New Zealand is one of the top destinations for study abroad. The country is well-known for its top universities, education system, safety, work-life balance, natural beauty, and welcoming environment. If you are living in New Zealand or are planning to move there and would like to know everything about New Zealand PR, you are in the right place.
Table of Contents:
- What is New Zealand PR?
- New Zealand PR Requirements
- How to get PR in New Zealand?
- How to Apply for New Zealand PR?
- New Zealand PR Points System
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Zealand PR?
Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand allows you to work, study, or own a business in New Zealand. To apply to New Zealand PR, you must have a Resident Visa. With a New Zealand PR, you will have all the rights and privileges of the citizens. Depending on the visa category, it typically takes 2 – 5 years to get your New Zealand PR. There are numerous benefits of having a New Zealand PR. Some of the top New Zealand PR benefits are:
- Live, work, study, and travel without any restrictions
- Can avail healthcare facilities as well as social security benefits
- If you have children, they will be eligible for free education at government schools
- You can change your job according to your requirements
New Zealand PR Requirements
You must fulfill all your New Zealand PR requirements for a smooth application process. The basic requirements are:
| Details | Requirements |
| Proof of Identity | Photo and Scan of the personal details page of the Passport |
| Proof of Character | May need to provide a Police Certificate as proof |
| Resident Visa Status | Must have a valid Resident Visa or Permit |
| Commitment to New Zealand | Must have stayed in New Zealand for a minimum of 184 days in the last 2 years |
How to get PR in New Zealand?
Getting a PR in New Zealand is not a difficult process. You can get a PR if you fulfill all the eligibility requirements. Some of the top ways to get a PR in New Zealand are:
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is a visa program designed for people with skills important for the country’s development.
You are required to submit an online EOI (Expression of Interest). If the EOI is accepted, NZ immigration will invite you to apply for the visa. The visa also requires you to have 6 points to apply. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
- Photo and scan of the personal details page of the Passport
- Must be 55 years of age or younger
- Acceptable standard of health
- Proof of good character with a Police certificate
- Proof of English language (IELTS / TOEFL / PTE / Cambridge / OET)
- Must have a job offer from an accredited employer
- Must have 6 points, which can be earned through education, work experience, and income
Green List Visa
Green List Visa is also considered a fast-track route to New Zealand PR. The visa is for individuals with qualifications in occupations in high demand in New Zealand. The visa is divided into 2 parts: Straight to Residence Visa and Work to Residence Visa. The eligibility criteria are as follows:
| Straight to Residence Visa | Work to Residence Visa |
| Photo and scan of the personal details page of the Passport | Photo and scan of the personal details page of the Passport |
| 55 or younger with good health | 55 or younger with good health |
| Police Certificate justifying your good character | Police Certificate justifying your good character |
| Proof of English language proficiency | Proof of English language proficiency |
| Must be in a Tier 1 role | Must be in a Tier 2 role for a minimum of 24 months |
| Must work for an accredited employer or have a job offer | Must work for an accredited employer or have a job offer |
| – | Must have a work visa or Critical Purpose Visitor Visa |
Family Category Visa
There are multiple options for a Family Category Visa, which you can apply for your New Zealand PR. If you are a partner/parent/dependent child of a New Zealand permanent resident, you can apply for PR. However, you must be sponsored, and the New Zealand permanent resident must support your application.
Business and Investment Visa
You can apply under the Business and Investment Visa category if you plan to invest or start your own business. If you are self-employed in your own business for at least 6 months, you can apply. You can also apply to live, work, and invest. However, you must have $15 million or equivalent to invest.
How to Apply for New Zealand PR?
If you are applying for New Zealand PR from India, you must fulfill the eligibility criteria and correctly complete the application process. The process is as follows:
- Create an account on RealMe, which is the New Zealand Immigration website
- Upload all the necessary documents and enter the necessary information
- Pay the application fee of $6450 (non-refundable)
- Wait for an update from New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand PR Points System
New Zealand Immigration checks your eligibility based on the points system. The points are allotted on different criteria; the details are:
Points for Occupational Registration
| Points | Requirements |
| 6 | Minimum of 6 Years of Experience and/or Training |
| 5 | Minimum of 5 Years of Experience and/or Training |
| 4 | Minimum of 4 Years of Experience and/or Training |
| 3 | Minimum of 2 Years of Experience and/or Training |
Points for Qualifications
| Points | Qualification (Equivalent under NZQF) |
| 6 | Level 10 Doctoral Degree |
| 5 | Level 9 Master’s Degree |
| 4 | Level 8 Bachelor Honour’s Degree or Postgraduate Diploma |
| 3 | Level 8 Postgraduate Certificate / Level 7 Bachelor’s Degree |
Points for Income
| Points | Wage Threshold |
| 6 | Job or job offer in New Zealand that pays 3 times the median wage (currently $94.83 an hour) or more. |
| 4 | Job or job offer in New Zealand that pays at 2 times the median wage (currently $63.22 an hour) or more. |
| 3 | Job or job offer in New Zealand that pays at 1.5 times the median wage (currently $47.41 an hour) or more. |
Points for Skilled Work Experience
| Points | Work Experience |
| 3 | 3 Years of Skilled Work Experience |
| 2 | 2 Years of Skilled Work Experience |
| 1 | 1 Year of Skilled Work Experience |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IELTS required for New Zealand PR?
Yes, an IELTS score is required for New Zealand PR. You must have a minimum of IELTS score of 6.5 overall to apply for New Zealand PR.
Can I apply for New Zealand PR from India?
Yes, to apply for New Zealand PR from India, check the eligibility criteria and different visa categories, as well as your skills, qualifications, and more. You will receive an invitation to apply for New Zealand PR if selected.
I have New Zealand PR. Do I need a visa for Australia?
If you are a New Zealand permanent resident and you wish to live, work, or study in Australia, you must apply for a visa before visiting the country.
How long after New Zealand PR will I get citizenship?
You must be physically present in New Zealand as a permanent resident for at least 5 years (depending on your visa category) to be eligible for New Zealand Citizenship.
What are the minimum points requirements for New Zealand PR?
Under the points system, you must have 6 points to be eligible for New Zealand PR. You must have a New Zealand job or a job offer to apply and your employment must be with an accredited employer.
