New Zealanders believe life is for living. It is about balancing a good day’s work with time for family and friends. The pace is relaxed, the people are so friendly and the prospects are great in the country. Moving to New Zealand also means experiencing what many people describe as one of the greenest and most beautiful countries you could find. There is a range of New Zealand visas, some of which you may be eligible for. Choosing the best option for your circumstances will likely depend on how long you want to stay. If you are thinking of moving to New Zealand to work for a few years, or maybe even to settle permanently, you will need a work or resident visa.
Skilled Migrant Visa
A Skilled Migrant Category Visa can give you a permanent resident in New Zealand. The migrant visa is best for the eligible candidates, who want to stay in New Zealand indefinitely, have been offered a job and have the skills, qualifications and experience.
The people lodge the application for an Expression of Interest (EOI), according to the eligible selection criteria set by the Government where they claim points for their skills and job offer. The authority uses a points-based system to assess EOIs, if you gain the required number of points, the New Zealand authority will invite you to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
Work to Residence Visa
A Work Visa is a pathway to Residence after you have held the visa for 24 months. This visa is best for persons who have been offered a full-time job from a New Zealand employer and want to eventually be able to live in New Zealand permanently. New Zealand visa is linked to a specific job in an area of skill shortage or with an accredited employer. You will be able to apply for permanent residence if you continue working for your employer for two years.
You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday visas are available for New Zealand to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you are a UK or Canadian national. If you apply for a 23-month visa, you must provide a General Medical Certificate along with your application.
You need to:
- have enough money to pay for a return ticket.
- be coming to New Zealand for a holiday, with working being the secondary reason for your visit.
- have a passport valid for at least 03 months after your scheduled departure from New Zealand.
- be at least 18 years old and not older than 30 or 35 depending on your nationality.
- meet health and character requirements.
- not bring children with you.
- have not previously visited New Zealand using the Working Holiday Scheme visa.
You can work for any employer on a non-permanent basis, but if you want to stay longer you will need to apply for another visa. You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
Study Visa
You will need a student visa if you are planning to study full time in New Zealand and the course is for longer than three months.
Student visa requirements
You must have
- a passport must be valid for at least three months after your period of stay in New Zealand.
- a letter of acceptance from a New Zealand Government approved educational institution which states the minimum course duration, total tuition fee.
- a written guarantee letter from an institution or person that suitable accommodation is available to you if you are under 18 years.
- evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses throughout the periods of your stay.
- evidence that you are leaving the country after the completion of your study.
- meet health and character requirements if you are over 17 and plan to study for more than 24 months.
You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
Partner and Children Visa
If you are an Australian permanent resident or Citizen, you also may be able to sponsor your partner to live permanently in New Zealand. However, you will need to prove that New Zealand is your primary place of residence before you can support the application. You and your partner will need to meet certain criteria if you are applying for a New Zealand visa based on your relationship,
- Your partnership needs to be genuine and stable.
- You must be living with your partner.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
- You must have the support of your partner.
- Your partner must be eligible to support your application.
You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.
Tourist Visa
New Zealand is a breathtaking country to visit and to spend your holiday. You can find everything from an untamed wilderness to a rich culture. Find inspiration in towering mountains and mist-cloaked fords. Serenity in golden beaches curled around quiet bays. The best time to visit New Zealand is during the summer months of December to March. It is an ideal time to visit the lovely beaches or enjoy the many outdoor activities available, such as hiking and mountain biking.
To apply for a New Zealand visitor visa, you must meet the following requirement.
- A passport that holds valid for at least 3 months from the intended date of departure from New Zealand.
- Two recent colored, passport size photographs
- Applicants living outside their home country, submit evidence of residence status for the country currently living in.
- Evidence of relationship if the secondary applicant(s) is included in the application
- Return or an onward ticket from New Zealand
- evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your accommodation and other living expenses throughout the periods of your visit.
- If a resident is supporting you then the Sponsorship Form is for Temporary Entry or A letter of invitation from the New Zealand company.
- If you are employed, a letter from your employer stating the position you hold, your length of employment, monthly salary and leave approval dates are granted.
- A letter from your employer confirming your trip to New Zealand and whether your employer will be responsible for your expenses. Otherwise, please provide your bank statement for the last 03 months
You can find out more about the type of visas and how to apply on the New Zealand Government’s Immigration website.