The pathway to residency in New Zealand can vary depending on your individual circumstances, but generally, there are several ways you can obtain residency in the country.
How New Zealand defines Residency
Becoming a resident in New Zealand gives you the rights of a New Zealand citizen. You can live permanently, work, study, bring family and even perform jury service as well as vote in New Zealand. The only difference is you will not have same rights a NZ citizen will have when you visit another country.
New Zealand residency is divided into two phases. The first phase is the Resident Visa while Permanent Resident Visa is the second phase. Both grant you the above mentioned rights however, under section 49(1) of the Immigration Act 2009, a resident visa will be subject to conditions depending on the category under which the residence application was lodged and whether it was lodged within or outside New Zealand.
What are these categories?
Here are some common pathways to residency in New Zealand:
1. Skilled Migrant Category: This pathway is for skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand permanently. To qualify, you must meet certain criteria, including age, English language proficiency, health, character, and work experience in a skilled occupation that is in demand in New Zealand.
2. Work to Residence: This pathway is for people who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer. If you meet the requirements, you can apply for a work visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 30 months. After that, you can apply for residency.
3. Entrepreneur Work Visa: This pathway is for people who want to start a business in New Zealand. You must have a business plan that is approved by Immigration New Zealand, and you must have at least NZD $100,000 in capital to invest in the business.
4. Family Category: This pathway is for people who have a close family member who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. You can apply for residency if you have a spouse, partner, parent, or child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
5. Refugee or Protected Person Status: This pathway is for people who have been granted refugee or protected person status in New Zealand.
It’s important to note that each pathway has its own specific requirements and eligibility criteria, so it’s a good idea to research each option carefully and seek advice from a qualified immigration professional before making any decisions.
