Live Permanently in New Zealand

Types of Resident Visas

New Zealand offers several types of resident visas to cater to different needs, including but not limited to:

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa – Designed for individuals who have the skills, qualifications and experience that are in demand in New Zealand.
• Straight to Residence (STR) Visa – For individuals with skills and qualifications that fit a role on Tier 1 of the Green List.
• Work to Residence (WTR) Visa – For individuals with skills and qualifications that fit a role on Tier 2 of the Green List.
• Dependent Child Resident Visa – Allows children to join their parents who are either New Zealand citizens or residents.
• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa – Allows the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident to live in New Zealand.
• Permanent Resident (PR) Visa – Allows individuals to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely without travel conditions.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

This visa is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that New Zealand needs.

To be eligible for an SMC Resident Visa, you must:

• Points System – You must have 6 points and a full-time job offer to apply. You may claim points in one of the four following ways:
  • 3 points – Bachelors degree or Post Graduate Certificate, NZ registration (2 yrs of training) or job offer pays 1.5x median wage
    • + 3 points – 3 years skilled work in New Zealand.
    • TOTAL 6 POINTS;
  • 4 points – Honours degree or Post Graduate Diploma, NZ registration (4 yrs of training) or job offer pays 2x median wage
    • + 2 points – 2 years skilled work in New Zealand.
    • TOTAL 6 POINTS;
  • 5 points – Master’s degree or NZ registration (5 yrs of training)
    • + 1 point – 1 year skilled work in New Zealand.
    • TOTAL 6 POINTS;
  • 6 points – PhD or Doctorate, NZ registration (6 yrs of training) or job offer pays 3x median wage.
• Skilled job offer – Have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer for at least 30 hours per week. For ANZSCO skill level 1-3, you must be paid at or above the median wage. For ANZSCO skill level 4-5, you must be paid at or above 1.5x median wage.
• Skilled work experience in New Zealand – You can claim 1 point for each year of skilled work experience you have in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. The wage thresholds mentioned above also apply.
• Age – You must be aged 55 or younger when you apply.
• English language – You must show that you can speak and understand English via your citizenship, a test or acceptable qualification.
• Health and Character – You must provide medical certificates and police clearance to demonstrate you are in good health and of good character.

Straight to Residence (STR) Visa

This visa is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that fit a role on Tier 1 of the Green List in-demand.

To be eligible for an STR Resident Visa, you must:

• Acceptable Employment – Meet the requirements set out in the Green List for your role, work for an accredited employer in a full-time and permanent role.
• Previous work – Provide evidence you meet the role’s requirements e.g. IQA for overseas qualifications, previous work reference letters, payslips and employment agreements.
• Age – You must be aged 55 or younger when you apply.
• English language – You must show that you can speak and understand English via your citizenship, a test or acceptable qualification.
• Health and Character – You must provide medical certificates and police clearance to demonstrate you are in good health and of good character.

Work to Residence (WTR) Visa

This visa is designed for individuals with skills and qualifications that fit a role on Tier 2 of the Green List in-demand.

To be eligible for an WTR Resident Visa, you must:

• Acceptable employment – Have held a work visa and worked for 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 in-demand role in New Zealand. You must work for an accredited employer in a full-time and permanent role.
• Previous work – Provide evidence you meet the role’s requirements e.g. IQA for overseas qualifications, previous work reference letters, payslips and employment agreements.
• Age – You must be aged 55 or younger when you apply.
• English language – You must show that you can speak and understand English via your citizenship, a test or acceptable qualification.
• Health and Character – You must provide medical certificates and police clearance to demonstrate you are in good health and of good character.

Dependent Child Resident Visa

This visa allows dependent children of New Zealand residents or citizens to live in New Zealand.

To be eligible for an Dependent Child Resident Visa, you must:

• Age – be under 24 years old and financially dependent on your parent.
• Parent’s Status – The parent must be a New Zealand resident or citizen.
• Health and Character – Medical checks and police clearance are required for the child.

Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa

This visa is for individuals who are in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.

To be eligible for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, you must:

• Partner’s Status – Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Living together – Have lived with your partner who holds a New Zealand passport or resident visa for more than 12 months.
• Genuine and stable relationship – Provide evidence such as tenancy agreements, shared bills, photos, communication records, statements from friends and family, length of relationship and future plans etc.
• Health and Character – Medical certificates and police clearance are required.

Permanent Resident Visa (PR)

This visa is for those who have held a resident visa and want to secure permanent residency.

To be eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa, you must:

• Resident Visa Status – Have held a resident visa for at least 24 months and met all conditions.
• Travel Conditions – Meet travel conditions, including spending time in New Zealand and maintaining your residency status.
• Health and Character – Continued adherence to health and character requirements is necessary.

How Hannah Can Help

Navigating the resident visa process can be complex, but Hannah is here to make it easier for you. With in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s immigration policies, Hannah will:

• Assess Your Situation – Determine the best type of visa for your residency based on your specific needs and circumstances.
• Guide You Through the Application Process – Provide step-by-step assistance with completing forms, gathering necessary documents and meeting all requirements.
• Offer Personalised Advice – Address any concerns and provide tailored recommendations to increase your chances of a successful application.

For expert guidance on New Zealand resident visas and to ensure a smooth application process, contact Hannah today. Let her help you turn your New Zealand resident plans into reality with confidence.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation and begin the application process for your resident visa.