To live in New Zealand permanently, you need a resident visa. The Skilled Migrant Category needs 6 points from skills and experience. The Straight to Residence Visa is for Tier 1 Green List roles, while the Work to Residence Visa requires 24 months work experience in a Tier 2 Green List role. All Skilled Migrant Residence categories require skilled employment or a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. Common pathways start with a temporary visa.

The AEWV is the most common work visa in New Zealand. This visa allows you to work at least 30 hours per week for an accredited employer and support your family’s visa (conditions apply); most AEWV holders can stay in New Zealand for 3 to 5 years. Apply for this temporary visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer and meet the required skills and qualifications. A number of changes have been implemented and are planned to take effect in 2025.

New Zealand is an English-speaking country with a globally recognised tertiary education system. All eight universities rank in the top 2% worldwide. A Student Visa allows full-time study at the institution listed on your visa, including schools, tertiary education, and English language courses. You may work part-time during studies and full-time during holidays, depending on your visa. Some courses may contribute to the residency pathway; offer a pathway to a Post Study Work Visa. If you need help choosing a course, enrolling, or applying for a visa, feel free to reach out.

Is your partner, parent, or child a New Zealander citizen or resident? Planning to join or reunite with them? New Zealand offers various family-based visa options.

If you’re accompanying a temporary visa holder, for example a work or student visa holder, there are also visa options available, each with specific criteria.

This is a resident visa allows you to live in New Zealand and include your partner and dependent children (24 and under) in your application.

From 1 April 2025, investors can choose between two categories: Growth ($5M) or Balanced ($10M). Growth need to spend 21 days over three years, while Balanced must stay 105 days over five years (the day requirement for Balanced could be reduced by increasing the investment). There is no English requirement.

Other immigration matters include Variation of Conditions – If your situation changes, such as changing jobs or studying a different course. Permanent Resident Visa Application – generally after holding a resident visa for two years. Medical & Character Waivers – Address specific issues if you don’t meet standard requirements. Section 61 Request – If your visa has expired (overstayer), you may need to apply for a new one. For assistance with these or other immigration matters, feel free to get in touch.