Frequently Asked Questions – New Zealand Residence Visa
1. How can I get permanent residency in New Zealand?
There are several pathways to New Zealand residence, depending on your circumstances. These can include skilled residence, partner and family-based residence, parent residence and other specific residence categories. Your eligibility depends on the requirements of the relevant visa category.
2. What are the requirements for a New Zealand resident visa?
Requirements depend on the residence category you apply under. Depending on the pathway, you may need to meet requirements relating to age, employment, qualifications, relationships, health, character, English language ability and supporting evidence.
3. What is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a residence pathway for people with skills needed in New Zealand. Current pathways include the Points-based pathway, Skilled Work Experience pathway and Trades and Technician pathway.
4. How many points do I need for New Zealand Skilled Migrant residence?
Under the current Points-based Skilled Migrant pathway, applicants need 6 skilled resident points and must also meet the other requirements of the category. Points can be based on factors such as qualifications, occupational registration or income, with eligible New Zealand skilled work experience potentially contributing additional points.
5. Can I apply for New Zealand residence if I have a job offer?
A job or job offer from an accredited employer can be an important requirement for the Skilled Migrant Category, although having a job offer alone does not automatically qualify you for residence. Other eligibility requirements must also be met.
6. Can my partner and children be included in my New Zealand residence application?
Depending on the residence category, your partner and eligible dependent children may be included. For example, the Skilled Migrant Category allows eligible partners and dependent children aged 24 or younger to be included.
7. Can I apply for New Zealand residence through my partner?
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa if you meet the relevant requirements. Immigration New Zealand generally requires evidence of a genuine and stable relationship and at least 12 months of living together for this residence category.
8. Can parents get residence in New Zealand?
Eligible parents of New Zealand citizens or residents may be able to apply through the Parent Resident Visa. The category has specific eligibility, sponsorship and selection requirements, so applicants should check the current requirements before submitting an Expression of Interest.
9. Can I bring my dependent child to New Zealand permanently?
A New Zealand citizen or resident may be able to support an eligible dependent child for residence. Generally, the child must meet requirements relating to age, dependency, relationship and marital status, among other criteria.
10. Do I need a job in New Zealand to get residence?
Not every residence pathway has the same employment requirements. Skilled residence pathways generally involve skilled employment or a qualifying job offer, while family-based residence categories are based on different requirements.
11. Do I need an English test for New Zealand residence?
English requirements depend on the residence category and the applicant’s circumstances. For example, English language requirements apply to Skilled Migrant Category applicants, with specific ways to demonstrate the required ability.
12. Do I need a medical examination for a New Zealand resident visa?
Health requirements apply to New Zealand residence applications, and applicants may need to provide medical examination and chest X-ray results depending on their age and circumstances.
13. Do I need a police certificate for New Zealand residence?
Character requirements apply to residence visa applicants. Depending on your age, immigration history and visa category, you may need to provide police certificates from relevant countries.
14. Can I apply for New Zealand residence from outside New Zealand?
Some New Zealand residence categories allow applications from outside the country, while the requirements and process depend on the specific visa category. Your location should therefore be considered when assessing your residence pathway.
15. How long does a New Zealand residence visa take?
Processing times vary depending on the visa category, application complexity, supporting documents and Immigration New Zealand’s workload. It is best to check the current processing time for the specific residence visa before applying.
16. Can I get permanent residence after getting a New Zealand resident visa?
A resident visa and a permanent resident visa are different. Depending on the category and your circumstances, you may become eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa after meeting the relevant requirements and holding residence for the required period. For example, the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa page states that applicants may apply for permanent residence after holding the resident visa for at least two years continuously, subject to the requirements.
17. Can an immigration adviser guarantee my New Zealand residence visa approval?
No adviser can guarantee approval. Immigration New Zealand makes the final decision based on the applicable immigration instructions, your circumstances and the evidence provided. A professional adviser can, however, help you understand the requirements and prepare an accurate and well-supported application.
18. What documents are required for a New Zealand residence visa?
Documents vary by residence category but may include passports, identity documents, birth or marriage certificates, evidence of relationship, employment and qualification documents, medical certificates, police certificates and other supporting evidence. The exact requirements should be checked against the specific visa category.