Moving countries permanently is an exciting feeling but at the same time requires careful planning, preparation and understanding what the changes could mean to your career and life. It is a very common notion for individuals and families to assume that their life and career will improve if they choose to move to a western country. While this may be true to a certain extent, this is not an easy process for most seeking residence abroad. While the grass always appears to be greener on the other side, it takes a lot of effort for most individuals and families to achieve the residence status. There are many pathways to residence however you must meet and fulfil the immigration policy requirements prior to being granted a resident visa. A resident visa essentially allows you to live permanently like an ordinary citizen. You could qualify for citizenship later provided you demonstrate that you spend most of your time living and working in New Zealand.

Most individuals travel to New Zealand on a temporary visa and later apply for residence on meeting requirements. Gaining residence in a country is an absolute privilege and not a right and therefore one must follow the laws of the land and strive to meet the policy instructions in order to achieve this status. Immigration assesses and awards points for age, qualification, skilled employment and experience under the skilled migrant category. Individuals must meet the English language requirement as well as health and character requirements in order to qualify for this residence visa.

If your skills are in demand or on the skill shortage list and you meet those requirements listed, your application may be expedited. There is also emphasis laid on how much you earn and needless to say the higher the income, the better the chances of gaining residence. Employers in New Zealand are willing to pay top dollar for the skills that are in significant demand and the immigration system is designed in a way to attract highly skilled immigrants. Families of these skilled immigrants are also able to join them permanently provided they meet the relationship requirement and are able to prove their relationship to Immigration, as well as meet health and character requirements.

Parents of a New Zealand resident/ Citizen can also apply for residence under the Parent Category provided their resident child is able to demonstrate that they can afford to meet the expenses as well as meet the acceptable standard of health requirements set out by Immigration.

Skilled Migrant Category Visa
Work to Residence Visa: Talent Accredited Employer
Family Category Visa