Permanent Residency for New Zealand

New Zealand offers several pathways to permanent residency based on your skills, qualifications, and family ties. Here are the key routes to achieving PR in New Zealand:

1. 1. 1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category is one of the most popular pathways for obtaining New Zealand PR, designed for skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economic growth.

• • • Eligibility:
      • Points-Based System: You need to score at least 160 points in the points system, which factors in age, work experience, qualifications, and job offer in New Zealand.
      • Job Offer: While a job offer from a New Zealand employer is not mandatory, it significantly boosts your chances.
      • Age Limit: You must be under 55 years old to apply.
      • Skills and Qualifications: You must have recognized qualifications and work experience in a profession listed on New Zealand’s Long-Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL).
      • English Language Proficiency: You must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS.

Once approved, you receive a Resident Visa, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand. After two years of residence under this visa, you can apply for Permanent Resident Visa status.

1. 1. 2. Residence from Work Visa

If you are already working in New Zealand on a Work to Residence Visa, you can apply for PR after working for 24 months in an eligible occupation.

Eligibility:

• • • Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: This visa is for those employed by an accredited New Zealand employer in an occupation listed as a skilled or high-demand job.
    • Long-Term Skill Shortage Work Visa: This visa applies to those employed in occupations that are on New Zealand’s Long-Term Skill Shortage List.

Application Requirements:

• • • You must have worked for the same accredited employer in New Zealand for at least 2 years.
    • You must continue to meet the conditions of your Work to Residence visa, such as maintaining your job in a skilled occupation.
    • Your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

1. 1. 3. Family-Based Residency

If you have close family members who are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, you may be eligible for PR under the Family Visa category.

Eligibility:

• • • Partnership Visa: If you are the spouse or partner of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, you can apply for PR after living together for 12 months or more in a genuine and stable relationship.
    • Parent Category: Parents of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can apply for PR, provided they meet the financial and residency requirements. Applicants must meet the balance of family test, meaning the majority of their children live in New Zealand.

Family sponsorship programs are subject to caps and specific requirements, but they provide a direct route to residency for close relatives of New Zealand citizens and residents.

1. 1. 4. Investor Visa

The Investor Visa pathway is available for high-net-worth individuals who want to invest in New Zealand’s economy and become permanent residents.

Investor Visa Categories:

• • • Investor 1 (Millionaire) Visa: Requires an investment of NZD $10 million for at least 3 years.
    • Investor 2 Visa: Requires an investment of NZD $3 million for at least 4 years, with additional criteria like age limits, business experience, and English language proficiency.

Both categories require proof that the investment will benefit New Zealand’s economy and that the applicant has enough funds to support themselves and their family during their stay.

1. 1. 5. Entrepreneur Visa

The Entrepreneur Visa is designed for individuals who want to establish or purchase a business in New Zealand.

Eligibility:

• • • Capital Investment: You must invest a minimum of NZD $100,000 in the business (exceptions may apply for high-potential businesses).
    • Business Plan: A comprehensive business plan is required, showing how your business will benefit New Zealand’s economy.
    • Points-Based System: Applicants are assessed on a points system that considers business experience, financial investment, and job creation for New Zealand citizens or residents.

After operating your business successfully for 2 years, you can apply for PR under the Entrepreneur Residence Category.

Benefits of Permanent Residency in New Zealand

Obtaining PR in New Zealand comes with numerous benefits, including:

• • • Right to Live, Work, and Study: Permanent residents can live and work anywhere in New Zealand indefinitely.
    • Access to Healthcare: PR holders can access publicly funded healthcare through New Zealand’s public health system.
    • Education: PR holders and their children can access the education system, including subsidized tuition for public schools and tertiary institutions.
    • Travel Flexibility: Permanent residents can travel in and out of New Zealand without needing a visa each time.
    • Pathway to Citizenship: After 5 years of residency, PR holders can apply for New Zealand citizenship.
      
      

Application Process

Step 1: Eligibility Assessment

• • • Contact Real Gateway of Migration: We assess your profile and determine the best PR pathway based on your qualifications, work experience, and family ties.

Step 2: Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

• • • For the Skilled Migrant Category, you will need to submit an EOI, detailing your qualifications, work experience, and other factors to score points in the immigration system. If selected from the EOI pool, you will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residency.

Step 3: Gather Required Documents

• • • Documents Needed:
      • Valid passport.
      • Proof of qualifications and work experience.
      • English language proficiency test results.
      • Medical and police clearance certificates.
      • Proof of funds (if required).

Step 4: Submit Residency Application

• • • We assist you in submitting your residency application to Immigration New Zealand, ensuring that all documentation is complete and accurate.

Step 5: Visa Decision

• • • Processing Time: The processing time for PR applications varies based on the immigration pathway but generally ranges from 6 to 12 months.
    • Decision: Once approved, you will receive a Resident Visa, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.