Visas & Advice Detail
New Zealand: Visa Options
There are a number of visas available to those migrating to New Zealand, but which one is right for you? Choosing the best visa could greatly increase your chances of emigration success
Skilled Migrant Category
The Skilled Migrant category (SMC) is a points-based system that takes into consideration such factors as age, qualifications and the skills shortage in the area of New Zealand you intend to live.
Emphasis is placed on several requirements:
1. Applicants should have an offer of employment in NZ
2. Experience of working in the country; and
3. Experience of working in an occupation for which there is a shortage of suitable candidates.
Only one person per family need apply – the 'principal applicant' – and they should be the person who can score the most points. Prospective Skilled Migrants must score at least 100 points in order to lodge what is called an Expression of Interest (EoI). Currently, a score of 140 points is likely to result in an invitation to apply, although this is subject to change. EoIs that aren't selected in the first draw remain in the pool for up to six months, but the applicants are free to lodge a fresh EoI.
Work to residence
If you fail to get a visa under the Skilled Migrant Category but still score a sufficient number of points, the New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) may offer you a work to residence permit, providing you have exceptional talent in the arts, culture or sports, or skills in an area of labour shortage in New Zealand. This entitles you to work temporarily in the country as a step towards gaining permanent residence, after two years you are able to apply for permanent residence.
Family Category
New Zealand's Family category visas exist to reunite relatives and strengthen families and communities throughout the country. So, if you haven't got relatives in New Zealand already, these visas aren't for you.
The visa is divided into two streams: the Family category and the Family Quota category – each have further subcategories. You may be eligible for residence in New Zealand through the Family category if you are the partner, parent, child or sibling of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
The Family Quota category is open to relatives of New Zealand citizens or residents who do not qualify for any of the visas through the standard Family category. Applicants must be sponsored by a relative who is a permanent New Zealand resident or citizen and lodge a registration form at a specified time of the year.
Business category
These migration routes rely on the applicant having either business experience or investment funds. All migrants must meet certain health and character requirements (through medical examinations and police checks) in addition to English language standards.
Investor category
This category has changed, and it's now a more similar to the Skilled Migrant application process. The Relevant business experience required to apply as an investor is defined as having owned a lawful business enterprise, or management or supervisory experience in a lawful business enterprise. The minimum investment capital is NZ$2 million (approximately £820,000), and certain conditions apply.
Long Term Business
This visa is not in fact a residence category. It allows people to set up a business in New Zealand who may then go on to apply for permanent residence under the Entrepreneur visa category. Applicants must have a detailed and satisfactory business plan, and investment and sustenance funds.
Entrepreneur category
A residence visa that is open to those who have established, purchased or made a substantial investment in a business in New Zealand, and have been self-employed in that business for at least two years. In addition, the business you have established must be of benefit to New Zealand in some way, leading to the employment of at least five residents or citizens. Employees of relocating businesses may move to New Zealand if they are a key employee of the business.
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