On 9 September 2020, the Minister of Immigration announced the decision to create a new border exception category for some work visa holders who have departed New Zealand. The immigration instructions were recently updated to reflect this announcement. In addition, Immigration New Zealand has also introduced instructions to include work visa holders who have been granted resident visas since departing New Zealand, but have not activated their resident visas by entering New Zealand, to make requests under this new border exception category. These instructions come into effect on 9 October 2020. This article will explain the process, the requirements, how to prove job retention, and how partners and dependent children are treated under this new border exception category.