The government is allowing 165,000 overseas workers to gain residence through a fast-tracked one-off visa - but that has left many people cursing their bad luck.
Some were not on the right visa on the right day, or are still working for New Zealand companies but are out of the country.
Gill Bonnett reports Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said in a statement people who are not eligible for the new residence pathway will need to explore other options to stay in New Zealand permanently.
And he says the government is not currently intending to extend post-study work visas for those overseas.
