Immigration Categories

There are a number of different categories under which individuals can apply for immigration to New Zealand. It is very important that you apply under the correct category as this can affect your chances of success.

•    Skilled migrant: this category is for people who possess recognised qualifications and work experience, especially those skills being actively sought by New Zealand. You will be expected to have a high level of English, be able to financially support yourself and your family, and have good job prospects in New Zealand.

•    Business: this category is for people who want to invest significant funds in New Zealand.

-The business investor category is a residence category for investors wishing to invest at  least two million New Zealand dollars for a minimum of five years, who have at least five years business experience, and who are under 54 years of age.

-the Active Investor Migrant category is a residence category with differing age and language requirements. It is tiered, with investment funds of NZD 20 million, 10 million or 2.5 million.

-the Entrepreneur category is for people who have successfully set up a business in New Zealand and wish to apply for permanent residence.

-Long term business visas are for people who want to set up a business in New Zealand. These 3-year visas give you time to move to New Zealand and set up your business before applying for residency. You will need to demonstrate a high level of English, and may be able to apply for entrepreneur residency after two years.

•    Family: you can apply under the family category if you have an immediate family member who has lived legally in New Zealand for at least 184 days of the three preceding years. Immediate family includes a parent, child, or sibling.

•    Family and Other Quota: if you do not qualify under any other category, you may be able to apply for residency if you are a parent, grandparent, adult sibling adult or adult child of a New Zealand resident or citizen. Quotas for this category are set every year.

•    Long term shortages: if you have a job for at least two years in an occupation that is on the Long Term Skills Shortages List and meet the criteria for employment in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a work permit or visa under this category.

•    Study: this category is for students who want to attend a secondary or tertiary education institute in New Zealand. Once you complete your New Zealand qualification, you may be able to apply for a work permit or residency.

•    Other categories include working holiday visas, corporate visas for specialist personnel and senior staff, or for relocating employess.