Do you want to move and reside in New Zealand as a permanent resident? GreenTree Immigration, your trusted New Zealand immigration consultant in Chennai, is here to simplify your residence visa application NZ. We offer expert guidance to help you find various pathways to achieving permanent residency in New Zealand. From skilled migrant categories to family sponsorship, our dedicated team ensures a smooth and successful application process.

Anyone who has held a resident visa for more than two years in New Zealand can directly apply for NZ permanent resident visa. This visa allows you to reside in New Zealand permanently and travel inside and outside of the country.

To qualify for New Zealand PR, you need to be under 55, proficient in English, and meet health/character standards. Eligibility also depends on specific pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, which often requires work experience, qualifications, or a job offer.

There are two main types of New Zealand Visas: permanent visas and temporary visas.

Permanent Visas - A Permanent Resident (PR) visa is designed specifically for individuals who wish to migrate permanently. This type of visa allows you to work as a skilled laborer if you have the right skills, experience, and qualifications. New Zealand welcomes applications in the Skilled Migrant category. It's a points-based system.

   Resident Visas - (Work to Residence, Skilled Migrant Category, etc.) or visas for partners and children.

Temporary Visas - Visitor Visas (family visits, or business), Student Visas (for studying), and Work Visas (specific jobs or skilled workers).

Applying for a New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa involves the following process steps. This SMC visa is based on a points system.

Check Eligibility and Points

Assess if you meet the basic criteria (under 55 years old, good health, good character, proficient English).

Calculate your points based on factors like:

New Zealand occupational registration.

Recognized qualification (Bachelor's degree or higher).

Income from a New Zealand job or job offer (at least 1.5 times the median wage).

Skilled work experience in New Zealand.

You need a minimum of 6 points to be eligible under the new points system, and a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand is generally required.

NZQA Assessment (if applicable):

You must get your education qualifications assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) if your education is completed outside NZ and is not present on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment

Submit Expression of Interest (EOI):

Complete and submit your EOI, providing details of your skills, qualifications, work experience, and job offer. This is a standard declaration of your interest in applying for the visa.

EOI Selection and Invitation to Apply (ITA):

Immigration New Zealand regularly selects EOIs from the pool based on the points claimed and other criteria.

If your EOI is selected, you will receive an official Invitation to Apply (ITA) for the SMC Resident Visa.

Complete and Lodge Full Application:

Once you receive an ITA, you typically have four months to submit your complete visa application.

This involves filling out detailed application forms and submitting all required supporting documents

Pay the application fees.

Application Processing and Decision:

Immigration New Zealand will assess your complete application, verify the information, and may request further details or conduct an interview.

Once processed and approved, you will be granted the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Documents Required for New Zealand Resident Visa

When you apply for the NZ SMC Visa, it is necessary to provide the following documents:

If you are invited to apply for residence, you will need to provide the following documents:

Proof of identity (passport or any national ID)

Photographs

Medical Clearance Certificate

Chest X-ray

Police Clearance Certificate

Proficiency of English Test Results

Proof of job offer in NZ or already work with an accredited employer, and that you meet the other requirements for the skilled job

Translated versions of all your documents must be submitted if they are not in English.

If you are including your partner and dependent children, provide:

Proof of documents demonstrating your relationship with them.

Proof of their identity and photographs

Police Clearance Certificate and Medical Clearance Certificate

Proof of chest x-ray

Proof of English proficiency

New Zealand Visa Processing Time

The processing time for the New Zealand visas are listed below:

New Zealand PR Visa Cost