How To | Permanent Resident

Settle in New Zealand

New Zealand is a nation with a perfect blend of breathtaking landscapes and Modern Infrastructures; A decent economy and a low unemployment rate. The fact of earning a flourishing livelihood in New Zealand through settling over there has made it one of the popular destinations among Indian Immigrants.

A student visa is required for anyone traveling to New Zealand for more than three months to take a course, training, project, or even attend university. The most common visas applied for by Indian students over the age of 18 are

• Fee Paying Student Visa
• Exchange Student Visa
• Foreign Government Supported Student Visa
• Pathway Student Visa

It is hard to determine the Student visa validity for candidates who have been in the country for two years and wish to get a Permanent Residence Visa. It is important to remember that the terms "Resident Visa" and "Permanent Resident Visa" are not similar.

Following the successful completion of a degree from any of New Zealand's renowned universities, the next step is to apply for the appropriate type of visa, based on the work opportunity at hand. This may be broken down into the following categories:

Post-Study Work VISA (Open): This visa has flexible options for students who have completed their education and are still looking for work opportunities. It allows the student to stay back in New Zealand for 3 years and look for opportunities related to the studied course. Also, students can work in any field to support their livelihood in these 3 years.

Post-Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted): This visa doesn’t have any flexibility like opting for another job type after study. It allows the students to stay in New Zealand for 2 years giving an opportunity to find a job in a specific field and with a specific employer as well. Make sure to apply for this visa before 3 months of the Student Visa expiry date. 

New Zealand PR Visa

The main purpose of a New Zealand PR visa is to allow the candidate to have a successful professional career by finding a job in a related field of expertise. PR Visa for New Zealand allows the applicants to stay for an indefinite period and also take part in any kind of public-funded services. Having a New Zealand PR is quite beneficial as it helps in getting good job offers and also allows the PR holders in traveling to and from New Zealand to any part of the world, without conditions. Isn’t that interesting?

New Zealand PR Visa Requirements

The following are the essential requirements to get a PR Visa in New Zealand:

1. Age less than 55 years
2. Fluency in the English language
3. Good Conduct and Health
4. A Ready Job offer in hand (Applicable for a sponsored work visa)
5. Must be able to prove the intent to stay in the Country

One can apply for a PR visa in New Zealand under several categories, the most common of which being the Skilled Migrant Category, Partner Category, and Business and Investment Category.

New Zealand PR Points System

New Zealand Government has laid a point system in which points are allotted for each of section in the applicant’s profile. A minimum of 100-135 points are required to be eligible for New Zealand PR Visa application submission. And 160 points in this system make the applicant get selected for ITA. 

Check out the maximum points allotted for each section. 

Employability: 

• 60 points for current skilled employees who have been with the firm for more than a year
• 50 points for individuals looking for work or who have been with the company for less than a year.

Work Experience: 

• 10 points for two years 
• 30 points for ten years
• Bonus points for incentives and progress assessments

Qualifications:

A Bachelor's Degree or other important Diploma degree is worth 50 points, while a Master's or Doctorate Degree is worth 55 points.

Family Ties:

Close relatives in New Zealand gain 10 points.

Age: 

Those aged 20-29 receive a maximum of 30 points, while those aged 50-55 receive a minimum of 5 points.

New Zealand PR Process for Indian Students

Here is the process to apply for New Zealand PR for Indian students who study in New Zealand.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa:

This is the best option for New Zealand immigration; however, you must first submit an online EOI (Expression of Interest). If your EOI is accepted, you should hear from NZ Immigration within two weeks. Then, together with the required transcripts and other papers, you must submit your residence application. You should hear from the immigration office within 10 days after your application is processed.

Family Category Visa:

You can apply for a PR visa under this category if you are the spouse/partner, parent, or dependent child of a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen.
One critical need is that you be sponsored by one of the aforementioned relatives in New Zealand in order to stay with them as a permanent resident of New Zealand.

Business and Investment Visa:

You can apply under the Investor Category if you want to invest in a New Zealand-based firm. Another option is to apply under the Entrepreneur Category, where you must demonstrate your desire to establish your own business in the country. Needless to say, even after considering everything, the decision to approve or refuse your application is entirely up to New Zealand Immigration.

[Read More: Best Cities to Live in New Zealand]

Know the information before applying for permanent residency in New Zealand to understand your requirements and apply for the New Zealand Visa. For more details, reach out to our New Zealand Immigration counselors.