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new zealand visas
the most common visa routes we manage.
Below is a list of visas you could be eligible to apply for. Use the "read more" buttons to find out more information on all the available options. If you would like more help and advice then do not hesitate to contact us.
1. SKILL MIGRATION VISAS
This is the most common visa route for skilled migrants wishing to live permanently in New Zealand. It offers permanent residence for applicants with skills in demand in New Zealand. Applicants must pass a points’ pass mark (minimum 100 points) achieved through a combination of age, qualifications, work experience and often an offer of employment in New Zealand. Additional points may be achieved if your occupation appears on the Long Term Skills Shortage List, you have already worked in New Zealand, or if you have immediate family resident there. Points are claimed through an initial Expression of Interest application, and if successful, applicants may receive an Invitation to Apply for residence in New Zealand. This application is then submitted to Immigration New Zealand for consideration along with all the required documentation. You must be aged 55 years of age or less at the time the application is lodged. The visa grants applicants, their partner and any accompanying dependent children permanent residency in New Zealand.
Click here to see the Essential Skills in Demand Lists.
2. FAMILY MIGRATION VISAS
This is a category of permanent residency visas which allow applicants to join children, parents or siblings who already live in New Zealand or gain residence through a partner or spouse who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Partner Visa + read more
Applicants must demonstrate they are in a committed and genuine relationship for at least 12 months with a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident who meets the requirements to be the sponsor. Couples who are legally married or in a de-facto relationship can be eligible for this visa.
Parent Visa + read more
Applicants must meet the balance of family requirement by having a greater or equal number of children living in New Zealand than in any other one country. One child in New Zealand must have been permanently resident there for at least 3 years and be in a position to act as Sponsor. This means they or their partner must be able to evidence a gross annual income of at least NZ$31,202.08. The applicants are not required to demonstrate any assets. This is a capped visa and hence the processing time can be considerably longer than other visa routes.
Sibling Visa + read more
Applicants must have no parents or siblings in their country or residence and will need to be able to demonstrate their ability to be self sufficient in New Zealand and to have secured an acceptable offer of employment there. One sibling who has been permanently resident in New Zealand for at least 3 years must act as sponsor.
3. PARENT RETIREMENT CATEGORY
This visa has the same requirements as the Family Parent Visa above. However, this category allows Immigration New Zealand to prioritise high net worth individuals who are seeking to migrate to New Zealand permanently under the Family category. Applicants are required to invest NZ$1 million over 4 years. You must also have an annual income of NZ$60,000 and settlement funds of NZ$500,000.
4. TEMPORARY VISAS
These visas are issued granting you a specific period of time you may spend in New Zealand. It may be possible to apply for another visa before the current visa expires however there is no guarantee this will be approved.
Essential Skills Work Visa + read more
If you have an offer of employment in New Zealand you may be able to apply for this visa to allow you to work there for a specific amount of time only (1 to 5 years depending on policy). Your job will usually either need to appear on one of the Essential Skills in Demand Lists (Long Term and Immediate Skills Shortage Lists) or your employer will need to be able to demonstrate that there has been no New Zealanders in their area able to fill the position. In addition, you must be appropriately qualified by training or experience to take up the position. This visa can also be useful for those migrants who are required to start working in New Zealand prior to permanent residency being granted.
Click here to see the Essential Skills in Demand Lists.
Work to Residence Visa + read more
Working temporarily in New Zealand can be used as a step towards gaining residence. If you have an offer of employment in New Zealand with a base salary of at least NZ$55,000, with an Accredited Employer (approved to recruit overseas by Immigration New Zealand), or your position appears on the Long Term Skills Shortage List, or you have an exceptional talent you may able to achieve permanent residence through the Work to Residence Visa. This is a good route for those who are unable to meet the Skilled Migrant category pass mark. It is a temporary work visa which enables the applicant to work in New Zealand for 30 months and can then be followed by a further application for permanent residence as long as the requirements have been met.
Student Visa + read more
Applicants must have the offer of a place on an approved course at an education provider in New Zealand that meets the requirements. You will have to pay the course fees unless you are deemed exempt (for example, if you are a dependent child of a work visa holder who meets the requirements). The visa will be granted for a specified length of time and the holder may also be able to work for a specified number of hours.
Visitor Visa + read more
Applicants are granted to visa to allow them to visit New Zealand or take part in events there but not work. Holders of UK passports may visit New Zealand for up to 6 months (some other countries for 3 months) as part of the Visa Waiver programme and need not apply for a visa, but you may need to apply if you wish to extend your stay.
Working Holiday Visa + read more
This is a visa which offers places to citizens of eligible countries (aged 18 to 30) to primarily visit and experience New Zealand for 12 or 23 months and be able to work temporarily whilst there. There are specific requirements and each eligible country has its own scheme. The UK scheme has unlimited places available.
Temporary Retirement Visa + read more
This is a 2 year visa available to applicants over the aged 66 and over which allows people to spend some of their retirement in New Zealand. Applicants are required to invest NZ$750,000 in New Zealand over visa period and have assets of at least NZ$500,000. In addition you must have an annual income of NZ$60,000 and have comprehensive health insurance in place.
