Resident Visas with ICL

A Resident Visa in New Zealand permits indefinite living, working, and studying in the country. It offers most rights of a New Zealand citizen, excluding voting rights and holding a New Zealand passport.

New Zealand offers several types of Resident Visas:

• Work to Resident Visa: For individuals with specific skills or job offers.

• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa: For healthcare workers with relevant qualifications.

• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Points-based visa for skilled workers (minimum points threshold subject to change).

• Straight to Residence Visa: For highly skilled or talented individuals in specific sectors.

• Highly Paid Residence Visa: For individuals earning significantly above the median wage (exact threshold available on Immigration New Zealand's website).

• Partnership Residence Visa: For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, requiring proof of a genuine and stable relationship.

Typically requires employment in a role listed on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List, or a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.

Care workers in New Zealand, needing specific qualifications (as outlined by New Zealand's standards) and relevant work experience in healthcare.

Applicants are assessed based on age, work experience, qualifications, and a job offer in New Zealand. The current pass mark is dynamic and can be checked on Immigration New Zealand's website or connect with us for more information.

Aimed at highly skilled professionals or individuals with exceptional talent in specific areas, requiring evidence of significant contributions or expertise.

For professionals earning above a certain income threshold, typically set above the median wage in New Zealand (exact figures subject to change).

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, requiring proof of a genuine and stable relationship for at least 12 months.

Applications involve submitting forms and supporting documents online through Immigration New Zealand. Each visa category has specific document requirements.

Most visas allow the inclusion of partners and dependent children under 24 years, subject to meeting health and character requirements.

English proficiency is typically required. The level of proficiency and type of test accepted varies by visa type.

Resident Visas have initial travel conditions typically valid for 2 years. Permanent Resident Visas offer indefinite stay without travel restrictions.

Processing times vary by visa type, ranging from several months to over a year. Check the Immigration New Zealand website for current processing times or connect with us for more information.

Generally, no specific work location restrictions unless specified by the visa, such as those under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Applicants can address the reasons provided by Immigration New Zealand in a new application or explore alternative visa options.

ICL Immigration assists with eligibility assessment, application preparation, document advice, and ongoing support throughout the process.

A class visa in New Zealand refers to a specific category under which resident visas are issued. It defines the terms and conditions, including duration, work rights, and travel limitations. Understanding the class of your resident visa is crucial for compliance with New Zealand immigration laws.

Individuals who have invested significantly in New Zealand can apply for a resident visa under the Investor categories. These visas are for those who intend to invest a substantial amount of money in New Zealand businesses or government bonds.

Temporary entry class visas, such as visitor or student visas, have specific conditions like duration of stay, work rights, and study limitations. These must be adhered to strictly to maintain legal status in New Zealand.

Care workers in New Zealand who meet specific eligibility criteria can apply for a Work to Residence visa, allowing them to live and work in the country with the pathway to residency. Find out more about the requirements and application process on our care workforce work to residence visa page.

Business owners can apply for a resident visa under the Entrepreneur category, which requires them to set up or purchase a business in New Zealand and actively participate in its management.

To apply for a permanent resident visa, individuals must have held a resident visa for at least two years, demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand, and meet other criteria like spending a minimum number of days in the country (184 days in each of the last two years).

Yes, resident visa holders can sponsor eligible family members, such as partners and dependent children, for residence under the family sponsorship category, subject to meeting specific eligibility criteria.

Once you meet the conditions of your resident visa, such as the initial two-year travel condition, you may be eligible to apply for a permanent resident visa, allowing unrestricted travel to and from New Zealand.

A commitment to New Zealand is assessed by factors like the time spent in New Zealand during the resident visa period, establishing a home, or contributing to the community or local economy.

A temporary visa, such as a work or student visa, can serve as a pathway to residence by allowing individuals to gain the necessary experience, qualifications, or relationships in New Zealand. This experience can then be leveraged to meet the criteria for various residence class visas.

Residence class visas in New Zealand include the Skilled Migrant Category, Family Category (including Partnership Visa), Investor and Entrepreneur Visas, and other specific categories like the Long-Term Skill Shortage List Visa. Each category has unique eligibility requirements and conditions.

Yes, it is common to start with a temporary visa, such as a work or student visa, before applying for a resident visa. This approach allows individuals to establish themselves in New Zealand and meet specific requirements that make them eligible for resident status.

Transitioning from a temporary visa to a residence class visa provides several benefits, including increased stability, longer duration of stay, the possibility of family inclusion, and a pathway to permanent residency and citizenship.

ICL Immigration assists clients in transitioning from a temporary visa to a residence visa by assessing their eligibility, advising on the best pathway based on their circumstances, assisting with document preparation, and guiding them through the application process.

Yes, holders of temporary visas who are applying for a residence visa can often include their family members in their application. This includes partners and dependent children, subject to meeting the relevant criteria and providing the necessary documentation.

Key considerations include ensuring continuous legal status, meeting specific criteria for the residence visa category, preparing and submitting the necessary documentation, and understanding the timeframes and processes involved.

The duration for holding a temporary visa before applying for a residence visa varies depending on the visa category. For example, work visa holders may need to work in New Zealand for a specific period to qualify for certain residence visas.

Temporary visas generally have more restrictions and a shorter duration of stay compared to residence class visas. Residence visas offer more rights, such as the ability to work for any employer and access to certain public services and benefits.

Business owners on a temporary visa can plan for residence by meeting the criteria under the Entrepreneur or Investor residence categories. This includes successfully establishing or investing in a business in New Zealand and contributing to its economy.