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Residence Permits

Details on pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand, including family, skilled migrant, and investor categories.

Sections

1. Overview of Residence Permits in New Zealand

A Residence Visa in New Zealand grants you the right to live in the country permanently. It is different from a temporary visa (e.g., work, student, or visitor visa) as it provides long-term benefits, including access to public healthcare, education, and the ability to apply for citizenship after meeting certain criteria.

New Zealand offers several pathways to residence, depending on your skills, family connections, or other circumstances. The most common categories include:

  • Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
  • Residence from Work
  • Family Category
  • Investor and Entrepreneur Visas
  • Specific Humanitarian or Refugee Pathways

2. Relevant National Regulations

The residence visa process is governed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) under the Immigration Act 2009. Key regulations include:

  • Applicants must meet health, character, and English language requirements.
  • Points-based systems are used for certain categories (e.g., Skilled Migrant Category).
  • Applicants must demonstrate their ability to contribute to New Zealandโ€™s economy, society, or family reunification.

3. Pathways to Residence

Here are the main residence visa categories and their requirements:

A. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

  • Eligibility: For individuals with skills and qualifications in demand in New Zealand.
  • Points System: Applicants must score at least 180 points based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and a job offer in New Zealand.
  • Requirements:
    • Be aged 55 or under.
    • Meet health, character, and English language requirements.
    • Have a skilled job offer or qualifications in a field listed on the Green List (a list of high-demand occupations).
  • Processing Time: Typically 12-18 months.
  • Cost: NZD $4,950 (application fee) + NZD $830 (Immigration Levy).

B. Residence from Work

  • Eligibility: For individuals who have been working in New Zealand on a Work to Residence visa for at least 24 months.
  • Requirements:
    • Hold a Work to Residence visa under the Talent (Accredited Employer) or Long-Term Skill Shortage List categories.
    • Meet health, character, and English language requirements.
  • Processing Time: 6-12 months.
  • Cost: NZD $2,210 (application fee) + NZD $830 (Immigration Levy).

C. Family Category

  • Eligibility: For partners, dependent children, or parents of New Zealand citizens or residents.
  • Requirements:
    • Partner: Must be in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
    • Parent: Must meet financial and sponsorship requirements.
  • Processing Time: Varies by subcategory (e.g., partner visas take 6-12 months).
  • Cost: NZD $1,860 (partner visa) or NZD $5,280 (parent visa).

D. Investor and Entrepreneur Visas

  • Investor Visa: For individuals willing to invest a significant amount of money in New Zealand.
    • Investor 1: Requires NZD $10 million investment over 3 years.
    • Investor 2: Requires NZD $3 million investment over 4 years (points-based system applies).
  • Entrepreneur Visa: For individuals starting or purchasing a business in New Zealand.
    • Requires a minimum capital investment of NZD $100,000 and a detailed business plan.
  • Processing Time: 6-12 months.
  • Cost: NZD $4,960 (Investor 2) or NZD $3,365 (Entrepreneur).

E. Refugee and Humanitarian Pathways

  • For individuals who qualify under New Zealandโ€™s international humanitarian obligations or as part of the Refugee Quota Programme.
  • Costs are typically covered by the government.

4. General Costs

The costs for residence visas vary depending on the category. Below is a summary of typical fees:

  • Application Fees: Range from NZD $1,860 to NZD $4,950.
  • Immigration Levy: NZD $830 (applies to most residence applications).
  • Medical Examinations: NZD $500-$800 (varies by provider).
  • Police Certificates: Costs depend on the issuing country (e.g., NZD $10-$50 for New Zealand).
  • English Language Tests: NZD $385 for IELTS or NZD $410 for PTE Academic (if required).

5. Standard Procedures

The process for applying for a residence visa generally involves the following steps:

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

  • Review the visa categories and ensure you meet the requirements for your chosen pathway.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • For points-based visas (e.g., Skilled Migrant Category), submit an EOI online.
  • Pay the EOI fee (NZD $650 for SMC).

Step 3: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA)

  • If your EOI is selected, you will receive an ITA to submit a full residence application.

Step 4: Gather Supporting Documents

  • Provide evidence of identity, qualifications, work experience, job offers, health, character, and English language proficiency.

Step 5: Submit Application

  • Complete the residence application form and pay the application fee.

Step 6: Wait for Processing

  • Immigration New Zealand will assess your application, which may include interviews or additional document requests.

Step 7: Receive Decision

  • If approved, you will be granted a Residence Visa. If declined, you may appeal or reapply.

6. Country-Specific Considerations

  • Green List Occupations: New Zealand maintains a list of high-demand occupations (e.g., healthcare, engineering, IT). Applicants in these fields may have faster processing times or additional pathways to residence.
  • English Language Requirements: Most residence categories require proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS score of 6.5 or equivalent).
  • Health and Character Checks: Applicants must undergo medical examinations and provide police certificates from all countries where they have lived for 12 months or more in the past 10 years.
  • Parent Category: This category has limited quotas and long processing times. Ensure you meet the financial sponsorship requirements before applying.
  • Dual Citizenship: New Zealand allows dual citizenship, so you can retain your original nationality if you later apply for New Zealand citizenship.

7. Tips for a Successful Application

  • Plan Ahead: Residence applications can take months to process, so apply well in advance.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Consider consulting a licensed immigration adviser or lawyer for complex cases.
  • Stay Updated: Immigration policies and fees can change, so regularly check the official Immigration New Zealand website.

8. Useful Resources

If you have any specific questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!