IMMIGRATION AND VISAS

Outstandingly beautiful, the islands offer alpine ranges, deep rainforests, sun drenched beaches – and a choice of climate from mild to subtropical. This rich and diverse natural heritage is treasured, with a third of the land being protected by the Department of Conservation. It’s true to say that the pace of life is less frantic in New Zealand, but this is certainly a progressive nation.

It is very important that you determine which visa option is best for you – see Eligibility Assessment. Some of the visa classes which may be of interest to you are:

Skilled Migration

This is one of the largest and most important parts of New Zealand’s Migration Program.

Applicants must meet the pass mark score on the points tested applications. The pass mark is currently 100pts. Unlike other countries for New Zealand applicants need to make an Expression of Interest first before formally applying for Permanent Residence. This allows New Zealand to choose exactly who this see as being of the greatest benefit to the country. This means preparing your application very carefully right from the beginning. Some of the factors you will be assessed under are:

  1. Age
  2. Qualifications/ Skills
  3. English & French language ability
  4. Work Experience
  5. Family sponsorship
  6. Spouse skills
  7. Job Offer

It is not a simple matter of plugging in your information into a points calculator to work out your score. We need to conduct a thorough assessment of your case to be able to properly advise you of your options. If you would like to know more please complete our Eligibility Assessment Form (link). One of our consultants will come back to you with your assessment results and explain the best way to proceed.

Business Migration

New Zealand is very keen to attract business migrants. The two main ways to apply for business visas are:

  • Long Term Business Visa (link)
  • Investor

Long Term Business Visa - To enter New Zealand you need:

  • to be in good health and of good character
  • to have a reasonable standard of English
  • to have a sound business plan
  • evidence that you have enough money aside from investment funds to support yourself and any partner or children coming with you

Once you have been in NZ for 2 years on a LTBV you can then apply for permanent residence under the Entrepreneur category.

Investors - The Active Investor Migrant Policy opened on 26 November 2007. Its aim is to attract investor migrants with business experience, international connections and financial capital to New Zealand, to support our economic transformation and contribute to the development of innovative, productive, and globally competitive firms in New Zealand. The policy is divided into three categories:

  • Global Investor Category – for migrants investing NZ$20 million in New Zealand, including at least NZ$5 million in active investment.
  • Professional Investor Category – for migrants investing NZ$10 million in New Zealand, including at least NZ$2 million in active investment.
  • General (Active) Investor Category – for migrants investing a minimum of NZ$2.5 million in New Zealand, who have an additional NZ$1 million for settlement funds.

This area of migration involves a more detailed look at your circumstances. Please contact one of our consultants to discuss your case in more detail.

Family Migration

You may apply to come to New Zealand to live if you are sponsored by a family member who is already a New Zealand citizen and/or resident. You must be in one of the groups shown below.

  • Partner – you are the husband, wife, defacto or civil union partner of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • Dependent Child – you are a dependent child with a parent who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • Parent – you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
  • Brother, sister or adult child – you have a brother, sister or adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

If you are a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident you may be able to sponsor your partner, dependent child, parent, adult child, brother or sister.

This area of migration involves a more comprehensive look at your circumstances. Please contact (link) one of our consultants to discuss your case in more detail.

Eligibility Assessment Service

It is difficult to begin to plan your new life overseas unless you have a clear picture of the options available. You may be asking yourself the following questions…

  • Do I qualify to go to this country?
  • What do I have to do to immigrate ?
  • What career opportunities are available to me ?
  • Where will I find the best opportunities ?
  • What else do I have to think about ?

If you would like to find out more about your potential opportunities, we recommend you take advantage of our eligibility assessment service.

Our expert staff can carry out a detailed appraisal of your background and advise you as to your likely eligibility for the appropriate Visa.

You can download an assessment form below or, alternatively, simply contact your nearest Four Corners Office and we will forward an assessment form to you. Click here to view our assessment form. (Requires Acrobat reader 3.0 or above.) or complete our quick assessment form online.