How to get PR (Permanent Residency) in New Zealand?

People who have lived in New Zealand for more than 2 years can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa in New Zealand. A permanent residency in New Zealand allows its beneficiaries to stay in the country indefinitely. A PR visa in New Zealand grants the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand; and travel to and from New Zealand at any time, without requiring additional visa permits. Dependents of the applicants and their children aged 24 or below are allowed to enter New Zealand on PR permit of the original applicant.

This Story also Contains

1. Permanent Residency in New Zealand Benefits
2. How to Get PR in New Zealand?
3. Permanent Residence in New Zealand Requirements
4. Documents Required for Permanent Residency in New Zealand from India
5. Permanent Resident Visa Processing Time
6. Cost of PR in New Zealand
7. Pathways to Permanent Residency in New Zealand
8. Permanent Residency Courses in New Zealand

To complete a minimum stay of 2 years in New Zealand, a permanent residency in New Zealand is needed. Post-study work visa, skilled worker visa, business visa, and family unification are some of the pathways to getting a resident permit in New Zealand. Among all these, a post-study work visa is the most common pathway. Through these pathways, prospective candidates can complete a 2-year stay in New Zealand to apply for PR in New Zealand. Read the full article to learn more about obtaining a permanent residency in New Zealand, the New Zealand PR procedure, the cost of a New Zealand PR visa, and more.

Permanent Residency in New Zealand Benefits

Getting a permanent residency in New Zealand provides many benefits to its holders. Various social and healthcare benefits can be accessed that are not available to temporary visa holders. A few of the major benefits include:

• Indefinite permit to stay in New Zealand.

• Study and work in New Zealand without additional visa permits.

• Eligibility to study in New Zealand on scholarships as a New Zealand citizen.

• To receive healthcare benefits such as free healthcare or subsidised healthcare.

• Free or subsidised education at primary and secondary schools in New Zealand.

• Right to vote and contest in elections after one year of residence in New Zealand.

• Children who are born to permanent residents in New Zealand automatically become eligible for New Zealand citizenship.

• Family members, spouses, or parents of permanent residence in New Zealand can apply for New Zealand citizenship without a visa permit.

How to Get PR in New Zealand?

The New Zealand PR process is very simple and straightforward. Individuals who have an appropriate resident permit in New Zealand can follow the below-mentioned process to get permanent residency in New Zealand.

Step 1. Decide the type of visa to apply for.

Step 2. Check the visa requirements including health, character and identity, financial situation, skills and qualifications, and length of time you have lived in New Zealand.

Step 3. Prepare the necessary documents.

Step 4. Select a mode of application between online or on paper.

Step 5. Candidates applying through the online mode are required to create a RealMe account to continue the following process.

Step 6. Complete your online application and pay the mandatory New Zealand PR fees.

Step 7. The candidates will receive a mail confirming the approval of the application. The New Zealand Visa Authority will contact the applicant if required

Permanent Residence in New Zealand Requirements

Applying for a permanent residency in New Zealand from India is related to some specific eligibility criteria. Applicants willing to get a PR in New Zealand must fulfill all the requirements to qualify for the same. A few important permanent residence in New Zealand requirements are given below:

• Applicants must be under 55 years old.

• Maintaining good health and good character is a mandatory requirement.

• Applicants must prove their ability to permanently stay in New Zealand.

• Candidates must produce a job letter to apply for a PR in New Zealand.

• Fluency in English is essential.

Documents Required for Permanent Residency in New Zealand from India

Applicants who are planning to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand are required to submit various documents to prove their eligibility. Before proceeding with the PR process in New Zealand, international applicants must check the document requirements mentioned below:

1. Proofs of identity

2. 
   

   • Original or certified copy of international passport

   • 2 Passport size photographs

3. A police certificate may be needed as proof of absence of criminal records.

4. Proof of completing a minimum stay of 2 years in New Zealand- resident permits or resident visas.

5. Must have met resident visa requirements during the 2-year stay in New Zealand such as holding a job or investment in New Zealand. Acceptable documents include:

6. 
   

   • Tax residency documentation

   • Employment records

   • School enrollment records (for dependents)

   • Proof of property ownership or rental agreements

7. Medical certificates for special category candidates.

8. Proof of English language proficiency.

9. Academic transcripts.

10. Proof of financial resources.

Note: Applicants from a non-English speaking background are needed to provide certified translations of their documents for smooth PR visa processing.

Permanent Resident Visa Processing Time

The 80% of the total New Zealand PR visa are processed within 2 weeks of the submission of the application and documents. However, the New Zealand permanent residency visa processing time can vary depending on multiple factors. A few determining factors of the New Zealand PR visa are given below:

• The volume of the applications can influence the overall processing time of the visa.

• The accuracy of the application and the submission of required documentation is an important factor in the New Zealand PR visa processing time. Submission of a completely filled application with proper documentation can increase a higher chances of a short visa processing time.

• The complexity of the application form can delay the processing of visa application process. Applicants who apply for medical conditions and other additional features might experience a delayed processing period.

Cost of PR in New Zealand

According to the official guidelines of the New Zealand Immigration Authority, the cost of permanent residency in New Zealand starts from NZD 240. Applicants must pay the required amount to submit their application for the same. Non-payment of the necessary application fee may lead to the cancellation of the application.

Pathways to Permanent Residency in New Zealand

There are different ways to get a permanent residency in New Zealand. While post-study work visas are the most common, candidates can also apply for other pathways. Taking one of the pathways allows stay up to 2 years in New Zealand, which ultimately opens doors for PR in New Zealand.

• Skilled Migrant Category: This is one of the pathways that allows eligible skilled workers who are in high demand in New Zealand to stay in the country indefinitely. Applicants must be aged 55 or below to apply for this visa.

• Family Category Visa: Under this category, relatives or family members of New Zealand citizens or permanent residents can directly apply for PR in New Zealand.

• Post-Study Work Visa: International students who have completed master's level studies from a New Zealand university on a New Zealand student visa and have worked on PSW for 2 years can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand.

• Refugees or Asylum Seekers: People outside of New Zealand who have taken refuge in New Zealand may be granted permanent residence in New Zealand. Such people may apply for permanent residence in the country.

Permanent Residency Courses in New Zealand

There are no specific permanent residency courses in New Zealand. However, certain fields of study can increase your chances of getting PR in New Zealand.

Here is a list of some popular permanent residency courses in New Zealand for international applicants:

• Information Technology (IT)

• Engineering (particularly Civil, Mechanical, and Electrical)

• Healthcare and Nursing

• Business and Management

• Construction and Trades (e.g., Carpenters, Electricians, Plumbers)