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New Zealand’s flourishing economy and high standard of living make it a dream destination for many hoping to start a new.
With the number of immigrants pouring in, it remains a top site for skilled professionals and families seeking permanent residence.
Indian citizens led the immigration numbers in January 2024, with 51,000 new arrivals. But how can a person gain permanent residency in New Zealand?
This guide looks at the steps, requirements and essential advice you need to guide your journey towards PR in New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria
You can receive a permanent resident visa in NZ if you:
1) Have had your resident visa for at least two years,
2) Have satisfied all resident visa requirements,
3) Have shown responsibility to New Zealand in one of the five ways our criteria are met.
Processing Time
How long does it take to get your New Zealand permanent residency? It usually takes around 10 to 12 months.
You’ll be able to:
- Live in New Zealand, work, and research.Â
- Any time you want, fly to and from New Zealand.Â
- Add your wife/husband and minor children aged 24 and under to your visa application if you included them in your original application for residency.
Advantages of Being a New Zealand Resident
Securing permanent residency in New Zealand has numerous benefits that promote financial security, social well-being, and a high quality of life.
Here are some of the key advantages:
1. Financial Support
New Zealand was one of the first countries to introduce financial assistance for its residents, demonstrating a strong commitment to social welfare. Various support programmes are available to help individuals and families maintain financial stability.
2. Income Assistance
You may qualify for financial aid if you lose your job or cannot work due to illness or an accident. Additional support is also available for housing, family expenses—including paid maternity leave—and benefits under the Working for Families scheme.
3. Child Disability Allowance
The Child Disability Allowance is a regular payment provided to the primary caregiver of a child or young person with a significant disability. This support helps families manage the additional care needs of children requiring long-term assistance.
4. Childcare Support
New Zealand provides substantial subsidies for childcare, early education, healthcare, and essential school supplies, ensuring children have access to quality education and medical services early on.
5. Jobseeker Assistance
Jobseeker Support offers financial aid to individuals while they search for employment. Both citizens and eligible immigrants can receive assistance until they secure full-time work, providing stability during the job search process.
Exploring the Pathways to Permanent Residency
You can apply for the New Zealand PR visa in one of the following ways:
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The most common pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand is through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). To be eligible for the SMC, you must meet several criteria:
- Skilled Occupation: Your occupation must be on the New Zealand Skills Shortage List, also known as the ‘Green List’. This list includes occupations that are in high demand across the country.
- Language Proficiency: You must achieve a minimum IELTS score of 6.5 overall, with no band score below 6.0. Demonstrating proficiency in English is essential for successful integration.
- Financial Stability: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself and your family in New Zealand. Financial stability ensures a smooth transition and comfortable adaptation to your new home. You may also explore available scholarships for additional financial support.
The Application Process
You can begin your application online once you meet the SMC eligibility criteria.
However, the process can be complex, and it is highly recommended to seek professional guidance from an immigration consultant to ensure a smooth application journey.
Fortunately, we are experts in this field and would be delighted to assist you!
After submitting your application, Immigration New Zealand will assess it thoroughly.
If approved, you will be granted a resident visa to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
Things to Remember While You Apply For Permanent Residency In NZ
- How do you get permanent residency in New Zealand? If you want to fly, you will need a valid passport with your Permanent Resident Visa. You may need to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand to move your permanent resident visa to a new passport.Â
- Unless a non-principal exemption applies, non-principal applicants can not apply for permanent residency in NZ before the principal applicant.Â
- If you are not issued a permanent resident visa, you might be given another resident visa or a modification to your resident visa travel conditions. This will give you more time as a citizen to move to and from New Zealand.
Documents Required To Get Permanent Residency In NZ
- Your identity proof
- Pictures of your head and shoulders
- Your Passport or Identification CertificateÂ
When submitting your application, you should have your original passport.
Candidates for all visas must be of good faith, not pose a security risk, and not harm New Zealand’s international image.
Any visa or entry permit is not issued to people with significant character problems except under exceptional circumstances.
Before they may be given residency, individuals with other character problems must have the excellent character provision waived. You must present a police certificate as proof of your good faith if you are aged 17 and over.
Permanent Resident Visa In NZ
How to become a permanent resident in New Zealand? You must continuously possess your resident visa for at least 24 months when you ask for a permanent resident visa.
You must also provide:
1) Your resident visa,
2) Your permit for residency.
Resident visa terms
You must prove that all your current resident visa terms have been met.
For resident visas issued under various categories, requirements are different and can include items such as:
1) Commuting to and from New Zealand only for the period approved by your resident visa
2) Spending a minimum amount of days in New Zealand
3) Holding money invested in New Zealand
4) Working only in a specific job and for a specific employer.
You must review your visa tag to see your visa rules.
Documents Showing Your Dedication Towards New Zealand
You can show devotion to New Zealand’s permanent residency in five ways.
1. You’ve spent ample time in New Zealand
In each of the two 12-month portions of the 24 months immediately preceding your permanent residency filing, you spent 184 days or more in New Zealand as a citizen.
2. You have Tax Residency Status for New Zealand
You are a tax resident if you:
1) Have been resident in New Zealand for 41 days or more in either of the two 12-month portions of the two years before you applied for permanent residence and
2) Are assessed as having a tax residence status for the two years before you applied for permanent residence.
3. Investments in New Zealand
For two years or more, you had NZ$1,000,000 invested in an appropriate investment in New Zealand.
4. Business in New Zealand
A year or more ago, you either purchased or started a company in New Zealand. The company must effectively trade and, in some way, profit New Zealand.
You would have at least a 25 per cent stake in the company if you acquired an established business in New Zealand.
Conditions for non-principal applicants
Suppose you were a non-principal applicant when you applied for a resident visa. In that case, you must apply for your permanent resident visa at the corresponding time as or after the principal applicant unless there is a non-principal exemption.
Cost Of Application For New Zealand Permanent Residency
This is the fee for your application to be handled by Immigration New Zealand. If your application is rejected, you will not receive a refund for the application costs.
It charges a non-refundable immigration levy and is included in the rate.
VAC Service Charge
This is the fee for receipt of your application and submission to Immigration New Zealand by the Visa Application Centre (VAC).
You can pay the VAC service fee when you present your application. If the Fee is not paid when your application is sent, the VAC will contact you to ask for it.
Your application should be processed within 49 days. If there is anything else you need to do, they will contact you.
Steps to Apply for a New Zealand Permanent Residency Visa
Securing permanent residency in New Zealand is a multi-step process that requires careful planning and adherence to immigration guidelines.
The application involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, submitting an Expression of Interest (EOI), and providing necessary documentation. Below is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process smoothly.
1. Check Eligibility
The first step is to assess your eligibility based on factors such as your points score, occupation in demand, language proficiency, age, and other relevant criteria. If you meet the requirements to apply for New Zealand PR, you can proceed to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If you are uncertain, it is advisable to seek guidance from an immigration expert.
2. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)
An Expression of Interest (EOI) is a preliminary application where you provide details about your qualifications, work experience, and other relevant factors. This step is essential for Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to assess whether you can apply for a residence visa.
3. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)
If your EOI is selected from the pool, INZ will assess your profile based on qualifications, employment status, income, and professional registration. Applicants who meet the required points threshold will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a residence visa.
4. Complete the Residence Visa Application
Once you receive an ITA, you must submit a fully completed residence visa application within four months. This includes submitting required documents such as identity proofs, qualifications, employment history, police clearance, medical examination reports, and other supporting materials.
5. Application Processing
After submission, INZ will process your application. The processing time may vary, and you may be asked to provide additional information or attend an interview if required.
6. Receive a Decision
Once your application has been assessed, INZ will inform you of the decision. If your application is approved, you will be granted a residence visa to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
7. Travel to New Zealand
If you are applying from outside New Zealand, you must enter the country within the specified time frame after your visa is granted to activate your residency status.
Top 10 Courses in New Zealand That Can Lead to Permanent Residency
New Zealand offers world-class education and opportunities for students to secure Permanent Residency (PR) by pursuing courses in high-demand fields.
Selecting the right programme can enhance your career prospects while increasing your chances of settling in the country long-term.
Below are the top courses that can lead to PR in New Zealand.
1. Information Technology (IT)
With the rising demand for IT professionals, studying technology-related courses can provide strong employment prospects.
Software development, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and network engineering programs are particularly sought after. Graduates in these areas often secure well-paying jobs and have a clear path to PR.
2. Engineering
Engineering remains one of the most in-demand professions in New Zealand. Specialisations in civil, mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering are highly valued due to ongoing infrastructure and development projects.
Earning an engineering degree can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining PR.
3. Healthcare and Nursing
New Zealand consistently demands healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, medical technicians, and healthcare managers.
Studying nursing, medical sciences, or healthcare administration courses can lead to stable employment and a smooth route to PR.
4. Business and Management
Degrees in business-related fields, including MBAs and specialised management programmes, are highly regarded.
With a dynamic economy and numerous job opportunities in finance, marketing, and human resources, business graduates have excellent prospects for career growth and PR.
5. Construction and Skilled Trades
With rapid urban development, skilled professionals in construction management, carpentry, plumbing, and electrical work are highly sought after.
Studying a construction-related course ensures stable job prospects and aligns with PR pathways under skilled migration programmes.
6. Agriculture and Agribusiness
As a nation known for its agricultural excellence, New Zealand offers significant opportunities in farming, agribusiness, viticulture, and food production.
Those pursuing degrees in agricultural sciences or agribusiness management can secure valuable career opportunities contributing to PR eligibility.
7. Tourism and Hospitality
New Zealand’s flourishing tourism sector provides job openings in hospitality management, travel, and culinary arts.
Studying these courses can help students secure employment in hotels, resorts, and tourism companies, offering a potential route to PR.
8. Education
Teachers are in high demand, particularly in early childhood education, secondary education, and special needs teaching.
Pursuing an education-related qualification can lead to fulfilling job opportunities and increase the likelihood of securing PR.
9. Environmental Sciences
New Zealand places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental protection. Programmes in environmental sciences, ecology, and conservation management are growing in relevance, allowing graduates to contribute to sustainability efforts while enhancing their PR prospects.
10. Creative Arts and Design
New Zealand’s creative industries continue to thrive, with career opportunities in graphic design, film production, animation, and visual arts.
Graduates in these fields can explore employment in media, entertainment, and advertising, with potential pathways to PR.
FAQs
1. Is it easy to get PR in New Zealand?
The rising immigrant population makes obtaining permanent residency in New Zealand today increasingly difficult. You must meet the following criteria to get a PR in New Zealand. Be under the age of 55 years, have excellent fluency in the English language, must have received a job offer (in case you have applied for a sponsored work visa), and should be able to demonstrate your intention to stay in the country.
2. How long does it take to get PR in New Zealand?
It can take two years or more to get a PR in New Zealand. In each of the two years before applying for permanent residence, you must have travelled to New Zealand for a minimum of 184 days on a resident visa. These two years are measured from the moment you applied for permanent residency, not from the two years following the issuance of your resident visa.
3. How much does New Zealand PR cost?
NZD 210 is the fee for Immigration New Zealand to process your application. An immigration levy is payable and is included in the total amount over and above the immigration fee. The application fee is non-refundable in case your application is rejected.
4. How many points are required for New Zealand PR?
To be eligible for New Zealand PR, a person must earn 100 points on the Points Grid.
We hope you enjoyed reading this blog on How to Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand. Do check out some of the other blogs –
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