New zealand residency by marriage

New Zealand offers residency to foreign nationals who marry a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident. Here are the general requirements and process:

Eligibility:

  1. You must be married to a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  2. Your spouse must be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  3. You must have been married for at least 12 months before applying for residency.
  4. You must meet the required English language proficiency (see below).

English Language Proficiency:

  1. You must demonstrate a level of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 (or higher) in reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
  2. You can also meet this requirement by holding a degree from a New Zealand university or a recognized tertiary institution.

Application Process:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) through the Skilled Migrant Category.
  2. INZ will assess your EOI and invite you to apply for residency if you meet the requirements.
  3. Submit your residency application, including all required documents and fees.
  4. Attend an interview at an INZ office (if required).
  5. Wait for the decision on your residency application.

Required Documents:

  1. Marriage certificate (translated into English if necessary).
  2. Proof of your spouse's New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency.
  3. Proof of your English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS test results).
  4. Proof of your identity (e.g., passport).
  5. Proof of your qualifications and work experience (if applicable).
  6. Police certificates from your home country and any countries where you have lived for five years or more.

Processing Time:

The processing time for a residency application by marriage can take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of the application and the workload of INZ.

Residency Pathways:

There are two residency pathways available for spouses of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents:

  1. Residence through Family Category: This pathway leads to a resident visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
  2. Residence through Skilled Migrant Category: This pathway leads to a resident visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently, and also provides a pathway to citizenship.

Additional Information:

  1. You may need to meet specific requirements, such as a minimum income threshold or a job offer, depending on your circumstances.
  2. You may be required to live in New Zealand for a certain period before you can apply for citizenship.
  3. You should consult the official Immigration New Zealand website or consult with an immigration lawyer to ensure you meet all the requirements and understand the process.

Remember to carefully review the requirements and process to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and have the necessary documents to support your application.