident visa. Use the official NZeTA site or app to request it.

About NZeTA Cost: the NZeTA processing fee is lower if you apply through the official app (for example, NZD $17) or a bit higher online (for example, NZD $23). Most visitors also pay an International Visitor Levy (IVL) when they request an NZeTA — check the INZ pages for the current amounts.

Tips to make it easier

• Start now — small tasks each day add up.

• Scan and save documents as PDFs.

• Include family members in the same application where possible.

• If English is hard, get help from a friend, community group, or accredited adviser.

• Keep a folder with your application number and all receipts.

Final, human words

News like this brings worry and hard choices. If you are affected by the closing of the Ukraine Resident Visa category, take one small step today: check the official INZ Ukraine Resident Visa page, confirm your eligibility, and begin collecting documents. Acting early gives you the best chance to stay in New Zealand legally and with less stress. You do not have to do this alone — community organisations, legal advisers and INZ resources are there to help.