Requirements to Obtain Permanent Residency in New Zealand

If you’re reading this article, you’re probably considering immigrating to New Zealand. And from our experience, we know that it’s a decision that will change your life forever. That’s why we’re sharing here all the requirements to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand.

According to the latest data published by the UN, there are 1,068,739 immigrants living in New Zealand, which accounts for 21.43% of its population. Among the reasons why people decide to get permanent residency in this country are its high educational level and good quality of life.

So, grab a pen and paper because, in this article, we’ll teach you the requirements you need to meet to live in New Zealand and tell you the best way to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand. Let’s get started!

What is a residence visa in New Zealand?

A residence visa is a permit — initially temporary — that allows you to live in the country for some time.

It has more than one category through which you can apply for a New Zealand permanent visa, and once you obtain it, you enjoy all the benefits of being a resident.

What types of residences are there in New Zealand?

Depending on what you intend to do in New Zealand, the New Zealand government has created different types of residences. Below, we’ll explain each one in detail.

Straight to Residence

Straight to Residence aims to provide a direct path to permanent residency in New Zealand. Especially, for those who demonstrate highly skilled functions or difficult-to-fill roles in the country.

As the Government explains, this category allows you to live, study, and work, as well as move with your partner and children under 24 years old. Some of the requirements you need to meet to obtain this New Zealand permanent visa are:

• Having a job or a job offer in one of the level 1 areas of the Green List.
• Certifying your proficiency in the English language.
• Fulfilling all the cross-cutting requirements of the Green List.

From Work to Residence

The Work to Residence category is aimed at providing residence to individuals who have been working in New Zealand for 2 years. Especially in some of the occupations from level 2 of the Green List or who earn twice the minimum wage per hour.

This type of residency visa in New Zealand is also granted to qualified professionals who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. Likewise, for those who possess exceptional talent in sports, arts, or culture. Other requirements of this category include:

• Having worked at least 24 months in that occupation.
• Meeting all the cross-cutting requirements of level 2 of the Green List.
• Performing work activities by following the conditions specified in the visa.

High Salary

The goal of this category is to provide a path to permanent residency in New Zealand for those who demonstrate having received high remuneration while working in New Zealand for 24 months. And by “high remuneration,” we mean double the national average (55.52 NZD* per hour).

To obtain this type of visa, it’s important to have a job accredited by the New Zealand Government. It’s also possible if you had a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa (with working conditions) before July 4, 2022.

*Amounts are for reference and may vary.

Skilled Migrant

Also known as the “points-based” category, it focuses on granting permanent residency in New Zealand to individuals who have accumulated experience and studies that are valuable to the country. Thus, you can apply once you have the minimum required points.

It’s important to note that this visa is not designed for self-employed individuals. Therefore, if you wish to work in your own business, the Entrepreneur Resident Visa might be the best option for what you’re looking for.

What documents do you need to immigrate to New Zealand?

Depending on the type of visa you apply for, you must submit some specific documents.

However, the general requirements you must meet are:

• Being under 55 years old.
• Certifying your proficiency in the English language through the IELTS general or academic exam. You must have a minimum equivalent level of 6.5 points in all four components (speaking, reading, writing, and listening).
• Meeting minimum health requirements and presenting a medical certificate.
• Having a job or a job offer with an accredited employer in one of the occupations listed on the Green List or high-skill occupations.
• Presenting an updated certificate of good conduct.

How to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand?

From our growers’ experience, we know that the best way to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand is by enrolling in an academic program.

Taking this into account, we share a step-by-step guide to studying in this country and then applying for a New Zealand permanent visa.

1. Define your study experience

Setting the goal for your academic experience will help you make more informed decisions. So, ask yourself: what do you want to study, for how long, and how much do you plan to invest in your experience? Then, choose an academic program:

• Language courses: general English, intensive courses, and courses for official exams.
• Vocational courses: training programs aimed at students who want to develop skills to work in a specific area.
• University studies: bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctoral degree.

Learn about our educational experiences in New Zealand and live the GrowPro adventure!

2. Choose the best city to reside in

In New Zealand’s main cities, you’ll find excellent institutions to access courses and university programs. Particularly in Auckland and Queenstown.

Why? Well, Auckland is the country’s largest city and has a wide variety of shopping centres, parks and cultural activities.

On the other hand, Queenstown is very attractive because it combines the lifestyle of a small city with the extensive offerings of the capital.

3. Enroll in an accredited institution

Keep this in mind: to get the student visa, you must demonstrate that you are enrolled in an institution. And beware! Make sure your school is accredited by the New Zealand government, as this is an essential requirement.

So, choose the school or university that offers the type of course in New Zealand that suits you best. Then, get in touch with the chosen one to find out what requirements you need to meet and what payments you need to make before your trip.

4. Apply for the student visa

With enrollment in hand, the next step is to apply for a student visa in New Zealand. This allows you to take English, vocational, and university courses. Also, it offers the opportunity to work up to 20 hours per week during the class period. To obtain it, you must:

• Be enrolled in an accredited institution.
• Pay the corresponding fee.
• Present a valid passport issued in your country of origin.
• Certify that you have enough resources to pay for your studies and stay.
• Demonstrate that you have a return ticket home or can purchase one.

Another option that allows you to study in New Zealand is the Working Holiday Visa. This permit is intended for those who want to work in the country but also want to take a course of up to 6 months.

If you book your experience with GrowPro, we will take care of registering you at the school and processing your student visa! Choose your experience here and fill out the form to receive free advice.

5. Apply for permanent residency in New Zealand

Once you have finished your studies in New Zealand, you can apply for a post-university work visa.

This will be very easy for you to obtain since you have the advantage of having been accepted to study in the country. And then, with your work visa, you can apply for a New Zealand permanent visa.

How much money is needed to immigrate to New Zealand?

To begin with, consider all the expenses you will have to cover in the process of procedures. For example, the medical certificate, the English language competency test, and the translations and legalization of personal and academic documents.

Also, New Zealand immigration authorities will require you to have a sum of money to ensure that you can cover your settlement expenses. In this case, they will ask for 1,667 NZD* for each month of studies.

It’s also important to make an average regarding how much money you will spend in a month. To give you an idea, here’s what you would need if you live alone:

• Accommodation: from 360 NZD* per week.
• Food: 80 NZD* per week.
• Services (internet and phone): 120 NZD* per month.
• Transportation: from 100 NZD* per month.

If you want a personalized budget, fill out the form for one of our experiences, and one of our Student Advisors will help you completely free of charge!

*Amounts are for reference and may vary.

Immigrate to New Zealand with GrowPro!

Now that you know the best way to obtain permanent residency in New Zealand, it’s time to make decisions! No worries… We’re here to guide you and become your best travel companion.

So, why not start by choosing the course that excites you the most? At GrowPro, we offer academic programs in the most demanded areas, from Business, Marketing and Communication to Sports.

Once you have chosen the program you like the most, fill out the form and wait for one of our Student Advisors to contact you to plan your trip. All we have left to tell you is: don’t put this dream on hold! Take the first step and live a great experience.