New zealand resident visa eligibility

New Zealand has a points-based system for resident visas, which assesses applicants based on their skills, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors. Here are the general eligibility criteria for a resident visa in New Zealand:

Eligibility criteria:

  1. Age: You must be under 56 years old (or 55 years old if you're applying for a Skilled Migrant Category visa).
  2. Language: You must have a good understanding of English, which is tested through a language proficiency test such as IELTS or TOEFL.
  3. Work experience: You must have relevant work experience in your chosen occupation or industry.
  4. Qualifications: You must have a recognized qualification that is relevant to your chosen occupation or industry.
  5. Points: You must score at least 160 points out of 180 in the points-based system, which assesses your skills, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency, and other factors.
  6. Health and character: You must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements.
  7. Financial resources: You must have sufficient financial resources to support yourself and your family in New Zealand.

Types of resident visas:

  1. Skilled Migrant Category: For skilled workers who want to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
  2. Family Category: For family members of New Zealand citizens or residents who want to live in New Zealand permanently.
  3. Resident Visa (Work to Residence): For workers who have a job offer in New Zealand and want to work and live in the country for up to 30 months.
  4. Resident Visa (Residence from Work): For workers who have been working in New Zealand for at least 2 years and want to apply for residency.

Eligibility for specific visas:

  1. Skilled Migrant Category:
    • You must have a recognized qualification and relevant work experience in your chosen occupation.
    • You must have a job offer in New Zealand or be able to demonstrate that you have the skills and qualifications to work in your chosen occupation.
  2. Family Category:
    • You must be a family member of a New Zealand citizen or resident (e.g., spouse, partner, child, or dependent child).
    • You must meet the health and character requirements.
  3. Resident Visa (Work to Residence):
    • You must have a job offer in New Zealand that is approved by Immigration New Zealand.
    • You must meet the health and character requirements.
  4. Resident Visa (Residence from Work):
    • You must have been working in New Zealand for at least 2 years.
    • You must meet the health and character requirements.

Application process:

  1. Check your eligibility: Use the Immigration New Zealand's online tool to check your eligibility for a resident visa.
  2. Gather required documents: Collect all the required documents, including your passport, qualifications, work experience, language proficiency test results, and other relevant documents.
  3. Submit your application: Submit your application online or through a licensed immigration adviser.
  4. Wait for a decision: Wait for Immigration New Zealand to process your application and make a decision.
  5. Attend an interview: If required, attend an interview with Immigration New Zealand.

Note: The eligibility criteria and application process may vary depending on your specific circumstances and the type of visa you're applying for. It's recommended that you consult the Immigration New Zealand website or a licensed immigration adviser for more information.