Straight to Residency: Exploring the New Visa Opportunity for Permanent Residency in New Zealand

New Zealand is a gorgeous country with an interesting cultural history and so many opportunities for all kinds of people, so it is no surprise that it is a common dream destination for people all over the world – particularly for immigrants looking to start anew in a foreign country. 

The path to becoming a resident of this beautiful country has become more accessible through various visa options designed to cater to different needs and qualifications. In fact, you may be eligible for a residency visa that will allow you to come and live in Aotearoa legally. 

The Importance of Working with An Immigration Professional

Before we review the different residency options you may be eligible for, let us first discuss the importance of working with a qualified immigration adviser.

Being granted a visa can change your life for the better. However, it is not as simple as filling out a quick form. You will want to pick the right visa category, correctly fill out your forms, provide the correct documentation and so on. One wrong move can delay your application process, or even cause you to be rejected. 

So, it is vital that you work with professionals who understand what they are doing and who have worked with people like you before. When choosing your immigration adviser, look for someone qualified, has a good success rate, communicates well and is fully transparent about their practices.

Together, you and your immigration adviser can discuss your situation while exploring your options and doing everything right to maximise your chances of success. 

Understanding the Residence Class Visa

A residence class visa allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely. This is opposed to temporary visas with fixed durations. 

There are a few visa options you may want to consider, such as:

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. This SMC visa is for individuals possessing skills that are in demand in New Zealand. It allows indefinite residence and requires the submission of an Expression of Interest (EOI), detailing your professional background and qualifications. EOIs are assessed based on a points system, with a preference for those scoring 180 points or more. This visa is ideal for skilled workers but is not available to self-employed individuals.

The Work to Residence Visa. This visa is designed for individuals employed by an accredited employer in New Zealand or those who have received a job offer from one. Positions must fall within Tier 1 of the Green List, which includes highly skilled occupations. This visa facilitates indefinite residence and extends to your partner and dependent children.

The Entrepreneur Resident Visa. This visa suits those who have been self-employed in New Zealand for at least six months or have successfully operated a business for two years. This visa supports business growth and economic contributions to New Zealand.

The Dependent Child Resident Visa. New Zealand citizens or residents can bring their dependent children to live with them. This visa allows children to pursue education or employment in New Zealand, depending on their age and circumstances.

The Straight to Residence Visa. If you have a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer or have been working for one for a significant period, and your role is on Tier 1 of the NZ Green List, you can apply for this visa. This option also allows you to sponsor your partner and dependent children.

Exploring the Application Process

The application process for a New Zealand residence visa is straightforward:

• The Initial Consultation. First, engage with a licensed immigration consultant to assess your eligibility for a residence visa. A complimentary consultation can help you understand the best visa option for your situation.
• Gathering The Proper Documentation. Prepare all the necessary documents, including proof of identity, employment or investment documents, English language proficiency and other relevant papers. Additionally, ensure all non-English documents are translated.
• Prepare An Expression of Interest. For categories that require one, prepare an EOI detailing your qualifications and professional background.
• Submit The Application. Once your EOI is selected or you meet the criteria for other visa categories, submit your full application, including all required documents and fees. When filling out your application, we strongly recommend doing so with a qualified immigration adviser to ensure everything is in order. 
• Wait For Processing. Although the processing time for different NZ visas varies, it could take anywhere from a week or two to several months. If you plan on being in New Zealand at a certain time, you should plan accordingly and start the process early. 

Expanding Your Horizons with A New Zealand Visa

Do you dream of seeing the sunny beaches of Aotearoa? Or do you have what it takes to work here and contribute to our economy? If you want to apply for an NZ visa, we at Auckland South Immigration Consultants want to help. For more information about residency visas, please visit our website.

Or you can call us directly on 0800 16 8472 or use our contact page to contact our team.

Start fresh in Aotearoa; let us at Auckland South Immigration Consultants help.