New zealand immigration process
The New Zealand immigration process is managed by Immigration New Zealand, a department of the New Zealand government. The process involves several steps, including:
- Determine your eligibility: Check if you meet the basic requirements for a visa, including age, health, character, and language proficiency.
- Choose the right visa: There are several types of visas, including:
- Visitor visa: For short-term stays (up to 9 months).
- Work visa: For temporary or permanent work.
- Student visa: For studying in New Zealand.
- Resident visa: For permanent residency.
- Skilled Migrant Category: For skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
- Gather required documents: Depending on the type of visa, you may need to provide:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (if applicable)
- Divorce or separation documents (if applicable)
- Police certificates
- Medical certificates
- Proof of language proficiency (e.g., IELTS or TOEFL test results)
- Proof of qualifications and work experience
- Apply for a visa: Submit your application online or through a paper application form. You may need to pay an application fee.
- Wait for a decision: Immigration New Zealand will review your application and make a decision. This may take several weeks or months.
- Attend an interview: If required, attend an interview at an Immigration New Zealand office.
- Receive a decision: If your application is approved, you'll receive a visa grant letter. If denied, you'll receive a refusal letter with reasons for the decision.
- Travel to New Zealand: Once you have a visa, you can travel to New Zealand and start your new life.
Additional steps for skilled migrants:
- Expressions of Interest (EOI): Submit an EOI online, which will be assessed against the points-based system.
- Invitation to Apply (ITA): If your EOI is selected, you'll receive an ITA, which allows you to apply for a resident visa.
- Resident visa application: Submit your resident visa application, including all required documents and fees.
Additional tips:
- Language proficiency: English is the primary language spoken in New Zealand, so you'll need to demonstrate proficiency in English to apply for most visas.
- Health and character requirements: You'll need to meet health and character requirements, which may involve medical checks and police certificates.
- Points-based system: Skilled migrants are assessed against a points-based system, which considers factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and language proficiency.
- Visa fees: There are various fees associated with applying for a visa, including application fees, medical fees, and police certificate fees.
- Processing times: Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your application.
It's essential to carefully review the Immigration New Zealand website and consult with a licensed immigration adviser if you're unsure about any aspect of the process.