NZ Visas Advice
Business Visa
In this visa category, Entrepreneur work visa is an excellent opportunity to start your own business in New Zealand. You can also bring your family – partner and dependent children, with you. The minimum capital investment amount is NZ $100,000. The applicant should provide a business plan either to establish or purchase a specific business in New Zealand with their application and must meet a minimum score of 120 points. The points can be awarded for previous business experience/ senior management experience, benefit to New Zealand in the form of full-time employment creation, export business (optional), capital investment and age. If your application is approved, you may be given a visa for a total period of up to 3 years. You are expected to establish and commence the operation of your business within the first 12 months.
Investor Visa
This is a category to get resident visa with your family by applying either under Investor 1 Category or Investor 2 Category. Investor 1 Category involves the undertaking by the principal applicant to invest NZ$10 million for a period of 3 years. There is no English Language requirement. Investor 2 Category requires a lesser investment of NZ$3 million, however to apply under this category, an Expression of Interest (EOI) is first submitted claiming a minimum of 20 points for age, business experience, English language and investment funds. If EOI is selected then an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for a resident visa may be issued. In both of the above investor categories, funds need to be transferred and invested in the nominated funds after the application is approved in principle.
Parent Visa
The number of resident visas that can be granted under the Parent Category is limited to 1000 people for each year ending 30 June. This is a two-stage process, Firstly an EOI is submitted and if selected an ITA is issued. The sponsoring adult child must show a minimum income of NZ$53040 per annum, for each of the parent they wish to sponsor. This is in addition to showing a minimum income of NZ$53040 per annum per person for themselves. For example, if sponsor is applying for a resident visa for one parent then they should show their annual income to be NZ$ 106,080 (53,040 + 53,040). If applying for two parents then annual income should be NZ$ 159,120 (53,040 + 53,040 + 53,040).
Resident Visa
You can apply resident visa –
1. Under business categories
2. For your family – partner, dependent child and parent if you already have a resident visa
3. Under Skilled Migrant Category which is explained in the next heading
4. If you were granted work visa under the Talent (Accredited Employers) work instructions or South Island Contribution work instructions*.
Skilled Migration Category (SMC)
Skilled Migrant Category also known as SMC is the most popular visa option for applying for resident visa. This is a two-stage process. Firstly, an EOI is submitted claiming points for age, skilled employment, skilled work experience and qualifications. If selected an ITA is issued to apply within four months. You don’t have to be in New Zealand to apply for this resident visa.
Student Visa
You can apply for a student visa to attend a programme of study of more than three months. If you are offshore, you can pay your tuition fee once the student visa is approved in principal. You must show maintenance funds of at least NZ$1250 per month for the duration of your studies. You can apply to study for certificate, diploma, graduate diploma, Bachelor, Post graduate diploma, master degree or a Phd course. If you wish to bring your family with you for the duration of your student visa, then you will have to apply for a Master degree course or above or choose a level 7 or above course which is on long term skills shortage in New Zealand. After the post graduate course, you will be eligible for 3-year open work visa. Your partner will still qualify to get a 3-year Work visa based on you and your children will still qualify for the domestic student benefit at primary/ secondary school.
The above information has been updated as of April 2020. Please contact us at services@immigrationlawadvice.co.nz with your detailed CV/ information to get your profile assessed with updated information and choose the best possible option to suite your profile and requirements.