Community Sponsored Refugee Resident Visa (CORS)

The Community Sponsored Refugee Resident Visa, also known as the Community Organisation Refugee Sponsorship (CORS) category, is a specialized resettlement pathway in New Zealand. Unlike the standard government-led Refugee Quota Programme, this pathway allows approved community organizations to directly nominate and support refugees for permanent residency.

This program is designed for refugees who are already recognized by the United Nations and demonstrate a high potential for integration through work experience and English language skills. It is not an asylum process for people already in New Zealand; it is a resettlement mechanism for those currently living overseas.

Important Status Update: The "Extended Pilot" phase of this program officially concluded its intake on June 30, 2025. As of early 2026, New Zealand immigration authorities are processing existing applications but have not yet opened a permanent version of the program for new nominations.

It is critical to distinguish this pathway from other New Zealand refugee programs:

• Not for Asylum Seekers: You cannot apply for this visa if you are already in New Zealand. It is strictly for offshore resettlement.
• Direct Community Placement: Unlike the Quota program, you do not stay at the Mangere Refugee Resettlement Centre (the national reception center). Instead, you go directly to the community that sponsored you.
• Family Scope: This visa covers your partner and dependent children. It is not intended for extended family members (parents, siblings, etc.). For extended family reunification, you must look into the Refugee Family Support Resident Visa.
• Pilot Status: Because the pilot ended in mid-2025, the government is currently evaluating the program's success. No new sponsor organizations are being registered until a permanent category is formally announced.

Once your visa is granted and you arrive in New Zealand, you hold Permanent Resident status immediately. This provides the following rights:

• Right to Stay: You can live in New Zealand indefinitely.
• Work and Study: You have full rights to work for any employer in any occupation and study at any educational institution.
• Social Services: You have immediate access to publicly funded healthcare and social security benefits (if needed).
• Travel Rights: You can travel to and from New Zealand as a resident, though you should check the travel conditions on your visa regarding re-entry.
• Path to Citizenship: You are eligible to apply for New Zealand Citizenship after living in the country as a resident for at least 5 years and meeting the physical presence requirements (1,350 days).
• Family Reunification: You may be able to sponsor certain family members under other visa categories once you are settled.