Immigration visa to new zealand

New Zealand is a popular destination for immigrants, with a points-based system in place to manage the flow of skilled workers into the country. Here's an overview of the immigration visa process to New Zealand:

Types of Visas:

1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): For skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
2. Work to Residence Visa: For skilled workers who want to work in New Zealand for a minimum of 24 months and then apply for residency.
3. Residence from Work Visa: For workers who have been living and working in New Zealand on a work visa and want to apply for residency.
4. Family Category: For family members of New Zealand citizens or residents who want to join them in New Zealand.
5. Student Visa: For international students who want to study in New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria:

To be eligible for a visa to New Zealand, you must:

1. Meet the age requirement (usually between 18 and 55 years old).
2. Have a good level of English language proficiency.
3. Have relevant work experience and qualifications.
4. Meet the points-based system requirements (see below).
5. Pass a medical examination and police certificate.

Points-Based System:

The points-based system assesses your skills, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency. You need to score at least 160 points to be eligible for a visa. The points are allocated as follows:

• Age: 16 points (up to 30 years old), 12 points (31-39 years old), 8 points (40-44 years old), 6 points (45-49 years old), 4 points (50-54 years old), 2 points (55 years old and above).
• Qualifications: 20-30 points (depending on the level and relevance of your qualifications).
• Work experience: 15-30 points (depending on the length and relevance of your work experience).
• Language proficiency: 10-20 points (depending on your English language proficiency).
• Job offer: 10-20 points (if you have a job offer in New Zealand).
• Other factors: 10-20 points (such as community language, partner's qualifications, and other relevant factors).

Application Process:

1. Check your eligibility: Use the Immigration New Zealand's online tool to check if you're eligible for a visa.
2. Gather required documents: Collect all the necessary documents, including your passport, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency certificates.
3. Submit your application: Apply online or through a licensed immigration adviser.
4. Wait for the outcome: Immigration New Zealand will assess your application and notify you of the outcome.
5. Attend an interview: If required, attend an interview at a New Zealand embassy or consulate.

Processing Times:

The processing time for a visa application to New Zealand can vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your application. Here are some general guidelines:

• Skilled Migrant Category: 6-12 months
• Work to Residence Visa: 3-6 months
• Residence from Work Visa: 1-3 months
• Family Category: 6-12 months
• Student Visa: 2-4 weeks

Fees:

The fees for a visa application to New Zealand vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your application. Here are some general guidelines:

• Skilled Migrant Category: NZD $530 (approximately USD $350)
• Work to Residence Visa: NZD $530 (approximately USD $350)
• Residence from Work Visa: NZD $530 (approximately USD $350)
• Family Category: NZD $530 (approximately USD $350)
• Student Visa: NZD $220 (approximately USD $150)

It's essential to note that these fees are subject to change, and you should check the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date information.