New Zealand Immigration Law

New Zealand might be the most far flung inhabited landmass in the world but the inimitable way of life, incredibly low cost of living, breathtaking natural scenery and inimitable feeling of space available in New Zealand draws many thousands of people to apply for immigration every year.

New Zealand immigration law can change on even a monthly basis making it essential for anyone serious about moving to New Zealand to understand the entire immigration and visa process in depth.  This article offers an overview to help you get started.

First things first the most invaluable resource available to anyone contemplating visiting, living in, working in, studying in or investing in New Zealand is the Immigration New Zealand website: -

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/

This details the very latest visa, permit and immigration law updates, amendments and changes as they occur.

Next, there are a whole host of companies available who claim to be able to assist with the application for immigration.  It’s essential to ask for references from any service provider you approach for help as the amount they can charge is very high making it important a company can deliver what they promise.

It is quite possible to apply for immigration to New Zealand without the aid of such a company and you should begin by examining the different visa programs available and determining which one you would be most suitable for.  Remember that if you’re applying for permanent residence you should allow for a minimum of six months for the whole visa application process - although in special circumstances this period can be far shorter it is wise to allow as much time as you can so that you avoid stressful situations or making a mistake in your application.

The types of visa available fall into five general categories depending on your reasons for wanting to live in New Zealand and your employment prospects or net worth.  The general categories are Visit, Work, Study, Live and Invest.

Visit - The simplest visa for most people to acquire is one to visit the country.  Holders of a British or Australian passport can actually visit New Zealand without the need for a visa for a fixed period as long as they adhere to certain rules such as the requirement to have sufficient funds to support themselves and be in possession of a return air ticket.

Citizens of all other countries require a visitor’s visa.

Work - the sub categories of this type of program are Skilled Migrant, Temporary Work, Work to Residence, Employee of a Relocating Company and Working Holiday.  Some of the visas available are permanent; some such as those in the Temporary Work and Working Holiday categories are limited.  Depending on your skills, career goals, age and objectives for your new life in New Zealand you may be able to apply for a work permit and residence under one of the Work subcategories.

Study - Those intending to study a course of duration three months or less can simply apply for a visitor’s visa, anyone else will require a Student Visa or Permit.  Generally speaking anyone applying for permission to study in New Zealand should have an offer of a place from an NZ education provider, be able to afford fees and accommodation and if necessary be accompanied by a parent or guardian and have tuberculosis clearance.

Live - If an entire family wishes to immigrate to New Zealand and only certain members of the family are eligible for permanent residence under the Work or Invest categories for example, it is possible to apply for various types of family visa that reunite families with members already living in NZ or that allow families to travel to NZ together. 

The New Zealand Minister of Immigration also allows a certain number of residents from various partner countries to apply for immigration annually under the Pacific Access Category, Zimbabwe Residence Category or Samoan Quota Category.

Invest - The final category allows for those with NZD 2 million available to invest for five years to apply for an Investment Visa.  Alternatively if someone is seeking to relocate their established business to New Zealand or start a new business in New Zealand they too may be eligible to apply for permanent residence under this category.  It is via the Invest category that certain key workers can also apply for residency.

As stated the laws of immigration to New Zealand can change month to month as the points required for acceptance under one visa program alter or the intermediate skills shortage list is updated for example, so make sure you keep an eye on the NZ immigration site.  To further assist you here are a whole host of excellent books on the subject of living in New Zealand, immigrating down under, working in NZ and even buying property in New Zealand - check out Amazon for the latest titles and deals available.

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