How Can I Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand
The process of obtaining permanent residency for New Zealand can be extremely complex and time consuming for most immigrants. Permanent residency status implies that an individual is able to work legally in New Zealand, as well as to live and travel freely within the country. The country of New Zealand has several different visa pathways which allow one to apply for permanent residency. The eligible applicants who decide to become a resident of New Zealand will need to first meet the basic requirements and then successfully complete the application procedure.
Requirements and Benefits of Obtaining Permanent Residency in New Zealand
In order to be eligible for New Zealand permanent residence, an applicant must first have been resident in the country for a minimum of 5 consecutive years. During this period of residency, the applicant must be able to demonstrate a complete commitment to the country, its values, and its citizens. This includes being able to comply with the legal requirements and paying taxes as required. Additionally, one must have an income of at least NZ$30,000 per annum and have access to adequate health cover.
Once applicants have satisfied these criteria, the main benefits of obtaining permanent residency are that one can remain as a member of the New Zealand community and enjoy the same rights, privileges, and responsibilities as any other citizen. This includes the right to vote in elections, access state funded health care, receive publicly funded education, register a business and own property in the country.
Pathways To Obtaining Permanent Residency
The main route to applying for permanent residency is through the Skilled Migrant Category. This application is the most straightforward and expeditious pathway to residency available, as it allows applicants with the required skills to gain without the need to understand complex visa and residency criteria. In this category, applicants need to meet the skilled migrant points test by scoring at least 160 points. This points system takes into account factors such as age, qualifications, and work experience.
Another option for those wishing to become a permanent resident of New Zealand is through the Family Stream. This category is for applicants who have immediate family living and working in New Zealand, or are relocating to be with family. Furthermore, for applicants wishing to invest in the country, the Entrepreneur visa is another option. This visa is for those entrepreneurs who have innovative business ideas they wish to set up and invest in New Zealand.
For those planning to retire in New Zealand, there is the parent retirement visa. This visa requires that applicants demonstrate their financial capacity to reside in New Zealand and provide evidence that a parent is receiving income from a foreign pension outside of the country. Additionally, there is a Working Holiday visa available if an individual wishes to stay and work in the country. This visa requires applicants to be aged between 18 and 30 and be a citizen of a specified country.
A fifth pathway is The Pacific Access Category. This category is available to individuals from Kiribati, Samoa, and Tonga and offers the opportunity to settle and work in New Zealand after the satisfaction of certain criteria.
Application Process For Permanent Residency
Applicants who have identified the eligible visa pathway for permanent residency must submit a complete application package. This requires a variety of documents, which can be found on the website of Immigration New Zealand. It is best to check the website for any updated information, as frequently the requirements change. Additionally, it is advisable to have documents translated into English, and in some cases applicants are required to attend a medical check as part of the application process.
When the visa application is approved, individuals must be willing to show proof of residence in the country by attending to immigration check-ins. This is done by presenting proof of identity and a valid passport at the designated Immigration Office in order to continue living in New Zealand. Applicants must also be aware of the country’s rights, responsibilities and privileges and remain true to them throughout their permanent residency.
Once permanent residency is obtained, the applicant can resume their life in New Zealand as a resident with the same rights and privileges as any other resident.
Tips For Obtaining Permanent Residency
It is always good to research the visa pathways and programme options available in order to ascertain which would be the best for each individual. Once the pathway is selected, applicants can begin the process of gathering the necessary documentation. It is recommended to consult a Migration Expert when dealing with applications, as they can provide information and advice on the immigration process. Additionally, it is recommended to read over all documentation thoroughly before submitting them and double-check for errors.
When gathering documentation for an application, applicants must ensure that all documents requested are provided in the specific format required. Furthermore, applicants should be aware of the fact that the processing time for applications can vary greatly from 30 days to over 1 year, depending on the visa type and the complexity of the application.
It is important to prepare for the Immigration medical exam and the Immigration Interview which may form part of the application process. Thus, applicants should seek out additional resources, such as books on how to prepare for the medical and interview exams. Medical and character certificates are required for the execution of the application process, and these should be obtained prior to the submission of the application.
Further Options for Permanent Residency
For applicants who wish to move to New Zealand in a more permanent capacity, there exist additional options beyond the Skilled Migrant visa. The Retiring in New Zealand Visa is an excellent option for those who can demonstrate the financial capacity to live in the country from their own income or investments. Furthermore, those who are highly skilled international students can also obtain New Zealand permanent residency through the Graduate Work visa. This post-study work visa allows graduates to stay in the country for 3 years and to work in any job that is related to their field of study.
The Future of Permanent Residency
The government of New Zealand is keen to attract immigrants who are endowed with the skills and experience needed for its growth and development. The government recognises the economic potential that such individuals bring to the region, and has therefore been introducing policies to encourage immigrants to settle in the country.
Recent changes to the Skilled Migrant Category include the introduction of the Skilled Migrant Family Mutual Support visa. This new visa option facilitates the entry of an extended family member into the country who can help the main visa applicant settle and participate in New Zealand’s economy and society. All applications are assessed on a case-by-case basis, and the visa will cover the visa holder’s spouse and dependent children.
The government has also committed to attracting people with agriculture-related skills. The notion here is to attract agricultural workers to fill current and future shortages in the farming sector. The decision is in line with the government’s plan to create jobs and to boost high-value, export-driven industries such as the agricultural sector.
Factors to Consider Before Applying for Permanent Residency
The New Zealand visa application process can be a long and challenging one, and it is important to understand the potential benefits and drawbacks involved with applying for permanent residency. One of the positive aspects is the quality of life in the country, as New Zealand is a vibrant and diverse culture based on strong values of family, citizenship, and responsibility.
That said, applicants should also be aware that New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere and the climate is vastly different from some other countries. Furthermore, the cost of living in New Zealand can be higher than in other countries due to taxes and other government policies. Before making a decision, it is advisable to research the country more thoroughly and to seek professional advice.
Conclusion
Becoming a permanent resident of New Zealand is a dream shared by many individuals. Through a variety of visa pathways, those who are willing to comply with the requirements can make their dream a reality. The process may be complex and time consuming, but with the right advice and guidance, it is possible to become a permanent resident of the Land of the Long White Cloud.
