Based on your personal circumstances, we can assess, advise and assist you with the best option for you to obtain residence in New Zealand through the available pathways.  We can also help with having your qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority in order to have them recognised here in New Zealand.

 

Skilled Migrant Visa 

This category provides a residence pathway for those with skills and experience that would benefit New Zealand, particularly for occupations in demand. It is a points-based system, where points can be gained for skilled employment, qualifications, experience, remuneration and location.  You must also meet English language, health and character requirements. It is a two-step process – firstly, an Expression of Interest (EOI) is submitted. If your EOI is selected from the pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply for residence.  This must be lodged within four months. Partners and children may be included. For more information, click here.

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Skilled Resident Visa Category

This category offers three pathways to residence for people in skilled employment.

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1. Straight to Residence

This pathway is designed for migrants with skills to fill highly skilled or hard-to-fill roles and allows you to apply once you have a current contract or contracts for services totalling at least six months duration.   You must be 55 years or younger and be in an occupation included on Tier 1 of the Immigration New Zealand Green List.  You must also meet the relevant criteria for the role.

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2. Work to Residence

This pathway is for migrants who have demonstrated they have the skills, hold a work visa in an occupation listed on the Tier 2 Green        List, and have worked at least 24 months in that position.  It is also subject to age, health and character requirements.

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3. Highly Paid

If you are a migrant holding an acceptable work visa for a position on Tier 2 of the Green List and you are paid at least twice the median wage, you may be eligible for this pathway after 24 months in your role.  Age, health and character requirements also apply.

 

Entrepreneur Resident Visa

This provides a pathway for self-employed businesspeople.  If you have invested capital in New Zealand and successfully established a business while holding an acceptable work visa, you may be eligible to apply for a residence class visa after 6 months or 2 years, depending on your level of investment.  Click here for more information.
 

Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa

This visa allows the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.  Travel conditions apply for the first 24 months.  You may include dependent children under the age of 24.  Further information, is available here.

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Parent Resident Visa 

You can apply for this type of visa if you have an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. They must earn enough money and agree to sponsor you. This is a two-step process. You must complete an expression of interest and be invited to apply. You must also be healthy, of good character, speak English and have no dependent children. Click the following link here for more information. 

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Parent Retirement Resident Visa

If you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident and you meet specific financial requirements, you may be able to apply for residence to join your family.  For further information, please click here.

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Permanent Resident Visa

After you have held your Resident Visa for 24 months and have met the relevant conditions (if any), you can apply for permanent resident status.  This visa entitles you to the same living and work freedoms as the resident visa, but without the travel conditions.  Click here for more information.

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