Purpose
A New Zealand Residence Visa grants the holder the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. Holding a residence visa is the first step towards obtaining permanent residency and, eventually, New Zealand citizenship. Residence visa holders enjoy many benefits similar to New Zealand citizens, including access to public healthcare and education.
General Visa Conditions
Indefinite Stay: Residence visa holders can live in New Zealand indefinitely.
Study: Holders can enrol in any educational institution in New Zealand without restrictions on their course choices or institutions.
Travel Conditions: Initial travel conditions may be imposed, usually valid for two years from the date of arrival for offshore applicants, and two years from visa approval for onshore applicants. After this period, holders must apply for one of the after-residence visas as per their eligibility to maintain the ability to travel in and out of New Zealand.
Character Requirements: Must maintain good character. Any criminal convictions may affect future visa applications.
Health Requirements: Must meet health standards set by New Zealand Immigration.
Financial Stability: Proof of financial stability or ongoing financial support may be required, depending on the visa, such as a Parent Residence Visa.
No Employment Restrictions: Residence visa holders are free to work for any employer in New Zealand, facilitating their active participation in the local community and economy.
Public Services Access: Entitled to public healthcare and education services.
Obligations to Notify: Must notify Immigration New Zealand of any changes in circumstances that could affect visa conditions.
Different Pathways for Residence in NZ
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa allows eligible workers in the care industry to live and work in New Zealand with a pathway to residence. This visa addresses labour shortages in the care sector by attracting skilled migrant workers. Eligible visa holders can apply for residence after 2 years of working in the care workforce industry and meeting residency requirements, providing a stable future for themselves and their families in New Zealand.
Straight to Residence Visa, The Straight to Residence Visa allows eligible skilled workers to directly obtain New Zealand residence based on their eligibility. This visa targets individuals with skills and experience in high demand, specifically those in Green List Tier 1 occupations who meet the required criteria.
Transport Work to Residence Visa, The Transport Work to Residence Visa allows eligible workers in the transport industry a pathway to residence. This visa addresses labour shortages in the transport sector by attracting skilled migrant workers. Eligible visa holders can apply for residence after working for 2 years in the same industry and meeting residency requirements.
Please note: Immigration New Zealand closed Transport Sector Work to Residence pathways for individuals who started work as a bus or truck driver on or after 7 April 2024.
Work to Residence Visa, The Work to Residence Visa allows eligible skilled workers to obtain New Zealand residence after working in a skilled profession for at least 2 years. This visa targets individuals with skills and experience in long-term skill shortage areas, specifically those in Green List Tier 2 occupations who meet the required criteria. Eligible workers can apply for residence after 2 years of skilled employment in the field.
Partner of New Zealander Residence Visa, The Partner of New Zealander Residence Visa allows the partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to apply for residence based on their genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. Partners can apply for a residence visa after living together for 12 months, except in special circumstances.
Parent Retirement Residence Visa, The Parent Retirement Residence Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand if they meet investment and income requirements. Applicants must invest a substantial amount in New Zealand and have sufficient annual income to support themselves. This visa provides a pathway for parents to join their children in New Zealand while contributing economically.
Dependent Child Residence Visa, The Dependent Child Residence Visa allows children of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa reunites families and enables children to study and eventually work in New Zealand.
Entrepreneur Residence Visa, The Entrepreneur Residence Visa allows entrepreneurs who have successfully established or purchased a business in New Zealand to live and work in the country indefinitely. This visa encourages innovation and economic growth by attracting talented businesspeople to contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
Samoan Quota Residence Visa, The Samoan Quota Residence Visa allows citizens of Samoa to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely under the Samoan Quota Scheme. This visa is part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Treaty of Friendship with Samoa, facilitating migration opportunities for Samoan nationals.
Pacific Access Category Residence Visa, The Pacific Access Category Residence Visa provides a migration opportunity for citizens of certain Pacific countries to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa is part of New Zealand’s commitment to the Pacific region, promoting cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
Religious Worker Residence Visa, The Religious Worker Residence Visa allows individuals involved in religious activities to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa supports various religious organizations in New Zealand by facilitating the migration of qualified religious workers.
Parents Residence Visa, The Parent Residence Visa allows parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to live in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa is designed to reunite families, enabling parents to join their children in New Zealand and enjoy the benefits of living in the country.
Please note: The Parent Residence is a two-stage process. Firstly, need to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) once you the eligible. Second, when EOI is selected and receives an Invitation to Apply (ITA), can proceed with the residence visa application.
Victims of Family Violence Residence Visa, The Victims of Family Violence Residence Visa allows partners of New Zealand citizens or residents who have experienced family violence to live in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa provides a pathway to safety and stability, enabling victims to rebuild their lives without the fear of losing their immigration status.
FAQs
Yes, most residence visas allow you to include your partner and dependent children in your application.
Depending on the specific type of visa, conditions vary. For instance, Religious Worker Residence Visa holders must meet sponsorship obligations for 5 years post-residence application (s49(1) of the Immigration Act 2009), while Parent Category Residence Visa holders must meet these obligations for 10 years (s55 of the Immigration Act 2009).
The permanent residence visa can be applied for after specific durations depending on the type of residence visa held. For instance, visas like the Skilled Migrant Category, 2021 Resident Visa Category, and Partnership Category allow application after 2 years, while Entrepreneurs can apply after 4 years, Religious Workers after 5 years, and Parent Category after 10 years.
The applicant needs to provide a Police clearance certificate from their country of citizenship and any country in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years, whether in one visit or multiple visits.
The principal applicant must provide a police clearance certificate issued within 6 months of the residence application. Family members are required to provide police clearance certificates if their previously supplied certificates were issued more than 24 months before the date of their residence application.
Please note that an INZ officer may request the police certificate if necessary.
Mainly all residence pathways in New Zealand require an English language requirement. However, exceptions include visas such as the Partner of New Zealander Residence Visa, Parent Retirement Residence Visa, and Dependent Child Residence Visa, which do not typically mandate English language proficiency as part of their application criteria.
Immigration New Zealand accepts International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet Based Test (TOEFL iBT), Occupational English Test (OET), Cambridge English B2 First (FCE) or B2 First for Schools (FCE for Schools), Pearson Test of English: Academic (PTE: Academic).