New Zealand stands out as one of the prime choices for earning, living, and settling with your family. However, staying in the country indefinitely necessitates obtaining a valid visa. On this page, you will get all the information on the process of obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand, including eligibility criteria and other crucial details.
Eligibility Criteria for the PR Process in New Zealand:
The criteria for the New Zealand PR process are outlined below:
- Applicants should be under 55 years of age.
- Health and character qualifications are mandatory.
- Proficiency in English is required.
- A job offer from a New Zealand employer is essential.
- Adequate proof of your intent to reside in the country is necessary.
- A minimum of 100 points is required based on qualifications, age, employment, work experience, etc.
- A minimum of two years of work experience with supporting documents is mandatory.
- Applicants must hold three to six qualification certificates from recognized institutes.
Applicants can also seek permanent residency in New Zealand through various visa categories such as the Partner Category, Skilled Migrant Category, and Business and Investment category, which will be discussed in detail later.
How to Apply for PR in New Zealand:
Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for New Zealand PR from India:
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Step 1 – Check the Eligibility Criteria: Before initiating the process, ensure that you meet all the criteria outlined for PR eligibility. Seek assistance from an immigration expert if needed.
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Step 2 – Take the NZQA Assessment: If your qualifications are from outside New Zealand, undergo an NZQA assessment unless your overseas qualification is recognized and exempt from assessment. This assessment verifies your education credentials against the required standards.
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Step 3 – Submission of Expression of Interest: Submit an electronic Expression of Interest (EOI) outlining your intent to settle in New Zealand. This involves a two-stage process: document submission and profile checking, followed by an invitation.
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Step 4 – Wait for Invitation: Wait for New Zealand officials to accept your EOI and send an invitation to submit a residence application. Fill in the details and provide documentation supporting your claims regarding age, work experience, qualification, language proficiency, etc.
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Step 5 – Approval of PR Visa: Authorities will verify your credentials and information. If positive, you will be granted permanent residency in New Zealand.
Documents Required for PR in New Zealand:
Submit the following documents with your NZ PR application:
- Job offer letter with employer details, working hours, remuneration, position, and other relevant information.
- Certificate of good character issued by the police.
- Medical proof indicating good health.
- Evidence establishing a genuine and stable relationship with your partner (if the basis of your visa).
- New Zealand Qualification Report.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
Different Pathways to Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand:
Explore three pathways to obtain citizenship in New Zealand:
Skilled Migrant Category Visa
- Common for gaining citizenship through skilled employment.
- Two-step process with points allocated for age, work experience, education, etc.
- Eligibility criteria include proficiency in English, age under 55, good character, and good health.How to Apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa:
- Submit an EOI and other applications indicating qualifications and skills.
- Upon acceptance, receive an ‘Invitation to Apply’ and submit a residence application.
Family Category Visa
- Subdivisions include partner, spouse, parent, or dependent child categories.
- Requires sponsorship from a relative in NZ to complete the PR process.
Business and Investment Category Visa
- For individuals interested in business and property investment.
- Includes Investor and Business categories with specific criteria.
- Investor Category
- Investor Category
Processing Time and Fees for PR in New Zealand:
Processing time varies based on the visa category. For instance, applying through the Skilled Migrant Category may result in an Invitation to Apply (ITO) in as little as three weeks. Residence applications take four to fifteen months, and business visas take eight to ten months. Fees depend on the applicant’s nationality, with the cost for Indians being NZ$ 190.
Checking the Application Status of PR in New Zealand:
After completing the New Zealand PR process from India, check your application status:
- Step 1: Visit the ‘New Zealand Visa Status’ website.
- Step 2: Fill in necessary information such as Passport Number, Receipt Number, Date of Birth, etc.
- Step 3: Click ‘Submit,’ and the status will be displayed.
Benefits of Permanent Residency in New Zealand:
Acquiring permanent residency in New Zealand comes with various benefits:
- Indefinite residence in NZ without objections.
- Children can enroll in any school in NZ.
- Access to healthcare facilities in NZ.
- Freedom to enter and exit New Zealand at will, similar to any other permanent resident.
