Visa
Requirements
If you have made the decision to come to New
Zealand to live, work, invest, study, or visit, you will need
to apply and be approved for a Visa.
There are many types of visas issued for temporary
purposes, for which an application may be made. To determine whether
you are eligible to come to New Zealand for a particular purpose
for a defined time period, please review the brief descriptions
below.
There are several different categories of Visa
applications, and the following will give you an overview of each
category.
Skilled Migrant
In November 2003, the Minister of Immigration announced the immediate
closure of the Interim General Skills category for immigration
to NZ. A new Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) was established in
December 2003 which requires that intending applicants lodge an
Expression of Interest (EOI). EOIs are placed in a pool and draws
are made from the pool on a regular basis – currently two-weekly.
If you’ve got the required skills, the Skilled Migrant
Category offers you the opportunity to move to New Zealand to
work and live permanently. However, you will have to have the
following basic requirements:
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Recognised basic qualification (e.g. trade qualification,
diploma, bachelors' degree, |
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At least two years work experience unless you hold a New
Zealand 'Base' qualification, |
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A high level of competence in English, |
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Ability to provide financial support and accommodation for
yourself and your family for your first two years in New Zealand,
and |
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You have a relevant offer of employment from a New Zealand
employer or are already employed in New Zealand. |
Temporary work
If you’ve an offer of a job from a New
Zealand employer, you’re skilled in an occupation that’s
in demand here, or you’re coming here for a particular purpose
or event, you can apply for a temporary Work Visa.
Work to residence
You may have an exceptional talent in sports
or the arts, or you’re qualified in a highly specialised
or in-demand field.
If this is the case, you can apply for a work
permit under our Work to Residence category. This category allows
you to work temporarily in New Zealand as a step towards gaining
permanent residence.
Employee of a relocating company
New Zealand offers many business investment
opportunities and welcomes businesses that want to move here.
If you’re a key employee of a business
that’s relocating its operations to New Zealand, you can
apply for a work permit and later a resident permit under our
Employee of a Relocating Company category.
Working holiday
Want to get a real taste of life in New Zealand?
We have agreements with many countries to offer
young people aged between 18 and 30 years the opportunity to travel
around New Zealand taking up temporary work while they’re
here.
Only people from countries with whom we’ve
made agreements can come to New Zealand on a working holiday.
And in most cases you’ll need to apply for your Work Visa
or Permit before you get here.
Business Investor
In this category, points are allocated for business
experience, investment funds, and age.
The following are the minimum criteria which
all Investor category applicants must meet:
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The maximum age acceptable in this category
is 84 years. |
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This category requires investment funds of at least NZD
1,000,000 (approx. USD 500,000). Investment funds are to be
treated separately from personal funds and must be invested
in New Zealand for at least two years in an investment capable
of providing a commercial return. Investment funds may not
be used for the purchase of personal assets e.g. house, car,
boat. |
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The actual level of funds required varies depending on points
allocated for other criteria |
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Principal and non-principal applicants may pre-purchase
English language tuition if they cannot achieve the standard
of IELTS, band 5. |
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You have a relevant offer of employment from a New Zealand
employer or are already employed in New Zealand. |
Entrepreneur
This category is for applicants who have successfully
established a business in New Zealand that can be shown to be
of benefit to New Zealand.
Criteria must be met regarding shareholding and personal employment.
Those who have been involved in bankruptcy, fraud or financial
impropriety or in a business failure in the last five years may
not apply.
Long-term Business Visa/Permit (LTBV)
This temporary entry category provides for people interested
in applying for residence under the Entrepreneur Category or those
wishing to establish a business in New Zealand but not intending
to live permanently in New Zealand.
Successful applicants under this category and their spouses/partners
will be granted a multiple-entry 3-year Work Visa or Permit. This
may be extended to a maximum of six years. Successful LTBV holders
may apply for residence under the Entrepreneur category after
two years.
Employees of a Business Relocating to New
Zealand (EBR - Residence)
The EBR category facilitates the granting of residence to key
employees of businesses relocating to New Zealand, who can show
that they who do not qualify for residence under any other category.
A key employee is one whom the Chief Executive Officer of that
business considers essential to the operation of the business
in New Zealand. EBR applications are considered by the Minister
of Immigration on a case by case basis.
Studying in New Zealand
We’re pleased you’re thinking of New Zealand, and
welcome people who’d like to study here.
International students studying in New Zealand build our connections
with the rest of the world and increase our understanding of other
countries and cultures.
Family Assessment
You must have immediate family (parent, brother/sister
or child) legally in New Zealand for 184 days in each of the 3
years immediately prior to the date of your application.
Other requirements depend on your relationship to the New Zealand
party. Your sponsor must be able to provide full financial and
accommodation support for you (and your family), for your first
two years in New Zealand. Welfare payments are generally not payable
to new immigrants.
Further Information
Further information on New Zealand's immigration, healthcare,
transportation, housing, and education systems is available in
our Information Packs which can
be downloaded from our online store.
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