Immigration to New Zealand

New Zealand offers several work visa options that can serve as stepping stones to permanent residency:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa: For those with a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
• Specific Purpose Work Visa: For those coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event.
• Working Holiday Visa: For young people from certain countries who want to work and travel in New Zealand.
• Post-Study Work Visa: For international students who have completed a qualification in New Zealand.

Many work visa holders eventually transition to permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or other pathways.

New Zealand citizens and residents can sponsor certain family members for permanent residency:

• Partner Category: For partners (spouse, civil union partner, or de facto partner) of New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Parent Category: For parents of adult New Zealand citizens or residents who meet certain income requirements.
• Dependent Child Category: For dependent children of New Zealand citizens or residents.

Family category visas allow families to reunite and settle permanently in New Zealand.

New Zealand welcomes entrepreneurs and investors through several visa categories:

• Investor Category: For those willing to invest NZ$3 million (Investor 2) or NZ$10 million (Investor 1) in New Zealand for a specified period.
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: For those who want to buy or establish a business in New Zealand.
• Global Impact Visa: For innovative entrepreneurs and investors who want to create positive global impact from New Zealand.

These categories are designed to attract business talent and investment to stimulate the New Zealand economy.

The Work to Residence pathway allows certain temporary work visa holders to apply for residence after a period of working in New Zealand:

• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: After working for an accredited employer for 24 months, you may be eligible for residence.
• Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa: If your occupation is on the Long Term Skill Shortage List and you've worked in that role for 24 months, you may qualify for residence.
• Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa: For those with exceptional talent in arts, culture, or sports who have worked in New Zealand for 24 months.

This pathway provides a clear route to permanent residency for skilled workers in demand in New Zealand.

The Skilled Migrant Category operates on a points-based system where points are awarded for various factors including age, work experience, qualifications, and job offer. Currently, you need at least 160 points to be selected from the Expression of Interest pool. Points are allocated as follows:

• Age (20-39 years): 30 points
• Skilled employment in New Zealand: 50-60 points
• Skilled work experience: 10-70 points depending on years and location
• Qualifications: 40-70 points depending on level
• Additional points for employment in areas of skill shortage, partner's qualifications, etc.

Our immigration consultants can help you calculate your potential points score and advise on strategies to increase your points if needed.

The Skilled Migrant Category visa process involves several steps:

1. Self-Assessment: Calculate your potential points score using Immigration New Zealand's points calculator.
2. Expression of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI to Immigration New Zealand, which remains valid for 6 months.
3. Selection: EOIs with 160 points or more are selected from the pool in regular draws.
4. Invitation to Apply (ITA): If selected, you'll receive an ITA for residence.
5. Residence Application: Submit a complete residence application with supporting documents within 4 months of receiving the ITA.
6. Decision: Immigration New Zealand assesses your application and makes a decision.

The entire process typically takes 6-12 months, though processing times can vary.

While a job offer is not strictly required for all immigration pathways, having one significantly increases your chances of success, particularly for the Skilled Migrant Category. A job offer from a New Zealand employer can provide up to 50-60 points in the points system, which is often crucial for reaching the selection threshold of 160 points. Additionally, certain work visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa, specifically require a job offer. For investor and entrepreneur categories, a job offer is not required, but you'll need to meet investment or business establishment criteria instead.

English language requirements vary by visa category. For the Skilled Migrant Category and most work visas, you need to demonstrate a minimum level of English proficiency through one of the following:

• IELTS score of at least 6.5 overall (Academic or General Training)
• TOEFL iBT score of at least 79
• PTE Academic score of at least 58
• Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) or Proficiency (CPE) score of at least 176
• Being a citizen of and holding a passport from Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States
• Having a recognized qualification with English as the medium of instruction

Partners and dependent children over 16 may also need to meet English language requirements or pay for English language tuition.

There are several ways to bring your family to New Zealand:

• Include them in your application: Partners and dependent children can be included in your Skilled Migrant Category or work visa application.
• Partner of a New Zealander: If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, they can sponsor you for a Partner Visa.
• Parent Category: New Zealand citizens or residents can sponsor their parents for residence, though this category has specific requirements including a minimum income threshold.
• Dependent Child Category: For children of New Zealand citizens or residents.

Each family immigration pathway has specific requirements regarding relationship evidence, financial support, and accommodation. Our immigration consultants can provide guidance on the most appropriate pathway for your family situation.