A number of queries have been received regarding people who want to submit EOIs before their sponsor has met the 3 year residence requirement. The requirement for the sponsor to be a New Zealand resident for 3 years applies when the application is lodged, not when the Expression of Interest (EOI) is lodged. Therefore parents cannot be stopped from submitting an EOI in anticipation of their sponsor being eligible when they are invited to apply. However, if their sponsor has been a New Zealand resident for less than 2 years and 8 months when they submit their EOI, it is possible their EOI will be declined if it is drawn before their sponsor becomes eligible.
If branches are assessing an EOI where all other criteria appear to be met and the sponsor will meet the three year requirement during the invitation to apply (ITA) window, you may issue an ITA but the ITA letter should clearly state that the application cannot be lodged until after the date on which the sponsor becomes eligible, otherwise it will be declined. If the sponsor will not meet the eligibility requirements during the ITA window then the EOI should be declined.