One of the most confusing issues in New Zealand visa jungle is telling the difference between aย New Zealand permanent resident visaย and a resident visa. Immigration New Zealand have done a pretty good job of making this as complex as possible. So Iโm going to explain it to you and hopefully simplify the whole thing in such a way everyone can understand it.
There are a few things you are not allowed to do with a Resident visa. For instance, you cannot vote until you have been here for at least twelve months and you may not be given a social welfare benefit for two years.As a Resident visa holder you pay the same taxes, you can buy the same houses and use the healthcare and education systems in the same way a citizen can. Unlike many other countries where they have much more restrictions on Resident visa holders.
Explaining your Resident Visa
If your Resident Visa is issued when you are onshore then your visa wonโt have a โFirst Entry Before Dateโ as you are already here.The second condition stated on the visa label (which is usually the one that confuses most people) is the โExpiry Date Travelโ. This does not mean your visa will expire after a certain date. It means your travel conditions will expire (usually after two years from the date of your first arrival or if you were onshore, two years after your visa was granted). Travel conditions give you the right to enter and exit New Zealand as a Resident. If you would leave New Zealand and wanted to return after your travel conditions expired your Residence would be deemed to have lapsed and you might be refused entry into New Zealand because you do not hold a valid visa anymore.The above applies to most application types however, there are some additional conditions for Investor or Parent Category applicants.
What is the difference with a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa?
A New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa gives you the same rights and privileges as your Resident Visa however, the travel conditions never expire so you can come and go as you like (see example below). This is where the word โpermanentโ of the Permanent Resident Visa refers to. As you can see it has nothing to do with staying permanently in New Zealand. You are allowed to stay permanently in NZ on both visas. It has to do with permanently being able to exit and re-enter the country as a Resident.
Hello , my husband and 2 older dependent children 17&23 came out on a residence visa last year and I was the main applicant . If I was to return to uk but my 23 year old wanted to stay could she ? Also can she go on to apply for perm residence after 2 years if I am no longer in NZ ?
Hi Helen,
If you leave New Zealand, your daughter can stay, but she is NOT eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa in her own right. A resident visa remains valid as long as your daughter stays in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija (license #201300693)
I am from India and my husband is getting transferred to Christchurch, New Zealand. My son is in 7th class can you please tell me how easy or difficult to get admission to a New Zealand school? I don’t want to drop his one year. Please guide
Hi Mona,
Apologies for the late reply.
It is not difficult to get your son a place in a high school. School years start in February (and run to November/December), but it is possible to enroll him in the middle of a year. It will take a bit of time to get his student visa sorted (between 1 and 2 months after submitting the application).
Kind regards,
Feija (IAA license #201300693)
Hi, someone I know is already a resident in NZ but got sick before she can apply for PR. Will it affect her PR application? Thanks!
Hi Veronika,
Being ill has no effect on a PR application.
You have to meet character requirements, but there are no medical requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi folks,
my daughter and I have PR visas, however my husband has now passed away (he was the principal applicant when we all received PR visas) and we are living in the UK. Are my daughter and I still PR and can we get the PR visa simply transferred to new passports – our original passports with PR visas are now out of date.
Many thanks
Emma
Hi Emma,
You can transfer your PR visa to your new passport. Once the PR visa is on your new passport you can travel to New Zealand.
A PR visa does not expire irrespective of how long you have been out of New Zealand.
Please note that the situation is different if you have a resident visa instead of a PR visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, thank you for this information, it is really helpful. I just would like to double check – if I apply for my PR visa and get it outside of NZ, does it have first entry date? or as it is PR I can come back whenever?
Thank you for your help.
Kind regards,
Hi Saya,
A PR does not have a first entry date, so you can come back whenever you like.
Just be mindful that you apply on time for your PR if you are outside of New Zealand. You only have a limited time to apply for a PR after your travel conditions have expired.
Kind regards,
Feija
Can I know 184 days stay during residency is applicable for dependent applicant also or not?
For dependent applicant,how many days they should stay in newzeland?
My daughter is 17 years,is it ok I can send her for heigher studies outside newzeland during her residence time?she will enter country once in 6 months during university vocation
Hi Swapna,
There are several ways to qualify for a Permanent Resident visa. The most commonly used option is to spend 184 days in 2 consecutive 12-month periods in New Zealand. If you plan to use this option, only the principal applicant must meet the 184-day rule. This means your dependent child can go overseas to study as long as she has been in New Zealand on her resident visa for at least 1 day. You can include her in your PR application.
Please be mindful that her resident visa contains travel conditions (valid for 2 years) and if she is outside New Zealand when these expire, her resident visa is no longer valid and she cannot return to New Zealand as a resident.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, i just want to ask about the 184 days stay in nz in each of the 2 yeas period after obtaining nz residency. I got my resident visa 30th march 2022. What if i cant comply with 184 days stay in nz for the first year, (30th march 2022- 30th march 2023), will i still be eligible to apply for permanent residency on 2024 or should i wait until 2025 to apply for permanent residency? Lets say i only stayed 170 days in nz for the first year after obtaining nz residency? Thank you.
Hi Erick,
I have answered your question via email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have 2 children whom I included with my residency. Weโre due to apply for PR this December. I would like to ask if itโs only the primary applicant who need to apply
for the permanent residency or the three of us need to apply separately?
Many thanks for all your help here.
Hi Janice,
The Principal Applicant can include dependent children in their PR application. If they are no longer dependent they may have to submit their own application, but they will be assessed on the eligibility of the principal applicant. This means that if the principal applicant is granted a PR, the children will too.
Kind regards,
Feija
I have just received my residence visa. You say “The principal applicant must spent 184 days in each of the two years from the date they first entered New Zealand”. If I have been in New Zealand since October 2019, does that mean my “significant time spent in New Zealand” starts then?
Hi Sean,
No, the 184-day rule starts on the day you received your resident visa (if already in New Zealand) or from the first day someone enters New Zealand on their resident visa (if they are off-shore). Any period spent in New Zealand on a temporary visa does not count towards the 184 days.
Please be mindful that you can only apply for a permanent resident visa (PR) once you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years. Immigration New Zealand uses the 2-year period PRECEDING the day they receive your application for a PR to see if you meet 1 out of a possible 5 criteria. As an example, if they receive your PR application on 1 August 2023, they will look at the period from 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2023.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you so much. One more question. What are the other four criteria to receive the PR?
Hi Sean,
The possible 5 criteria are:
– significant time period spent in NZ
– tax resident status in NZ
– base established in NZ
– investment in NZ
– establishment of a business in NZ
Each has its own set of requirements you need to satisfy.
Kind regards,
Feija
Sir, am from India and acquired PR of NZ in 2009. In 2010 I left for India due to personal reasons and since then, i never came to NZ for a stay. Now am planning to return back to NZ. My family consists of four people all are having PRs.
Now my question is, will the NZ govt. allow us to come back as i got a job offer in NZ and willing to settle in Auckland for ever. And also do I have to pay for MIS that is Quarantine stay at hotel? If so how much? My family consists of me 52 years, my wife 44+ years, my son 18+ years and my daughter 14+ years.
Please suggest sir.
Thanks,
Regards,
Srinivas Bhoompally
Hi Srinivas,
If you and your family members have permanent resident visas these should still be valid. You will need to transfer the visa label to a new passport (if you haven’t done so already). You will need to pay for MIQ. You can find details here: https://www.miq.govt.nz/being-in-managed-isolation/charges-for-managed-isolation/
However, if you held a resident visa, this is no longer valid and you will need to reapply for a visa if you wish to come to New Zealand (which is currently not possible for most people).
Kind regards,
Feija
Would I entitled to apply for PR before 2 years initial expired date? I hold the Residence visa for 8 months but I stayed in NZ for 4 years with 3 year work visa. Married with Kiwi for 8 years in 2007. I donโt know much about visa. I thought I married with my husband and got a son. its should be easy for me to get visa in NZ. Thank you so much for your reply.
Hi,
No, you cannot apply for a PR until you held a resident visa for at least 2 years. Any time spent in NZ on other types of visas does not count.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello all,
I currently hold a resident visa for a year. My partner was the principal applicant but we have now separated. Will I still be eligible to apply for permanent residency on my own? Thanks.
Hi Amy,
You can apply for a permanent resident visa on your own if you are separated. If it will be granted may depend on when your relationship broke down and the reasons behind it. You, as the partner, were granted a visa on the fact that Immigration believed you were in a genuine and stable relationship. If your relationship was not in a good state at the time your visa was granted, Immigration may think you provided false or misleading information with your resident visa application.
You may be asked to provide information around your break-up with a permanent resident visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi. We’re Australian citizens, and have lived in NZ for 30 years now. I’ve worked and paid taxes all that time, and we’ve owned a house here for 25 years. When we arrived we were told we were granted a Resident Visa, but understood nothing about what that meant, or Permanent Resident Visas etc. Over that time, we went to Aust to visit family (and occasional work/other trips) each year for short periods – had no idea about any travel conditions applying. Now, approaching pension age, it seems we do not qualify for Permanent Resident Visas due to these family visits and work trips, notwithstanding 30 years living here, and should have applied for travel variations or something during that time. Now we supposedly will have to do that, and wait 2 further years before being eligible for Permanent Resident Visas. That seems beyond belief – is it true? And nothing else can be done? [It seems beyond belief, in light of 30 years residence, working/paying taxes, and property ownership โฆ and will change our perspective of NZ fundamentally]
Hi Martin,
Yes, this is correct. You can only apply for a permanent resident visa if you meet the following requirements:
– held a resident visa continuously for at least 2 years
– be of good character
– meet 1 out of a possible 5 criteria (significant time spent in NZ, tax resident, base established in NZ, business established in NZ, investment in NZ).
If you wish to qualify for a permanent resident visa (PRV), you either shouldn’t leave NZ until you have completed at least 2 years in the country continuously or apply for a variation of travel conditions. Depending on when you last left NZ, you may not have to wait 2 years before you can apply for a PRV. I can calculate when you are eligible to apply for a PRV. I’ll need to know your travel movements for the last 2 years or so. You can contact me by email here: http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/ (a fee may apply).
It is up to the individual person to make sure they understand visa laws and their rights and which options are available to them. You are very honest in saying that you didn’t understand what it meant to have a resident visa and that is understandable, as visa regulations can be complex. However, this does not discharge you of asking questions and trying to understand what your visa allows (and doesn’t allow). New Zealand is incredibly generous towards Australian citizens, especially if you compare it with how the Australian government treats New Zealand citizens in a similar situation.
This is a situation that can be remedied very easily and I hope you continue to live in New Zealand with pleasure in the future.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija. Thanks very much for your reply. (I only came back from a conference in Australia just before the lockdown, so I guess the wait is pretty much 2 years …).
I’ve read somewhere that it is possible to seek a Permanent Resident Visa as ‘an exception to policy’ (or ‘an exception to residence instructions’). I think this requires applying to the Minister – after Immigration has declined your application on the basis of standard policy. Is that so? Is that something that might be applicable in our situation (or not really)? If yes, how do you go about that, and is that something you could assist with?
Thanks again.
Regards – Martin
Hi Martin,
I’m sorry for the delay in reply. I honestly thought I already provided an answer but your question is still marked “open”.
Exceptions to the policy will only be granted in very rare occasions for people that have mitigating circumstances. I’m pretty sure that your situation does not meet these criteria as you are still able to live and work in New Zealand. You are still eligible to apply for a PR, you just have to wait a bit longer. If you plan to travel out of NZ again within the 2-year period it may be wise to apply for a Variation of Travel Conditions to avoid that your resident visa expires when you leave New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there
My in-laws have residency visa with 5 years travel conditions since March 2016, they failed to grant permanant residency in March 2018 as immigration officers said they can live overseas in the first 3 years without staying for a day, but must be staying at least 184 days in the last two years which are 2019 and 2020. It is not stating that information in the immigration website. I only can see that they can apply for permanant residency in any continuous 2 years, not the last 2 years? Where can I see the correct information?
Regards
Hi Stanley,
Your parents can apply for a Permanent Resident visa after 5 years (and they must meet the conditions in the last 2 years).
You can apply for a permanent resident visa if:
– you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years, and
– you are of good character, and
– you meet the conditions on your resident visa
The last bullet point is where your parents are influenced by. One of the conditions on a parent category resident visa is that the sponsor (probably you) has to meet their obligations for 5 or 10 years (in your parent’s case 5 years). Until you have met this condition, your parents cannot apply for a permanent resident visa.
I hope this clarifies the situation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
First of all WOW a lot of comments and replies.
Situation: I was granted a SMC Residence visa, claiming points for a job offer. However I quit that job before I worked there for 12 months.
My understanding is if I apply for PR (have been in NZ 2 years since then), INZ will ask for evidence of being in this job in the form of payslips (which obviously I don’t have), and then reject my PR application. Is this correct?
But I will still keep my residency (but lose my travel conditions).
Let’s say I never get granted PR, can I still apply for citizenship after 5 since of holding my residency visa?
Hi Kat,
A Permanent resident visa application will be declined if you have not met the conditions on your resident visa. You are correct about that, but you are not correct in assuming that your resident visa will stay valid forever.
When granting your resident visa this was done on the basis of you meeting all requirements for a resident visa. One of the requirements is that you must meet (or exceed) a points threshold. You were probably granted 30 points for employment outside of Auckland. if you do not meet the conditions on your resident visa, those points will be taken away and that may mean that you no longer meet the points threshold. In that case, you and everyone included in the application become liable for deportation.
You have 5 years to satisfy the conditions. It is possible to go to another employer, but you have to keep doing the occupation that you used to apply for residency. The new job should also meet the requirements for skilled employment. For instance, if you applied for residency on the occupation of Hairdresser, you can change to a different salon but you must continue to work as a Hairdresser. It is often best to talk (email) the details of your new job to the Case Officer so they can assess if it meets the criteria for skilled employment (e.g. contract length, remuneration).
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks Feja for response. Just one query what is the minimum tenure of โtime spent in NZโ criteria inorder to be eligible for renewal
Hi Parry,
To be eligible for a 12-month variation of travel conditions, the principal applicant must have been in New Zealand as a resident for a total of 184 days or more in at least one of the two 12-month portions in the 24 months immediately preceding the date the application for a variation of travel conditions was made.
The application must be made when the travel conditions are still valid.
So let’s say your travel conditions expire on 1 March 2020 and Immigration New Zealand accepts your application for a variation of travel conditions on 1 February 2020. To be eligible for the variation of travel conditions, you must have spent at least 184 days in NZ as a resident between 1 FEB 2018 to 31 JAN 2019 AND/OR 1 FEB 2019 to 31 JAN 2020.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
Resident visa can be renewed? if yes, do you have to be NZ for renewal? how many times renewal is possible?
Hi Parry,
A resident visa is valid indefinitely if you stay in New Zealand. A resident visa will become invalid if you are outside New Zealand when the travel conditions expire (valid for 2 years). In some circumstances, it is possible to be granted a subsequent resident visa or a permanent resident visa. If this does not apply to you, you will have to apply again for a resident visa. You then need to meet current requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
Are there provisions to renew resident visa before expiry of 2 years? if yes
Is there a condition that we need to be in NZ for the renewal or we can renew outside NZ?
Lastly how many times renewal is possible?
Scenario is I have landed NZ on resident visa. But due to some personal factor, I am outside NZ for atleast 4 years. Since, I like to be PR and some day citizen, I have question if NZ resident visa can be renewed, within NZ or outside and for how many times.
Regards
Parry
Hi Parry,
I read this question after the other question you posted. If you are going to be outside New Zealand for at least 4 years, your resident visa, most likely, will expire after 2 years, because your travel conditions expire. In some circumstances, it is possible to renew the travel conditions but you must meet the “time spent in NZ” criteria and they can only be renewed for a maximum of 12 months, so even if you are eligible it won’t cover you for the whole period. In your case, when you are ready to return to New Zealand, you need to apply for a new resident visa. You will need to meet the requirements that are applicable then.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feijia!
My partner has currently a case in court for assaulting me. I know this will affect our application for PR in the year 2021, can he still be granted PR visa if he has a case? We are planning to separate already.
Hi Ren,
I’m sorry, you had to endure physical violence in your relationship. No person should have to experience this.
It will depend on the outcome of the case. If he is convicted, he may not be eligible for a PR.
The same applies if Immigration believes you were not in a genuine and stable relationship when he applied for residence (this may affect you too, if you are a resident visa holder too). If Immigration believes you provided false or misleading information about your application, you both may not be eligible for a PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fejia,
Would you be kind enough to provide some clarity on the 14 day variation of travel conditions? I am unable to find any specifics online.
When does the 14 day variation commence/expire? Does it become active immediately on the day it’s granted, enabling a resident to leave and come back into the country in the next 14 days? Or is one able to “hold onto” an approved variation and commence the 14 day period upon exiting NZ?
If the former, it seems quite difficult to utilize the 14 day variation in an emergency situation, as it’ll take some time to approve and must be used immediately.
Thank you!
AJ
Hi AJ,
The Operational Manual states that “The 14-day period begins the day after the variation of travel conditions is granted and expires on the same day of the week that it is granted, a fortnight later.” I trust this answers your question.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fejia,
I am the primary applicant for Residency and now a PR, together with this, have sponsored my wife and daughter (both PR).
We are planning to bring my daughter outside NZ for a year so we can focus with work. Will this affect our application for citizenship?
Thank you
Hi Ned,
Yes, this will affect her application for citizenship. Every person must apply separately. Each applicant must meet the presence in New Zealand requirements on their own.
For more information see the Department of Internal Affairs website.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have a question.My inlaws had a condition on their pr that they had to stay for 6 months here in nz until Nov 21st..But they left on Sept and now wants to come back..Will they able to be granted their residency as they were on their last travel condition but didn’t stay for 6 months as stated.
Hi Zaki,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, I think in your previous response to Christina, there’s a typo:
“Hi Christina,
No, you do need to live in New Zealand the first 2 years after your resident visa was granted. However, you should take into account that the travel conditions on your resident visa expire after 2 years. If you are outside of New Zealand when this happens, your resident visa becomes invalid.”
I think you were meant to say “No, you don’t need to live in NZ the first 2 years after your resident visa was granted…” I read your sentence again and again and was so confused, then I suddenly thought there might be a typo…
Hi Lara,
Yes, you are quite right. My apologies for the confusion. You do NOT need to be in New Zealand immediately. You should take into account that you must “activate” a resident visa within 1 year of it being granted by visiting New Zealand. Once it is “activated” the travel conditions are valid for 2 years. If you wish for your resident visa to stay valid, you need to come to New Zealand and live here before your travel conditions expire.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I’m on resident visa since January 2019; due to apply for Permanent residency in January 2021, Can I look for job in Auckland as I was granted residency under skilled migrant category while working in Hamilton.
Kind regards,
Simon
Hi Simon,
I believe I answered your question via email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feijia,
Thank you for the analysis above and they are very helpful.
One question:
I (primary applicant) and my wife and boy got our residence visa based on SMC less than 2 years ago, and now it’s time for us to submit application for permanent resident now.
During those 2 years, I stayed in NZ all the time for a full employment, but my wife and boy still were mainly in my home country, although they visited me a couple of times(time frame totally about 2 months) and first visit was within first year so it meets acceptance criteria.
In the INZ1175 I’m going to submit, there’s one item:
“A13 Do you live with your partner? Yes or No or Not applicable”.
Does it mean when I submit this application whether my partner is with me physically or our relationship is still existed?
The reason why I asked is that I can see all your previous comments have mentioned that non-principle stay time would not effect the result as long as primary applicant fulfill the time requirement, so is there negative effect that it means live together in a house and I fill NO?
Thank you very much in advance!
Hi Joey,
It is correct that it does not matter if the secondary applicant (your wife) and your dependent children have met the “significant time spent in NZ” requirement, but you do have to live together. Your wife was granted a resident visa based on her relationship with you.
It would be best if they are in New Zealand when you submit the application (also because if their travel conditions expire, their resident vis becomes invalid and they are not allowed to return to New Zealand (only when a PR is approved). I suggest you add a cover letter to explain the situation. If they are not with you in NZ the answer should be NO.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a question my wife has an indefinite expiry on her Resident Visa but her Travel date expiry is already expired since April 2018. Can she still apply for a Permanent Resident Visa? as we are travelling overseas next year. looking forward to your reply Thank you
Regards,
Juan
Hi Juan,
As long as your wife stays in New Zealand, she is fine. Her resident visa remains valid and she can also apply for a PRV.
However, if she leaves the country, her resident visa will expire (she may have limited options to apply for a PRV or a subsequent resident visa in this situation).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello ) I’m applying for PR , should i put my partners datas, photos into application and should he sign the application ? He is nz citizen , my residency visa was based on partnership
Thank you
Sorry, one more question. My dependent child has one speed ticket, should i put it into the character declaration ?
Thanks
Hi Alex,
Speeding tickets are traffic offense and the fine you get is an infringement. They are not convictions (unless your child went to court) so you do not need to mention them. If unsure, it is better to mention it.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Alex,
You only put the details of the people included in the original resident visa application. As your partner is an NZ citizen they do not need a visa and thus were not included in the application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Can we request the extension of first entry due to School Calendar?
Hi Maria,
You need to contact the Case Officer fo this. They will be able to guide you. They are not obligated to address your concern though. But you can always try.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thank you so much for your detailed reply to my previous question.
Thanks to your great site, I’m fairly certain I now have a good handle on resident visa nuances as they apply to our situation. My lovely wife, however, is quite insistent that I ask you this question directly:
Is it AT ALL possible to obtain a long-term (over 14 days) variation to resident visa travel conditions without fulfilling the 184-day stay requirement? We have activated our resident visas by visiting NZ last June, and so our travel conditions expire June, 2020. Unfortunately, unanticipated family circumstances make our ability to move by next June uncertain. Can we apply for any sort of variation that would allow us to postpone our move, if need be?
Thank you!
AJ
Hi AJ,
You are only eligible for a longer Variation of Travel Conditions than 14 days if you have spent 184 days or more in at least one of the two 12-month portions in the 24 months immediately preceding the date the application for a variation of travel conditions was made.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good day Feija, thank you for the explanation above – it certainly helps.
We are on-shore with a 60 month essentially skills visa, which started Dec 2018. On a SMC visa application (assuming we have the 160 pts & your EOI is accepted with invite to apply) will you be applying for Residence or PR?
My eldest son lives with his mom in South Africa, is 18 years old & in his last year at school. He is undecided if he wants to come to NZ or not. But I also do not want to delay SMC visa application for my partner & our youngest son here in NZ.
Must my eldest son be included on our initial SMC visa application, or can he apply afterwards on a Dependent Child Resident Visa?
Thanking you in advance.
Hi Karl,
You will be applying for a resident visa.
I am happy to talk to you about your son’s situation in a Consultation. A fee applies. You can contact me through the website by completing the contact form: http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a resident visa and the expiry of date of travel is 20 nov 2019 but we need to travel outside of new zealand for 1 month. It means that is we leave by dec 10 2019 and comeback jan 10 2020 theres no time to apply for pr.
What to do?
Apply for variation of travel conditions?and when is the best time to apply if i need to sort visas to other country?
And if I am granted variation of visa when I come back to nz can I apply for PR right AWAY?
THANKS
aRIANNE
Hi Arianna,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Much thanks for an amazingly informative site!
Is it possible to get multiple 14-day variations of resident visa travel conditions?
Our travel conditions are very likely to expire before we are eligible for a PR visa, and we were hoping to have the ability to leave NZ for more than one emergency, were they to arise.
Also, can a 14-day variation be processed in a matter of days in the event of a family sickness/death abroad?
Thank you!
Best regards,
AJ
Hi AJ,
Yes, you can get more than one 14-day Variation of Travel conditions. You have to apply again each time. At the moment, variation of travel condition applications are processed within 2 to 4 weeks but it can take up to 6 weeks.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
As I done study level 7 in hospitality in nz working in restaurant now everything is readay just ilets have 6band need 7band is their any way how I can fix my this isaue
Hi Sangita,
For a skilled migrant resident visa application, you need an overall skill band of 6.5 in IELTS (not 7.0).
Try to do a short course (there are online courses available) that prepare you for IELTS. You need to pass an English language test before you can apply. You are really close so with a bit of practice you should be able to get the required 6.5 result.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi there. would just like to ask something regarding the study work residence. my wife is applying for a study program and as i understand, after her 1 year course is finished, she will be granted a working visa valid for 2 years. our agent told us that i too will be issued a working visa also valid for two years. we can also bring our daughter (7 yearsold) with us and can study for free. is that correct?
also, i have an 18 years old daughter who also wants to come with us. she is not my wife’s daughter but mine only. i would just like to know if she can also join us after my wife finishes her studies and received her working visa? thank you.
Hi Benjie,
I sent you an email a couple of days ago.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hey Feija,
First of all thank you for all your support.
Can you please let me know what would happen if some family members come to New Zealand by invitaion letter (visitor visa) and they try to stay here forever. Exept that they are legible for approval of asylum or not, what would be consequences for a person who has invited them to the country. Knowing that he as a host has perminant residance Visa. Thanks alot.
Hi Cari,
As far as I’m aware, but I’m not an expert in this area, there are no negative effects for the person who invited these people. If they decide to stay in New Zealand unlawfully (no valid visa and no refugee status) they will become liable for deportation. You may have a legal obligation to inform authorities if you know where they are. They can also apply for refugee status once they are in New Zealand, if this is recognised is a different matter.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a residence visa with only travel conditions. I am living outside of Auckland. I have got my residency through skilled migrant category. I am still at the job but for last 5 months I have been working less than full time hours while doing another self employed business. It’s been 14 months since I got the residency. Will there be any impact for applying for permanent residency if I work less than 30 hours in the company after getting the residency visa?
Thanks. Your help is much appreciated.
Hi Ryan,
As I have not seen your resident visa, I can only base my answer on your comment that you only have travel conditions on your resident visa. If there are no conditions regarding employment (i.e. stay in employment for either 3 months or 12 months), then you are free to do as you like. You can quit your job, run a business full-time, retire, work part-time etc. This will have no adverse effect on a permanent resident visa application.
For a permanent resident visa you must:
– satisfy all conditions on your resident visa
– hold a resident visa for at least 2 years
– satisfy 1 out of a possible 5 criteria
– be of good character
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thanks for all the useful information in your article.
I am a resident visa holder via partner route (my husband is a NZ citizen now living in HK)
As seen from the Commitment to NZ to become a PR, one of the requirements is to set up a business in NZ, with NZ certified accountant to confirm that the business in a “going concern”.
May I know if there is any capital requirement for this criteria?, and whether online business can be considered in this case? and what exactly is “going concern”?
Thanks!!
Regards,
Tiffany
Hi Tiffany,
Yes, you can set up or buy a business. The business must run successfully for at least 12 months before the application for a PR is made. The business must benefit New Zealand in some way (e.g. you employ NZ staff or you use your profit to buy New Zealand products or resources or use it as personal income you spend in NZ). There is no capital investment requirement is you establish a business (there is if you buy a business).
A going concern is a business that is trading normally (not a shell corporation), so that buys stock, or makes products and sells them.
Please be mindful that if you and your husband are not living together, Immigration may ask questions around this when you apply for a PR as you were granted a visa based on a genuine and stable relationship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks for your reply!! I have clarify that my husband and I are both living in NZ.
Another thing i would like to ask is that I saw from INZ1176 that,
“A small number of people can be granted a permanent resident visa without first having held a resident visa. These are:partners of New Zealand citizens, where the couple has been together for more than five years and the New Zealand citizen has been overseas for more than five years.”
As I am having resident visa via partner route, may I know (1) which form I should be submitting if I fulfill the above requirements in order to obtain PR? (2) What evidence do I need to provide?
Hi Tiffany,
As you and your partner are both living in New Zealand I doubt if you qualify for this option. You can’t apply for it, you just have to submit a resident visa application and if the case officer is satisfied you meet the requirements to be granted a PR instead of a resident visa, they will issue this. This is completely up to the discretion of the Case officer.
I would be happy to provide you with information on the documents you need to provide, but that is a paid service.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija
I’m an Australian permanent resident living in NZ and I’m thinking about applying for the variation of travel conditions as I will be staying in Australia for 10 months starting this April.
Since I will be leaving in a couple of weeks time, I wonder how long it takes for the VoTC to be granted. Do you have any indications on this? Let’s assume it takes 30 days to process the application, do I have to remain in New Zealand until the VoTC is granted?
Kind regards,
Mario
Hi Mario,
I hope you got yourself sorted by now. My apologies for the late reply.
It will take about 4 weeks an yes, you need to be in New Zealand until it is granted. As soon as you leave NZ you have no resident visa anymore, and Immigration cannot grant a VOC if there is no visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi my name is Kristy and my parents is here in nz on parent category for 4 years now. My father has breached his condition and my two siblings who was under age came with my parents but they are over age now and living on there own and works full time. My question is that if my father has to go back since he breached his condition will my siblings have to go back as well.
Hi Kirsty,
I assume your father was the principal applicant in the application?
If he breached the conditions of his visa, he may become liable for deportation. This may mean that all other applicants, will lose their visas as well. I would need to know more about the situation to give specific advise (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
Thanks alot for your answer.
Our passport are with us as we applied by certified copies. So there is no problem about that.
Have you heard about prioritizing an application? An immigration adviser claims that he can prioritize the application for us. I am not sure if it is worthy as the file is on process itself and I am afraid if it maks things worth.
Regards,
Frida
Hi Farideh,
In some cases, it is possible to prioritize an application but it entirely depends on the situation. It does only happen in exceptional cases because if everyone’s application was prioritized there would be a queue. It is impossible to guarantee that an application can be prioritized. Immigration New Zealand makes that decision and not the adviser, but it is always possible to try to get it prioritized.
And yes, I have been able to prioritize applications. Very recently with a student visa application. But there have also been situations where it didn’t work.
Kind regards,
Feija
We are a couple. We have applied for PR on 8th Feb 2019. We went for the time we have spent in here. We have had 2 years residence visa by the time we applied for the PR. I wonder if we can leave the country as we have an family emergancy matter. I ask because we have not got our PR yet and our residancy is expired already. It’s like they are so busy these days and our file might need a month to be done.
What would be a worse case scenario? What if we want to come back after a couple of month?
Hi Farideh,
It usually takes 4-5 weeks for a PR application to be decided.
If your travel conditions are no longer valid, your resident visa will expire as soon as you leave the country. This means you will not be able to return to New Zealand unless you have a PR.
You can ask for an urgent return of your passports if you wish to leave the country. It may affect the outcome of your application, but if you inform Immigration you are leaving the country, it shouldn’t be an issue. In case, you need to reapply, as long as you apply for a PR within 3 months of your resident visa expiring (and you still meet all requirements for a PR), you apply for a PR from overseas.
It’s always best to stay in NZ until a visa application is decided, but if this isn’t possible, make sure you notify Immigration of any changes.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
We had a work to residence visa of 30 months since 2016. After 2 years, we got the PR. So when are we eligible for NZ passport? Is it 5 years after getting PR or 3 years after getting PR? Please lets us know.
Thanks.
Hi Vikrm,
It is 5 years after you were granted a resident visa and/or permanent resident visa. The time you were in New Zealand on a work visa does not count towards the 5 years.
Please see the website of the Department of Internal Affairs for more information (http://www.dia.govt.nz)
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am Swedish and my partner is from NZ. We met in February 2016 and have officially been a couple since September 2016. We lived together in NZ between September 2016-May 2018, so about 20 months. I started off on a working holiday visa and then I got a partnership work visa. I am a registered nurse in Sweden, but needed one more year of work experience in my home country to be able to get registered in NZ. So in May last year I decided to go home for 12 months to get that work experience. My partner is currently studying in NZ, so he couldnโt come with me.
We have done long distance since then, and we spent three weeks in Asia together in November.
Since this year has almost passed by now, I have started to think about my visa options. I assume I cannot apply for a partnership work visa since we are currently not living together? What other options would you say I have?
Kind regards,
Madeleine
Hi Madeleine,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
Is there a maximum limiation on the period before I apply for PR? Given I’m not planing to travel out of NZ, can I apply for PR when I see the needs to do so? like 5 years or 10 years in the future?
Kind Regards
Jack
Hi Jack,
You can apply for a permanent resident visa whenever it suits you. There is no set date before which you have to apply. As long as you meet the requirements for a PR at the time of applying.
Just be mindful that if you do have to leave NZ urgently and the travel conditions on your resident visa have expired, your resident visa will become invalid if you leave NZ. A permanent resident visa will solve this issue for you. It’s not mandatory to apply for a PR so if you do not see the need to have a PR, it is perfectly fine to stay on your resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
My wife and I were granted resident visa through the parent category by my daughter who is now a New Zealand citizen. I entered New Zealand in August 2014 and my wife was granted resident visa while she was in New Zealand last 2013. Under the resident visa, there is a travel condition stating that we are sponsored by my daughter as a resident visa for 5 years. We are planning to leave New Zealand by January 2019 next month may be for 7 to 8 months for treatment related to my diabetes and cataract. I applied for a variation of travel condition for a resident visa because of my wife expired resident visa and this was approved 4 days ago.
My only concern is if my stay outside of New Zealand will exceed the expiration of my variation of travel condition which is 01 of December 2019. Can I apply for a permanent resident visa while I’m outside of New
Zealand?
Thank you
Benjamin
Hi Benjamin,
Yes, you can apply outside NZ for a PR. You must do this within 3 months after your travel conditions expire. Please make sure you meet the requirements for a PR. If you leave NZ for the length of time you describe, you may not meet PR requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have residency visa from year 2008 with no conditions. I travel to NZ in mid 2009 to activate my residency status for about 2 days. I also have returning residency visa with condition as “current for two years from the date of issue of original residence permit?.
I am currently outside NZ and was looking into the options to regain my NZ status. Can i request for second or subsequent residence visa?
would appreciate your input and advice.
Hi Raja,
Based on the information you have provided, and you have spent no other time in NZ then the 2 days in 2009, your resident visa expired a long time ago. Based on this information, you are not eligible for a second or subsequent resident visa. You will need to apply for a new resident visa (the requirements have become much stricter since 2008).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My Partner and I (Principal applicant) have got our resident visa on 23/07/2018 (skilled migrant category). both of us entered NZ first on 14/02/2017. There is travel condition which says “Your travel conditions are valid until 23 July 2020”. Its an e-Visa. I am working since 17/07/2017 outside of Auckland and above remuneration threshold. Am i fulfilling “established a base in New Zealand” criteria? as we (me and my partner) are fulfilling these conditions –
1. lived in New Zealand as a resident for at least 41 days in the year before you applied for permanent residence
2. and everyone else included in your residence application has been living in New Zealand for at least 184 days in the 2 years before you applied for permanent residence
3. worked full-time in New Zealand for 9 months or more in the 2 years before you applied for permanent residence
Can we apply for PR now?
Thank You,
Prateek
Hi Prateek,
There are several requirements you must satisfy before you can apply for a Permanent Resident visa. One of the requirements is that you must have held a resident visa for at least 2 years. If your resident visa was granted on 23/7/2018, you will not be eligible to apply for a PR until 23/7/2020.
You also must meet one of the possible five criteria. You can only start fulfilling these criteria from the moment your resident visa was granted. So in your case, if you continue to stay in full-time employment, you will meet the 9 months on 23 April 2019. You will still have to wait until July 2020 before you can apply for your PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
A very tough questions, in my opinion…
I applied for my first Resident Visa and included my partner.
If she is declined, would I (Principal applicant) be automatically declined as well?
I am applying through the Accredited Employee (talant) Residency visa.
Hi Julian,
Yes, if your partner is declined, then your combined resident visa application is declined.
If it appears that your partner may not meet the requirements, you may opt to have her removed from the application. This must be done before a decision is made on the application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am holding a PR. I will now move away from NZ for some years and my passport (with the PR sticker) will expire while I am outside of NZ. Will I be able to get the new PR sticker in a NZ embassy?
Hi Christina,
When your current passport expires and you apply for a new passport, you need to transfer the permanent resident visa to the new passport. You can submit an application for this to a Visa Application Centre (VAC). This is different from a NZ embassy. These days NZ embassy’s are not involved in visa processing. It depends on the country you go to, where the closest VAC is. Most countries have one.
Kind regards,
Feija
I was granted Residence Visa this year and I applied for further studies at a college. However, the admission’s officer now says that I do not qualify for domestic rates as I require a Permanent Resident Visa. I was under the impression that the Residence Visa and Permanent Residence Visa is the same except where he 1st have to wait 2 years for it to become permanent. Is there some evidence somewhere that I can present to the college?
Hi Marilyn
Please visit https://www.education.govt.nz/ministry-of-education/legislation/definition-of-domestic-student/.
The below is copied from this website.
Definition for tertiary
Section 159 of the Education Act 1989 defines a domestic student as:
– A New Zealand citizen
– The holder of a residence class visa granted under the Immigration Act 2009
– A person of a class or description of persons required by the Minister, by notice in the Gazette, to be treated as if they are not international students.
Both resident visa and permanent resident visas fall under residence class visas.
kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I was granted a NZ residence visa in Oct 2015, however, I had to leave NZ in January 2017. I am now looking to return in February 2019. Will I be able to pick up where I left off or will I need to apply for a new residence visa?
Thanks in advance!
Warm regards
Stephen
Hi Stephen,
If you never applied for a permanent resident visa (and it doesn’t like you were eligible for that), you need to start over. The requirements have changed quite dramatically since 2015.
Kind regards,
Feija
‘im a nz dependent child resident. Will i be able to petition my partner for a partnership visa?
Hi Chino,
It depends on how long you have been in a relationship. If your relationship started after the resident visa was granted and you are currently living together then yes, you probably can support their application.
If the relationship started before the resident visa was granted then no, you can’t support their application and you risk losing your resident visa or be deported as you didn’t meet the requirements for a dependent child.
For more detailed advice please contact me via experienzimmigration.co.nz and click on “Ask Feija a question”.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I received my residency through my partnership with my husband. I received my residency less than a year ago. We have an infant son together. Our relationship is struggling and I’m wondering if I leave him will I be able to get the Sole Parent Benefit from WINZ?
Or do I have to have my residency for 2 years before getting Social Welfare?
I’d be hugely grateful for any advice you can right now.
Thanks
Chris
Hi Chris,
I’m sorry to hear your relationship is struggling. I’m no expert on benefits, so I advise you to contact WINZ for the answer to your question.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I have applied for residency and awaiting for results.
I have a question about restrictions on residency visa’s
I have been in my current job since Aug 2017 outside of Auckland and claimed points for this as well as having more than 1 years working experience in NZ. My current visa only allows me to work at my current place of employment.
Do you know if I would be restricted to continue working at my current job once residence has been approved or would I be able to work outside of my industry and job.
I cannot seem to find any of this information online.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Shaun
Hi Shaun,
Resident visas can have conditions regarding employment on them. If you work outside of Auckland the condition will be to continue to work for 12 months for the same employer and in the same occupation. However, as you have been working in New Zealand for this employer for over a year, I do not expect this condition to be put on your resident visa (if it is approved). The Case Officer ultimately decides on the conditions that are put on a resident visa, so you’ll need to wait until you see your resident visa label before you can be certain.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
Does New Zealand permanent resident visa ever expire if you stay too long outside NZ? Can it be cancelled?
Thank you,
Ramona
Hi Ramona,
Every visa can be canceled but if you do not do any stupid things, like committing a major offense, you should be fine. The current policy is that a PR does not expire even if you leave NZ for a long time. However, a policy can change, so if you leave NZ it might be good to check once in a while to see if the policy is still the same.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi:
If I hold an Essential Skills Work Visa for 3 years (Mid Skilled), can I apply for a Permanent Resident Visa? or should I apply for some other visa first?
Hi Andres,
You need to apply for a resident visa first. You can only apply for a permanent resident visa after you’ve held a resident visa for at least 2 years (and meet a few other requirements).
Kind regards,
Feija
My partner is a New Zealand citizen who has never resided in New Zealand. We have been married for over 10 years. The self-assessment guide (INZ 1003) seems to indicate that because she has not resided in New Zealand for the last five years and we have been in a partnership for over five years, I can go straight to a permanent resident visa without having to have a resident visa for two years first. Is that correct?
Hi Mark,
If your partner is a NZ citizen (she needs to have a valid NZ passport or NZ birth certificate) AND you have been together for more than 5 years AND she has not lived in NZ for the last 5 years, you can apply for a resident visa. It is up to the discretion of the Case Officer that assesses your application whether or not to grant a permanent resident visa or not. You cannot apply for a permanent resident visa straight away.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My fiancee successfully applied from outside NZ for a work visa as a partner of a NZ citizen (me). She has since arrived in NZ. This was to avoid the long processing time of full a PR application.
NZ Govt site is a bit unclear about whether we need to wait for 2 years to apply to transfer to a full perm residence visa, or 184 days of a single 12month period?
The preference to move to PR is that she also has a statement on the conditions that she can work for any employer and any occupation. My interpretation this would exclude sole trading or working as a contractor? I need to understand if this is possible to decide whether it’s worth getting someone to process our application early.
Regards
Duncan
Hi Duncan,
If your fiancee has a work visa based on partnership now, the next step is a resident visa (she is not eligible for a PR). You can apply for a resident visa at any time as long as she meets the requirements. You need to have the resident visa sorted before her current work visa expires (Immigration New Zealand only grants a maximum of 2 years in work visas based on partnership). Once the resident visa is sorted she’ll have to wait 2 years before she can apply for a permanent resident visa (if she meets requirements).
Your fiancee has an open work visa. This allows her to work for any employer and in any occupation, including working for herself (start her own business) or work as a contractor.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for the quick response Feija, really appreciate it as it’s cleared things up greatly (you should write the information pages for immigration.govt.nz).
So the quicker we transfer to residence, the quicker we can apply for PR. Can you drop me an email with your costs on doing this no our behalf please.
Regards
Duncan
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
I’m about to have my Permanent Resident in another 2 months, but I want to be able to get citizenship as soon as possible. Is there any way to do that?
Hi Anthony,
To qualify for citizenship you need to hold a resident visa and/or permanent resident visa for at least 5 years. In the 5 years preceding the citizenship application, you must have spent at least 240 days (about 8 months) in each of the 5 12-month periods in New Zealand preceding the citizenship application. You also need to spend at least a total of 1350 days in the 60 months preceding the citizenship application (this averages to about 9 months per 12-month period).
For more information about the criteria for citizenship please visit https://www.govt.nz/browse/nz-passports-and-citizenship/nz-citizenship/
Hi Feija,
I am currently on NZ work visa, but my husband hold NZ permanent resident visa. We have lived together in NZ for more than 1 year now (and still together). I am about to apply for my resident visa, but I have just found out that I am pregnant.
Will it be better for me to wait until I give birth to apply for the resident visa? Or do you think I could apply for the resident visa straightaway while pregnant?
More Info: My work visa will expire August 2019.
Thanks in advance
Hi Ariel,
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
As your partner is a New Zealand permanent resident, the baby will be a New Zealand citizen if born in New Zealand and your partner is listed as the father. Pregnancy is not a reason to decline a visa or for Immigration to say that you do not have an acceptable standard of health. There is no reason to wait with applying for a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
How long I can stay outside of NZ if I am a permanent resident .
I have to stay outside more than 4 years …
Hi Jacob,
Not a problem. As long as you have a permanent resident visa (instead of a resident visa), you can stay out of New Zealand as long as you like.
Please bear in mind that this is current policy and that policy may change at any time.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija
If i’ve got nz residency as a dependent child, should i meet the criteria staying 184 days in each year and show my commitment to New Zealand for getting PR? Or only principal applicant should show that?
Thank you
Hi Loren,
Only the principal applicant needs to show that. There are a few exceptions, such as if the principal applicant is deceased.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you very much,
Can i apply for PR with principal applicant even if by that time i’m in NZ only about for a year ? And should i apply being in NZ or i can apply from overseas as well?
Hi Loren,
To qualify for a permanent resident visa the principal applicant:
– must hold resident visa for 2 years
– meet one out of 5 possible criteria
– be of good character (no convictions since your resident visa was granted)
So if you were the secondary applicant in a resident visa application, you can apply for a PR as soon as the principal applicant meets the requirements. If you are the principal applicant, you’ll have to wait until you meet the requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija;
can i claim points for my master in business administration(MBA) as level 9 postgraduate (after assessment),while my undergraduate studies was in engineering,but part of my job is related to my MBA studies like project management, budgeting…?
Thank you in advance.
B.R
Hi Khalid,
You can claim points for your highest recognized qualification irrespective if it is relevant to your job. You still will need to show you are skilled for your job, either with work experience or another qualification.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
If I am on a skilled migrant resident visa (not a permanent visa). Will my newborn child be eligible for a New Zealand citizenship?
Hi Mohamed,
If you were in NZ when your child was born, then they are eligible for citizenship. If they were born outside of NZ, then no.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feiza, I have a work to residence visa. This I understand can convert to a residence visa after 2 years. How long after that can I apply for permanent residence?
Regards
Peter
Hi Peter,
With a work to residence visa, you can apply for a residence from work visa after 2 years. Once the visa is granted, you can apply for a PR after 2 years. There is one exception and that is Residence from work (Talent). In some cases, people may be granted a PR instead of a resident visa.
If you wish to apply for a resident visa sooner, you may wish to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa (if you meet requirements).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feiji,
I’m on my residence visa now, which is due to expire(travel conditions) Nov 2018.Do i need to update my physical address to INZ or it doesn’t required as i changed my address now.
If i have to update what’s the procedure?as i tried logging into my INZ account to update address but couldn’t find any options.
Please suggest me .
Hi Rajee,
You do not need to inform Immigration New Zealand about a change of address.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feiza
My husband is working for a company and has applied for the skilled migrant residence visa. Immigration adviser requested further documents such as company’s bank statement from employer to assess the application. Employer is not ready to provide this confidential information. Can you pls suggest what to do now.
Hi Deepa,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
i have a question?! i got my Permanent Residency Visa and now i live out side of New Zealand, so my question is that visa expire?
Hi Gaston,
A permanent resident visa does not expire.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thanks for your continuous help for us. Your work is highly appreciated.
My family, wife, son and my self have the permanent resident visa (PR). Our daughter was born last year out of NZ. We applied for her visa when we were out of NZ and she got Resident visa but not PR. We all are now in NZ. As we all are having PR except our daughter, is it possible for us to apply for her permanent resident visa now (before completing two years). Because we may go overseas for a longer period in near future.
Thanks.
Hi Nanda,
No, you can only apply for your daughter’s PR after she has held her resident visa for 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija ;
I would like to apply for skilled migrant category resident visa. I am a telecommunication engineer for 10 years in multinational telecommunication operator but my country does not found in comparable labor market list and my company group does not listed in this list of countries also. But my occupation is the long term skill shortage list and meet the long term skill shortage list requirements.
Can I gain points for my work experience in this case.
B.R
Hi Khalid,
If your occupation is in the Long Term Skill Shortage List and you meet the requirements specified in the list, then you can claim work experience gained in a country that is not a comparable labour market. Please note, that you will need a skilled full-time offer of employment from a New Zealand employer at some point (unless you’ve studied towards a Master or Ph.D. degree for at least 2 years in NZ).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
I have noted that if granted a skilled migrant visa and you received points for current skilled employment and you have been with your employer for less that 3 months, you need to stay in that job or similar for at least 12 Months. Does that mean that if you have been with your current employer for more that 3 months when granted your skilled migrant visa, that you do not need to stay in that same job or similar for 12 months?
Hi Evelyne,
It depends where your job is located how long you need to stay in a job. If the job is in the Auckland region, you need to stay in it for at least 3 months. If it is outside Auckland you need to stay in it for at least 12 months.
This applies if you haven’t started the job yet, but also if you worked for the employer less than 3 or 12 months respectively (depending on where the job is located).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
For the Resident Visa and the Working Holiday Visa you need to enter NZ within 12 months after the visa was granted if you are outside NZ at the time when it was granted.
Do you know if there is any “activation time” for the Essential Skills Visa if you are outside NZ at the time when it was granted? I have applied for the Essential Skills Visa one month ago, my working Holiday Visa expired one week ago and I am currently on an Interim Visa. As I don’t know when exactly I will hopefully get my approval, I had the idea to use the waiting time for doing 3 months Backpacking in Asia, fly back to my home country Netherlands or do 6 months Work & Travel in Australia ๐
Thank you a lot for your feedback and help ๐
Hi Stephanie,
You usually have 3 months after the approval of an Essential Skills Visa to come to New Zealand and start your job. However, it is often the employer that determines how quickly you must start. Most employers want their employees to start as soon as possible. So before you embark on any of the adventures you describe, make sure your employer is okay with this.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
Thank you so much for your quick feedback and the given information ๐ Actually you are right, my employer wants me to start asap after Visa approval but its good to know that the activation time is 3 months and not for example 1 week. Thus, in case I am outside of NZ for traveling during the waiting period I do not need to rush that much and have the opportunity to look and find the cheapest flight back to NZ within a 3 weeks timeframe instead 1 week ๐
Hello Feija,
I would kindly ask for an information again. Luckily, I recently got the approval for my Essential Skills Visa. While I was on a Working Holiday Visa, I was represented as an Actress/Extra by a NZ Talent agency and every month I got some great jobs for different NZ filming, series and TV commercials and I was allowed to take some days off for these ad-hoc jobs/projects on demand.
As the Essential Skills Visa actually restrict work to my particular occupation and employer, is there any chance to change/expand the condition it? Would for example an application for a variation of conditions be an option or as working as Actor is considered as Freelance would is be possible to apply for the “Entertainers Work Visa” which should be considered as part-time freelance work?
Thank you a lot for all your given information and support in advance.
Hi Stephanie,
It is not possible to work for 2 different employers or 2 different occupations on one work visa. It is not possible to apply for a Variation of Conditions to allow this(except for certain sports people). It is also not possible to have 2 different types of work visa at the same time.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My wife has Residence Permit and it is about to expire on 19th July 2018. Her father is sick and we planning our trip to go see him on 1st August 2018. Her 2yrs on Residence Permit will complete on 19th July 2018. I wanted to check if will be ok to send application mid-june or early july, will my wife be able to get a Permanent Resident Visa before end of July? I am aware it says 2yrs in the law, but couple of individuals have suggested you can apply earlier.
Thank you so much.
Hi Haseeb,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I’m a filipino and someday I want to be a dual citizenship in both New Zealand and the Philippines. if ever I’ve decided to settle down in the Philippines permanently after i get my dual citizenship will that affect my New Zealand citizenship?
Hi Scara,
Not that I’m aware of but you should really ask this question at the Department of Internal Affairs (www.dia.govt.nz) as they deal with citizenship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Can a resident visa apply for citizenship after 5 years even though it’s not a permanent residence visa?
Hi Scara,
Yes, you either need to hold a residence class visa for at least 5 years. Both a resident visa and a permanent resident visa are residence class visas.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am a holder of PR visa (Indefinite) and I live overseas. I wish to apply for my wife & kids. They were not included at the time of my application as I was single. I believe I have to move back to NZ to apply for dependent child. If I move back and apply from NZ (bring them on visitor’s visa), what is the time frame in which they can get a residency? Will they get a Residence visa or a Permanent Residence visa? Thanks.
Hi Ankit,
Yes, to be able to apply for a dependent child resident visa you need to move back to New Zealand. They will receive a resident visa. After you move back it will be a while before you can submit the visa applications. The processing time of such visas at the moment (varies depending on how busy Immigration is) is between 7 and 11 months. Total time frame you are looking at is between 1 and 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Haven’t seen much discussion about Investor 2 Visa in your blog.
In all your blog entries about PR application, it’s always 2 years (184 days each) + one out of five requirement. But for Investor 2 Visa, it requires me to keep the investment for 4 years. Does it means I must wait for at least 4 years before I apply for PR?
Travel
You can travel in and out of New Zealand for the first 2 years of your investment period.
If you meet all of the conditions that apply to the first 2 years of your investment period, you can apply for a variation of conditions to allow you to travel in and out of New Zealand for another 2 years.
Spend time in New Zealand
You must spend 146 days per year in New Zealand, or 438 days at any time over the four year
investment period if you have invested a minimum of NZ$750,000 in growth investments.
As my wife and kids may not be able to fulfill the “time spent” conditions due to jobs/school restriction, I (as the principal applicant) will be “fulfilling” that on their behalf. So a shortest time plan will be
1. make the investment at year 0
2. we all make the 1st entry within the first 12 months
3. I stay 70 (438-184×2) days in year 2
4. at end of year 2, I applied for variatiof conditions for year 3 and 4 (my wife and kids can get the varitions also as only the principle applicant counts)
5. stay 184 days each in year 3 and year 4 (438 days at any time over the four year)
6. apply PR at end of year 4
BTW, what is your typical charge for assisting for the Investor 2 Visa application?
Hi rwp,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
I’ve been on a senior management job for over 15 years. But I switched to become self employed since 2 years ago. Would I be still able to apply the Investor 2 Resident Visa of New Zealand?
Hi Rwp,
You need a minimum of 3-years business experience for the investor 2 category.
Kind regards,
Feija
“To qualify for this Permanent visa you must meet one of five criteria. The easiest one to meet is โsignificant period of time spent in New Zealandโ. he principal applicant must spent 184 days in each of the two years … Does it means that ONLY the principle applicant must meet the time requirement, and the spouse and dependent child can stay in the home countries?
Please ignore this question. I think similar questions have been asked and answered before. And the answer is “yes” :-). The qualification for Permanent visa depends on the principle applicant only.
Hi there, I am currently working in Auckland and I am planning to apply for skilled migrant resident visa next year January when I finally have enough EOI points of 160. Just wondering after I got my resident visa, can I leave New Zealand and then come back after 1 or 2 years to apply for PR? Is there any rules of the resident visa that says I have to stay for a certain number of days in New Zealand?
Hi Michelle,
There are certain requirements that you must meet in order to apply for a PR. You must be of good character and have held a resident visa for at least 2 years. You also must meet 1 of a possible 5 criteria. They all require you to spend time in New Zealand. Some more than others. Which criteria works best for you, I can’t tell.
By the way, you do not have to apply for a PR after 2 years. Some people never do it and some people do it after 3 or 4 years when they meet the requirements.
You must come back to New Zealand before the travel conditions on your resident visa expire though, otherwise, your resident visa will become invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear sir/mam,
I worked on a Work Visa for a Fiberglass Company in Fielding from April 2007 in Aug. 2007 I went back home to get my family members (wife and two kids) on a work visa. In Dec 2007 i along with my family members were been granted Resident Permit. In Dec 2009 I along with my family members were granted Permanent Residence Visa. In march 2010 i left for my home country, India, for my son’s ailment to get him treated for his ailment and subsequently I got job in a well reputed firm there.
Now, my question is, is there or rather will there be any restrictions for my myself and my family members to re-enter NZ permanently after such a long gap (8 years and two months)? will our status be changed? if so what will be the change? could you please answer my questions for which I will be grateful to you. Awaiting for your response ASAP.
Hi,
If all your family members have a permanent resident visa (so not just a resident visa) and you have transferred your PR to a new passport, if this is applicable, then you should be able to enter New Zealand without any trouble. Once you have a PR, you can leave New Zealand for a prolonged period of time and still come back.
Kind regards,
Feija
I entered NZ in dec 2017 on essential skill work visa and joined job with the employer in Jan 18 . I received residency in May 2018. As per immigration website after grant of residency I need to stay with the same employer for minimum of 3 months .
If you were awarded points for an offer of skilled employment in Auckland, you must:
take up that job within 3 months of coming to New Zealand
stay in that job for at least 3 months.
continue to be paid at or above the level of remuneration for which skilled employment points were awarded to you, for at least 3 months.
You must provide evidence within 5 years of your first day in New Zealand as a resident that you stayed in your skilled employment for at least 3 months.
Does the above applies to me as I have been in job since Jan.
Hi Gary,
Your visa label or visa approval letter should state if you need to stay in your employment for a certain number of months. If you do, the months start counting from the day your resident visa was granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
My husband is the main applicant and he entered NZ on February 17th under a resident visa. I came to NZ 2 weeks later and left the country for another 2 months. Wondering about the application for permanent resident visa. Do I need to satisfy the 184 day requirement or he can apply for both at the same time (in February 2020)?
Thank you,
Diana
Hi Diana,
Only the principal applicant needs to satisfy the requirements for a PR. If they do and they are granted a PR, then you and any other dependents (secondary applicants) will be granted a PR too. You all must apply for a PR (it’s not automatically granted).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
As my wife was a resident and now a PR holder, I got my residence visa soon after 1-year filing for it, we have a 1.5 year son, But now we are separated for 1 year and she has taken a protection order against me but we both are still taking and trying to get it ok.
in three months my residence visa will expire, will I be able to apply for PR. Is there any complications on this.
would like to add- I am paying child support from past many months.
Hi Anto,
The protection order could be an issue as all applicants for a PR must be of good character. A PR (or resident visa) must not be granted to people ho the Minister has reason to believe:
– is likely to commit an offence in New Zealand that is punishable by imprisonment; or
– is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to security; or
– is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to public order; or
– is, or is likely to be, a threat or risk to the public interest; or
– is a member of a terrorist entity designated under the Terrorism Suppression Act 2002.
Kind regards,
Feija
Should I staple or paste my recent photos for the permanent visa application. There is no mentioning of how to attach the photos to the application form for permanent residency?
Hi Midhun,
You can staple them or use a paperclip.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Have a question on when I can Apply for my Permanent Residency.
Visa Stamped Date: 24/Feb/2016
Date of Entry to NZ: 17/May/2016
I completed my 184 days in both Year 1 and Year 2.
My Wife and Kid (Dependents in the Original application) have arrived on
Date: 4/Nov/2016
Waiting for your reply. Thanks in advance.
Thanks
Amar
Hi Amar,
Based on the information you have provided you can apply for a PR at the earliest on 17 May 2018.
To be eligible to apply for a PR you must:
– hold a resident visa for at least 2 years
– be of good character (no convictions or charges since your resident visa was granted)
– meet 1 out of a possible 5 criteria
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I hope you are doing well. My husband got residancy based on skilled worker category. But our visa’s have no condition. We plan to submit our PR application on February 2019 base on ‘spending enoght time in NZ’ (184 days each year). We started a business but not succseeful till now. We may have to go for some short time irrevelent jobs in order to cover some living expenses. My question is will we be granted PR if we work totally in different area. Beacause as I explained we got our visa based on skilled worker category. Thanks a lot for your answer.
Hi Frida,
If your resident visa had no conditions regarding work, such as stay in employment for another 3 (or 12) months, then you are free to do whatever you want. You may work as an employee in any occupation, run your own business etc. This will not affect your ability to apply for a PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My husband was granted permanent residence in 2009 and I also granted the residence visa since Since Sep 2016. And I had already stay around 1 year (in the first year). I am pregnancy now and my doctor highly recommend to stay in Hong Kong in order to take further treatment. I still have 1 year (at least 184 days to stay in NZ). Do you think I can apply to extend my residence visa? If I want to stay to Hong Kong to born my baby first?
Please advise.
Thank you very much.
Dear Kubi,
The travel conditions on your resident visa expire in September 2018. If you are not in New Zealand when that happens, your resident visa will expire too. This means you will not be able to return to New Zealand.
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to extend your travel conditions. However, you most likely will not meet the requirements for a PR.
Please send me a message through the home page of the website to discuss possible options (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Are Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa holders be eligible to buy property in NZ?
As written in this article “A New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa gives you the same rights and privileges as your Resident Visa however, the travel conditions never expire so you can come and go as you like (see example below)” But does it include privileges of buying a property in NZ? Please let me know.
Thanks in advance.
Dear Anind,
If you hold a resident visa (doesn’t matter what category you applied under), you may buy property in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am on a Resident Visa with travel condition expires on 13 April 2018. Recently was charged with drunk driving (Although my friend was driving the vehicle)
Whats the worst case scenario here.
The worst case scenario is that you are convicted. This may lead to becoming liable for deportation as drunk driving is an offence with a maximum penalty of 3 months in prison and the offence was less than 2 years after your resident visa was granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there.
My husband and I were granted permanent residence in November 2013 but only moved here from South Africa in July 2014. When can we apply to become citizens of New Zealand? November 2018 or July 2019?
Thanks for your advice.
Kind regards
Margaret
Hi Margaret,
You need to have held a resident class visa for at least 5 years. The counter starts at the first day in New Zealand on a resident class visa. In your case July 2014. The soonest you can be eligible for citizenship is July 2019. You also need to meet the time spent in NZ criteria and some other criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there Feija
Thank you for your response and for letting us know. I appreciate it very much.
All the best
Margaret
Hi,
Liked your replies. Just wanted to know , I got my permanent resident visa of NZ , i have my Indian passport.Can I move to USA if i have any job opportunities over there? Is this PR gonna stay till my life time? I know this will effect my citizenship to get it late ,whether PR or citizenship holder its gonna be same correct ? Can I goto USA and come back after few years later to NZ?
Hi Kaushik,
If you indeed have a PR (and not just a resident visa), you can do whatever you like. You can go to the USA for a couple of years and then come back to NZ. If you leave NZ for a longer time, it will affect when you can apply for citizenship.
A PR holder has more or less the same rights as a citizen. But only a citizen can get an NZ passport.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My husband is a New Zealander and I am an Indonesian. We have been living in Australia for 4 years. We want to move to NZ because my husband got a job in there. What is the best visa that I can apply? Can I apply NZ Resident or do I need to apply a visitor visa first?
I also have 10yo daughter as my dependent from my previous married.
Thanks and kind regards,
Elita
Hi Elita,
It depends on whether or not you can prove you have lived together with your husband (and for how long) what the best visa type is to apply for. There are several options. It also depends on how soon you want to move to New Zealand. Some visa types take longer to process than others.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thank you very much for your reply.
Me and my husband have live together for 3 Years 9 Months so far.
And we thinking to move to NZ in about 1,5-2 months as he has to start the job in May.
Please give me your advice what the best visa I could apply to live in NZ for me and my daughter.
Thanks and kind regards,
Elita
Dear Elita,
I need more information on the visa your husband has as well as his job offer (I’m sorry, I can’t see you previous post). I will also need more information on your relationship before I can provide advice on what type of visa is suitable for you and your daughter.
Please feel free to ask a question on the home page of the website http://www.experienzimmigration.co.nz
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fejia,
For those applying under the Parent Retirement Category, is there a minimum time spent requirement in order to become a Permanent Resident after four (4) years for as long as you satisfy the other requirements, such as Investment Fund, Settlement Funds, Annual Income, Health and Character? Secondly, am I correct in assuming that once approved under this category and you have invested the funds in acceptable investments, you will be issued a resident visa and can work?
Kind regards,
Hi Willy,
Every person that is given a resident visa must meet the requirements to be granted a PR. This means you must be of character and meet one out of 5 criteria. Time spent in NZ is often the easiest (184 days in the 2 consecutive 12-month periods PRECEDING the PR application).
If a resident visa is granted after the Case Officer is satisfied you have transferred the required funds, you may work if you wish (as soon as you have a visa label in your passport).
Please note that Approval in Principle of your resident visa application does not mean you have a resident visa. Only when the resident visa label is in your passport, you have a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, Lets say I am a resident and I have work full time for 10 months on resident visa, it is possible for me to apply as PR in just one year, correct ?
because requirement in #5 (You have established a base in New Zealand)
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/general-information/commitment-to-new-zealand/slider
It only requires 41 days and work full time 9 months.
IS THIS CORRECT ?
Cheers
Hi Akoni,
One of the requirements to apply for a PR is that you must have held a resident visa for at least 2 years. Even if you satisfy one of the 5 criteria really fast, you still need to wait for the 2 years to pass (and make sure you still meet one of the 5 criteria)
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am currently on a resident visa and I have been in NZ for 2 years. My visa expires in June 2019. There is a chance I will need to go home for a while in Feb 2019. Do I need to be in NZ to apply for PR? I will have completed the 184 days out of the 2 years requirement by then. Thank you so much, Beth
Hi Beth,
You can apply for a PR from overseas. You may only apply for a PR after you’ve held a resident visa for 2 years. Based on the information you provided this would be somewhere in June 2019. If you are still overseas then, you must be mindful that your resident visa expires if you are outside of New Zealand when your travel conditions expire (and you haven’t taken any precautions).
Immigration will look at the 24 month period PRECEDING the day they receive your PR application. You must meet the 184-day rule for both 12-month periods in the assessment period.
Kind regards,
Feija
Considered the new job is similar can I apply after 6 months to get the s49 clause removed? In the opinion that the first 6 months are not lost and I can count the months with 2 employers together or do I have to stick with 1 employer for 12 months?
Hi Patrick,
Yes, you can change employment as long as the new position of employment that meets the requirements for offers of skilled employment including requirements for bonus points if the offer of employment qualified for bonus points. This is something only Immigration can assess, so you need to get them involved up front. Once they say the new job is fine, you can quit your current job and accept the new job.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Can I sponsor if I am only on a Resident Visa? I’m getting married this year and would like my brother to come and attend my wedding but can I be a sponsor for him?
Thanks!
Hi Vic,
Yes, you can be a sponsor if you have a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Do you have to have a resident visa before applying for a permanent resident visa or can you apply for a permanent resident visa off your working visa providing you have spent more than 184 days for 2 consecutive years?
Hi Dave,
You need to apply for a resident visa first. When you receive your resident visa, you may apply for a permanent resident visa after you hold a resident visa for at least 2 years. This means only the days you spend in NZ while on a resident visa count (so if you have been in New Zealand for a number of years on a work visa, you can’t count those days).
The only exception is people on a Work to Residence visa with a salary over $90,000. They may be granted a permanent resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am from Sweden, and I have been in a relationship with my kiwi boyfriend for about 1,5 years. We lived together in NZ for 17 months. A few weeks ago a family member in Sweden got diagnosed with cancer, so I urgently had to move back home. My boyfriend is studying in NZ and couldn’t come with me, so we are currently living apart. I am holding a Partnership Work Visa, valid until September this year. My plan is to move back to NZ as soon as possible, but I might have to stay in Sweden for about a year from now. My plan was earlier to apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, but now I don’t know if I would be eligible for residency since we are not living together at the moment.
Could I apply for residency now, and possibly get granted a visa with a “first entry” condition within a year?
Would it be better/easier to apply for residency a few months before I am likely to come back? Or would I have to start over with a new Partnership Work Visa until we have lived together for a while again?
Thank you!
Best regards, Madeleine
Hi Madeleine,
It goes to far to answer your question in great detail 9I would be happy to discuss this in detail in a Consultation) but the general rules are that you must be living together when you apply for a resident visa based on partnership and you also must be able to show you have lived together for 12 months or more.
In case you have not been living together all the time, you need to provide a good reason.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am on a Residency Visa s49 (immigration act). I have 5 months of the 12months required to successfully apply for the clause removed. I may change jobs. It would be in the same industry but not as good paid. What is the minimum salary for the remaining 7 months to get that s49 clause removed.
Hi Patrick.
If you change jobs, the new job must be similar to the job you used to apply for residency. The job description and tasks you do must be very similar. Immigration may assess again if your new job meets the requirements for a resident visa. Staying in your current job is the easiest option (at least towards Immigration). As your new job must be very similar, this also applies to salary. You must be paid a market rate. A minimum income threshold may be in place. This depends on when you applied for your resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, if I am granted an Australian subclass 189 Visa, can I use this visa to enter NZ to work and live indefinitely?
Does this also mean that the moment I enter New Zealand, I will be granted a Residency Visa straightaway and if I meet the conditions, I can apply for the Permanent Residency Visa in future?
Hi Kelvin,
I’m not familiar with the different Australian subclasses of visa, so I’m not sure if the subclass you mention is a temporary visa or a permanent visa. Australian permanent resident visa holders will be granted a resident visa if they enter New Zealand. If they leave the country their resident visa becomes invalid. If they meet the conditions for a permanent resident visa, then yes, they can apply for a permanent resident visa.
Please note that your Australian resident visa must be valid the entire time you are in New Zealand up to the point you are granted a permanent resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I’m a born New Zealand citizen currently engaged to a non-New Zealander who has been here on a student visa, and we are looking to get married in his home country and live there for a couple of years with his family before coming back here to settle down.
My question is, will it be possible for him to apply for residency based on our partnership while we are overseas?
I’m concerned because while we’ll have been together (as opposed to me being here and bringing him over), the majority of it will have been in another country. Would we still be eligible for partnership residency?
Thanks so much.
Hi Bre,
As long as you can prove you have been living together for more than 12 months you can apply for a partnership resident visa. It doesn’t matter where in the world you lived.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
Thanks for all the practical and patient answers to all questions. I have read the relevant ones but still haven’t got my answer.
We are a family of four, currently on Australian Permanent Residence but live in another country. Our PR will expire on April 17 2018. Due to many reasons we can’t satisfy the strict settlement requirements (2/5) of Australia and decided to give up. My friend told me that I may try New Zealand which has less settlement requirements (184 days in each year of two years). I am the primary applicant on our current Australian PR. Now I plan to visit NZ for 7 to 10 days in early April (before the expire date of my Australia PR). Will apply for the Variation of Travel condition (for 24 months) after I have RV stamp or label at the airport. I would like to ask if it is possible that I can include my family members in my application as I will be travelling to New Zealand alone and they will only come to NZ after that. If it’s not possible maybe we will plan for a family trip.
Another question is, is it possible that we can get back our passport in one week for us to travel back to the current country of residence? According to the website, the processing time can be 15 working days. But we cannot stay that long for now. Or is it possible that we may apply in Auckland but later go to the VFS office/High commission here to get the label on our passport? I will be responsible to pay all courier cost involved in this case.
Looking forward to you reply. Need to plan the trip urgently.
Best regards
Joe
Hi Joe,
I’ve emailed you a couple of days ago.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI I would like to know if i get a resident visa, currently i am in software with 10+ exp. I am working in South Africa. Am i supposed to work on software in NZ, and how long am i supposed to stay in the 2 years to get PR. Or can i take up employment or can work on any stream.
Hi Bhagath,
At the moment, to be able to apply for a resident visa, you need to be able to claim at least 160 points. You can get (bonus) points for age, work experience, qualification and, job offer. In addition, you need a skilled full-time job offer (or current skilled employment) from a New Zealand employer.
If you have never worked in New Zealand in the job you listed on your resident visa application or you only been working there for a short term, you usually have to stay in that employment for 3 to 12 months.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
IF I have a job offer, can I immediately apply for permanent residency?
Thanks.
Hi Ronald,
It depends on whether you meet the requirements. You need to be able to claim at least 160 points, meet the income threshold, be of good health and character and speak English well.
In addition, a resident visa application process takes a while, between 6 and 12 months. Most employers are not happy to have to wait this long before a new employee can start their new job. Therefore, a lot of people apply for a work visa first and start their resident visa application simultaneously or when they are in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
I have been currently working with a Talent visa for last year. As this is not a residence visa I want to change to the skilled migrant instead of waiting for the work for residency talent visa. If I get the skilled migrant resident visa would I still have the 2 years travel restrictions? The year I have been working here won’t count in my residency application?
Hi Vanessa,
Yes, you still would have travel conditions for 2 years. Travel conditions apply to resident visas and the 2 years start counting from the moment your resident visa is granted (for people already in New Zealand) or when you arrive in New Zealand for the first time on your resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
We have friends wanting to come and live in NZ permanently from Singapore. They have money to invest of around $3million (NZD) and want to know what visa would be the best to apply for and what conditions they need to satisfy. Do they need to show business experience as one of the conditions of the residency visas or is it purely a points based decision?
Hi Elle,
For the Investment category visa and the Entrepreneur visa a number of years of business experience is mandatory.
It’s best if your friends can contact me directly so we can figure out the best option for them to come to New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I was granted RRV while in NZ after living there for 2 years 11 months continously. My wife and daughter also were granted RRV, me being principal applicant. We all have been living outside NZ for last 6 years. My daughter is 23 years now and dependant on me. Is there any restriction for her to enter NZ as we are planning to be back in NZ to settle. Pl advise.
Hi Chandra,
It depends on the conditions on your RRV. If it is an indefinite RRV then you are fine but if it has an end date or travel conditions on it then it’s probably expired.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
We are applying Permanent Resident Visa on Feb 2018 as we arrived in NZ last Feb 2016 with Resident Visa. But last March 2017, I have renewed my foreign passport and have not gotten my Resident Visa transferred to my new passport. Can we proceed with the PR application and just submit the old and new passport?
Hi Kristine,
Yes, you can.
Immigration may ask you to transfer the visa label first before they can process the PR application but they will let you know if that’s the case.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Could a partner of a NZ citizen, having obtained residency through partnership, lose residency or right to apply for permanent residency if the relationship ends?
Thanks, Dan
Hi Dan,
Generally speaking, a resident visa granted on the basis of a relationship with an NZ citizen stays valid after the relationship breaks up. The applicant also has to right to apply for a Permanent Resident visa.
Immigration might ask the applicant to elaborate on when and why the relationship ended.
Only in cases where a Case officer is not satisfied true information was submitted with the resident visa application a PR might be declined (or if the applicant does not meet character requirements). Providing false and misleading information with any application is a serious offense and can lead to cancellation of a visa and deportation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I still don’t understand if the Temporary Resident Visa that you get from applying under the Skilled Migrant Category, is the same as a Permanent Resident Visa.
For example, if I have a child under the Temporary Resident Visa, should I have to pay for all the maternity health care?
And would the child be a citizen or just a Temporary Resident like me?
Thanks!
Annie.
Dear Annie,
When an application under the Skilled Migrant Category is approved a resident visa is granted. This is valid indefinitely as long as you stay in New Zealand. There is no such thing as a temporary resident visa. A resident visa has travel conditions on them and they expire after 2 years. Travel conditions limit the ability to travel outside of New Zealand.
After holding a resident visa for 2 years and meeting certain conditions a person may apply for a permanent resident visa (no travel conditions).
If you hold a resident visa and you are in New Zealand at the time your baby is born, they will be NZ citizens. If you hold a resident visa you are eligible for publicly funded healthcare including maternity services.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
Thank you so much for all the explanation!
Couldn’t be more clearer =)
Regards,
Annie.
Hi,
I have a question. I have a Skilled Migrant Residency Visa but my ex-partner (and principal applicant) with whom I had applied for residency is going to break his travel conditions and move to another country. Will that affect my residency visa and my ability to apply for Permanent Residency? I haven’t gone outside NZ since I got residency. Thanks for help ๐
Hi,
Your ex-partner leaving New Zealand does not affect your resident visa.
If you have broken up with your partner, you may be assessed on your own merit when you apply for residency. You might be asked to provide proof of your relationship break-up and the circumstances surrounding the break-up.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks a lot for your reply. So in short if I meet requirements for PR (staying in NZ for 184 each year) I don’t have to worry about my partner situation?
Hello Feija,
My family has been granted a resident visa with First Entry Date by March 08/2018. My partner is the main applicant and our plan would be for me to enter NZ first and my husband with the children a month later. Are there any restrictions in this regards? Also, I was wondering if after first entry, can we leave the country in a week or so and return later to NZ?
Thank you,
Diane
Hi Diane,
Yes, you can leave New Zealand after 1 day if you like and return later. You just need to make sure that every member of your family that was included in the resident visa application enters New Zealand before the “First Entry Before Date”. You may come together or separately.
Kind regards,
Feija
After renewal, my “Resident Visa” now says, “Travel Conditions” and “Entries” both as “N/A”. What does this mean? I applied for variation of travel conditions within NZ and not sure what I got?
Hi Shalin,
I would need to see a copy of your visa label to see what’s going on.
Please send me a message through the main page of my website and we’ll go from there: http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I arrived NZ with my family on Sept 2016 on Resident Visa. We are completing our 184 days stay in each year by Mar 2018. Can we apply for Permanent Residence visa on Mar 2018 or we have to wait till Sept 2018 to apply?
Hi Shafi,
You have to wait until September 2018. One of the requirements for a PR is that you must have held a resident visa for at least 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
What happen if I missed the first entry date, how can I do?
Can I still enter New Zealand
I am offshore.
Regards
leo
Hi Leo,
Unfortunately, if you missed your first entry date your visa is no longer valid. You will have to apply for a new visa. If there are genuine reasons that you can’t meet the first entry date, you may, in some cases, be able to to get an extension. You’ll have to apply for this.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I was granted a Residence Visa whilst in NZ in 2005. I left before the 184 days during the second year and haven’t been back for nearly 10 years! I’m guessing that my Residency has completely expired and I would have to apply all over again (partner sponsoring me again) in order to live and work in NZ? Thank you.
Hi,
Yes, your resident visa will have expired and you need to apply for a new visa. As you let your previous resident visa lapse, Immigration might not be so willing to provide you with a new resident visa, unless there were good reasons to leave New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have applied for a Partner of a New Zealand citizen visa, I currently live in the UK with my wife (who is a New Zealand citizen) we have been together for 10 years. Its currently still ‘Pending’ however, We want to try and be out with all her family for Christmas. My 4 month processing time is up at the beginning of December, if however my visa is approved and its very close to Christmas do I have to have the sticker in my passport or will it be known at the airport I have an accepted visa, then I can send my passport when I arrive for the sticker to be put in?
Kind Regards,
Dear Jon,
Your visa label must be in your passport (or an e-visa must be issued to you) before it shows up in the systems at the border. Depending on your nationality, you might be from a visa waiver country, where you do not need to apply for a visitor visa but are granted one when you enter New Zealand. If you are not, you’ll have to hope you will have enough time to send your passport to Immigration so they can put the label in after your application is approved in principle.
There probably isn’t enough time left to apply for a visitor visa and have a decision before Christmas.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for your reply.
Hopefully I hear in enough time to have it put in my passport before.
Kind Regards,
Jon
Dear Feija,
I have been granted the Resident Visa in 2016 under partnership conditions, however me and my husband split up in December 2016 and I came back to my homecountry. I would like to ask you if there is anything that I can do to keep my Residency Valid? The start date was 01.06.2016 and since then I spend exactly 170 days before I left NZ and hasn’t come back yet. My expiry date travel is 01.06.2018, however during that period of time I will not be able to spend in NZ 184 days to fulfill the travel conditions of the second year. Is there anything I can do to save my visa?
Thank you in advance for advice,
Regards
P.
Hi Patty,
To save your resident visa, you must return to New Zealand before your travel conditions expire. You then will have to stay in New Zealand for at least 1 year and 7 months or so to ensure you meet the time spent in New Zealand criteria for a PR (or satisfy one of the other 4 criteria). You do have options to leave New Zealand for short periods (up to 14 days).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I hold a Residence Visa and will be 2 years here soon on Dec. Is it possible not to apply for Permanent Residence Visa or it is necessary to apply? I just want to know if I would be kick out from NZ if I don’t
apply for PR, though I don’t plan to leave NZ.
Dear Sara,
It is not mandatory to apply for a permanent resident visa. If you do not plan to leave New Zealand there is no need for you to have a PR. Please note that if you leave New Zealand after the travel conditions on your resident visa expire, you will not be able to return to New Zealand on your resident visa as it becomes invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I’m a NZer living overseas for 10 years. I want to return to NZ with my Spanish wife, so will apply for partner of a New Zealander resident visa.
Question: would she receive a ‘Resident Visa’ or a ‘Permanent Resident Visa’?
Also my two childer have NZ passports due to citizen by descent, I assume they dont need any visa
Hi,
It depends on your situation and when you apply for the resident visa. If you meet certain conditions then your wife might be granted a permanent resident visa.
New Zealand citizens do not have to apply for a visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, thanks for the reply. Can you elaborate on what you mean “depends on the conditions” Or where can I find out this information. Thanks
Hi,
I would be happy to provide you with more information in a Consultation.
Kind regards,
Feija
ok thanks. How do we organise?
Hi Trent,
If you would like my assistance please send me a message or ask me a question through the website: http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/.
I’ve been told off by my website developer for putting my email address in a comment as that attracts a lot of spam. My apologies making you take one more step.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
After watching Fair Go a couple of weeks ago, where it showed a lady receiving a hospital bill for several thousand and having difficulty proving she had lived in New Zealand for 50 years as she had no passport, my 88 year old mother is a bit worried the same could happen to her if she ever needed hospital treatment. She has lived here 82 years but did not become a NZ Citizen. She has always had an Irish passport but that expired in 2012. The last visa label in her passport was “Returning Resident’s Visa” – Indefinite arrival (issued 3/12/2003).
I did read somewhere that if she provided evidence that she received the NZ Super and showed her Driver’s Licence and Gold Card, that this may be enough for free hospital care but we did want to be sure.
She doesn’t want to apply for a new Passport as she won’t travel again, but should she apply to Immigration for a letter (or do they issue a Certificate?) to confirm she has Permanent Residency?
It would be good to get some advice.
Thanks very much,
Claire.
Dear Claire,
I saw that item on Fair Go too.
There is a form you can complete and send to Immigration together with a processing fee to confirm visa status. This is probably the easiest and cheapest way (cheaper than getting a new passport and transfer visa label) to confirm your mother’s status.
I would be happy to assist if you need help. Just send me an email through my website http://www.experienzimmigration.co.nz
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,we are on resident visa now but my husband was caught drunk driving before our residency is approved and now we are applying for permanent residency,my question is ..IS there a chance that we will be denied of permanent residency because of his drunk driving case?Thank you so much
Dear Sophia,
You should have informed Immigration about the drink driving if he was convicted for this or under investigation when your resident visa was still being processed.
If your husband was convicted of drunk driving than yes, he might not meet character requirements for a permanent resident visa. He might even be liable for deportation if he was convicted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am applying for a partnership residency visa, but have just read the processing time is 4 months so my temporary visa will expire before I get a decision about residency. Is there a way for me to stay in the country during this waiting period? Will overstaying affect my chances of being accepted, or will leaving the country while I wait to hear back affect my chances of being accepted?
Thanks,
Hannah
Hi Hannah,
Overstaying will certainly affect your chances. You can count on the application being declined if you are an overstayer. Someone who is in the country unlawfully cannot be granted a visa.
You either need to apply for a new temporary visa or leave the country before your visa expires. As you applied for a resident visa based on partnership you probably can apply for a temporary visa based on partnership but I would have to know more about your situation to make an accurate assessment.
Please fill in the contact form on the website (www.experienzimmigration.co.nz) to learn more (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
HI, i Have been granted an essential skills work visa prior to the recent changes to income bands etc.
my question is, can i apply for residency after 2 years on this visa, the immigration website is extremely confusing.
I am not on a skills shortage list but my employer cannot find a kiwi to fill the role.
Also my earnings would be below 40,000 dollars
kind regards Laurence
Hi Laurance,
You may apply for a resident visa as soon as you meet the requirements. There is no requirement to hold an Essential Skills visa for 2 years.
You must meet health, character and English language requirements. You also must be able to claim 160 points AND your hourly rate must be $23.49 or above (rate current today, will be indexed in November 2017). For a 40 hour work week, this means you have to earn around $49,000 per year (for 30 hours it’s around $37,000). If your hourly rate is lower than $23.49, you cannot apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category even if you meet all other requirements.
If your aim is to apply for residency and your hourly rate is not high enough, then you either need to find a higher paying job or get promoted within your current company. This only is useful if you are able to claim 160 points and meet the other requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi There,
I just came across your website and it would you be great if you could help in clarifying the below case.
I have to convert by Resident visa to Permanent resident visa by March, 2018. Also my Indian passport is exiring in June, 2018.
Do I need to get my Permanent resident visa first then I should get my passport renewed and finally I have to apply for visa transfer to the new passport?
Or is it possible to get Permanent resident visa stamping and as well as visa transfer to the new passort at the same time so that I don’t need to pay fee for both the process seperatly?
Thanks.
Hi Jaya,
You can apply for a PR using your new passport. You’ll have to provide your old passport as well but do not need to transfer your resident visa label to your new passport.
Please be aware that if you need to leave New Zealand when your travel conditions have expired, your resident visa may become invalid. Also if you need to travel when your new passport is granted but you do not have a PR yet, you will have to transfer the resident visa label.
Immigration will look at the 24 months preceding your PR application to see if you meet the criteria for a PR. So if you apply in June 2018, they will look at the period from June 2016 to June 2018. It is important that you check if you still meet the criteria for a PR if they look at that time period.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thank you for having such great blog section. It really helps!
I have a question on my permanent resident visa. I hold resident visa as principal applicant and that covers my son’s application as non principal applicant. Our visa was granted on 20th Jan 2016 and we entered New Zealand on 27th April 2016. Since April 2016 we have never left New Zealand so we have completed 184 days in each year. I was thinking to apply in January for permanent resident visa.
When I called immigration contact centre, they told me I can only apply after 27th April 2018 i.e. 2 years after my first entry. Do you think that is right as when I read some comments here I think I can apply from 2 years after getting my visa granted (Jan 2016).
One more question is – if I visit India, what date I have to take into account to return back before my visa expire.
Your help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Sam
Hi Sam,
The Contact Centre is correct. You can apply for a PR 2 years after your received your resident visa (if you already were in NZ) or 2 years after the day you first entered NZ as a resident. In your case, this is 27 April 2016.
Your travel conditions expire 2 years after your first entered NZ on your resident visa. In your case, based on the information you’ve provided, your travel conditions expire on 27 April 2018. This means you have to be back in NZ before this date.
If you are outside NZ when your travel conditions expire, your resident visa will become invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Read the posts and find these really useful and appericiate the work you doing. Iโve got a question as well. I got my resident visa approved in December 2016 under partnership. Sadly things didnโt turn out well in our relationship and we separated in September 2017. Now as I will be applying for PRV in December 2018, will the separation gonna affect? & what kind of information immigration could ask at that time. Also any chances if I get my PRV application rejected, will my Residence visa still remain in place!
Hi Pall,
Your resident visa was approved because you met the requirements at the time of assessment. This fact does not change when a relationship breaks up. Therefore a relationship break-up should not have an effect on your PR application.
A situation where a relationship break-up could have an effect is when your relationship wasn’t as genuine and stable as you claimed it was up until the moment your resident visa was approved. In other words, the relationship was going downhill before your resident visa was approved. In this case, you might have provided false or misleading information and that is a serious offence. This could lead to deportation and/or cancellation of your resident visa.
You might be asked to clarify the reasons of your break-up and/or the circumstances that led to the break-up.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, could you, please, tell me how I could find out if I meet “character requirements” before applying for the PRV. I had been involved in a minor traffic accident, the police officer didn’t give me a fine or demerit points (as far as I know) and he let me go. Can it be on my police record and influence my “character”?
Hi Alina,
You can obtain your New Zealand police record prior to submitting a PR application to be sure. To the best of my knowledge, most character requirements apply to convictions and being charged with or being under investigation of an offence. You should have been notified of this or summoned to appear in court.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am a NZ Citizen and my partner is from Europe and is currently on Work Visa (partner category- valid until feb 2018). We have now been living together for over a year. If she applies for a Residence visa under Partnership category and it is approved and if we leave NZ for a year after that, can she still enter NZ using her Residence visa? Are travel conditions on a residence visa valid for 2 years?
Thanks!!
Hi Sid,
Travel conditions on a resident visa are valid for 2 years. So, yes, you can leave NZ for a year and your partner can return to NZ on her resident visa if her travel conditions are still valid at that time (if your partner is outside NZ when her travel conditions expire, the resident visa becomes invalid).
Please also bear in mind that it might take longer before your partner is eligible to be able to apply for a Permanent resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am confusing how to switch the Resident Visa to PR, for instance. If the first land is Dec 2017 to initiate the visa with all dependents, back to my home country in the same month, then fight to NZ myself only again in May 2018 and back to the home country in July 2019. Did my concept work for counting 184 days for two years for Dec 2017 to Dec 2018 ( actual from May 2017 to Dec 2018 ) and Dec 2018 to Dec 2019 ( actual from Dec 2018 to July 2019) and apply PR to all members on Dec 19 in my home country?
Hi Reeve,
Your scenario may work. Please note that I was not able to calculate the exact number of days you spend in each 12 month period.
You may only apply for a PR after you have held a resident visa for 2 years. This is 2 years after the first day in New Zealand on a resident visa. In your case this would be December 2019. As it looks like you will be out of New Zealand at that time, your resident visa expires and you only have a limited time frame to apply for a PR when this happens.
Please also note that Immigration New Zealand will look at the 24 months preceding the date they accept your application for a PR for processing. It is advisable to spend quite a few more days in New Zealand in each of the 2 years than the required 184.
Please email me on feija@experienzimmigration.co.nz for assistance with setting up a scenario that will work (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija.
I’m already in NZ and hold an essential skill work visa. I’m considering applying to a Skill migrant residency since I get the 160 points required. The thing is that I’ll need to spend some time out of the country soon and I wonder if the 184 days within the 2 first years are mandatory or if there might be exceptions or a way to keep your residency.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Julian,
A resident visa is valid indefinitely as long as you stay in New Zealand.
For the first 2 years after a resident visa is granted you get travel conditions that allow you to come and go as you please. If you return to New Zealand before your travel conditions expire, your resident visa remains valid. If you don’t, your resident visa expires.
As most people want to come and go as they please, they apply for a PR as soon as possible. A PR, however, is a different type of visa and has nothing to do with the validity of your resident visa.
Send me an email on feija@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want to discuss options to get a PR (a fee may apply). I’ll need more information on when you are planning to leave NZ and how long you will be away for.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
In terms of job hunting, is there a difference between a resident and a permanent resident? A few of the online applications I see ask if you are a citizen, permanent resident or work visa holder. Is a resident considered a permanent resident for employing purposes? Thanks!
Hi Jo,
A resident visa holder has the right to work in New Zealand indefinitely so yes, when applying for jobs a resident visa status is sufficient. An employer just wants to know if you have the right to work in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
I got my residence visa in January this year(Indefinite).Due to the current changes in the immigration policy, will it have any effect if i want to apply for my family resident visa under partnership catergory
Dear Rai,
The current changes in the Immigration policy only apply to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. At the moment, there are no announced changes for Resident visas for family.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I wonder what will happen if I am at overseas for 2 years after the resident visa granted? Can I apply for an extension of resident visa or must I apply for a resident visa again?
Or if I stay in NZ more than 184 days in one year but less in another year, can I apply for extension?
Thank you.
Dear Alhambra,
There are possibilities for an extension of travel conditions: for 14 days or 12 months. Whether or not you are eligible for those (and for which type) depends on your individual circumstances. Please contact me via info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to look at your situation and your options in more detail (a fee may apply).
Kind regards,
Feija
If I have spent 184 days in New Zealand in each year but then decide to go and live in another country can I just fly back when my travel conditions expire and apply for PR then?
Hi Lydia,
In theory, yes, if you travel back to New Zealand before your travel conditions expire and apply for a PR, it should be okay. However, I do not know your exact situation nor do I know how many days you spend in New Zealand in each 12 month period so I can’t tell you if this scenario works for you.
Please be aware that Immigration New Zealand looks at the 24 months PRECEDING the day they receive (and lodge) your application for a PR (and not to the 24 months after the date your resident visa was granted or you arrived in New Zealand for the first time on your resident visa).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I got a resident visa , but I am in Australia on a student visa,
Do I have to spend 184 days in NZ to get permanent residence.
(I am not a major applicant)
Dear Sameera,
Only principal applicants have to meet the settlement requirements for a permanent resident visa. You must meet character requirements and you must have been in New Zealand as a resident.
Please also be aware that your resident visa expires if you are outside New Zealand when your travel conditions expire. This may have serious consequences.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I am a US Citizen with a NZ Citizen husband. I have previously held a NZ work and Holiday Visa and a NZ Partnership Visa. My spouse and I then moved to the USA, where we currently reside so that he could get his USA Green card issued. He currently has a US green card and is eligible to apply for US permanent residency. I would like to begin my New Zealand Permanent Residency so that we can travel freely and work/live in both countries. If we have been living together for four years, can I apply for permanent residency in New Zealand directly?
Hi Rachael,
No, you can’t. You’ll have to apply for a resident visa or live a while longer in the USA (at least 5 years) before you apply for a visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good morning Feija,
The conditions on my resident visa label says “Visa is invalid if holder is outside NZ with expired travel conditions. Please apply for transfer of this visa when the passport expires”.
Does this mean I don’t need to do anything (e.g staying in the same job for x amount of time) other than meeting one of the five requirements to be eligible to apply for a PR?
P.s I was granted a resident visa through skilled migrant category.
Thanks in advance
Dear Vito,
Yes, that is correct. You probably already worked in New Zealand for a while and that ‘s why no conditions on employment are on your visa label.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Could you please tell me how long will it take to get PR. I have hold residence visa for 2 years and now I have just recently applied for PR. I just want to know the processing time.
Could you please advise?
Regards
Shakila
Hi Shakila,
It’s usually done in about 2-3 weeks, unless more information is required.
Kind regards,
Feija
thank you so much this was a great help
Hi Burhan,
Yes, I certainly can discuss the options you have and sort out the best one for your situation in a Consultation (a fee applies).
Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz for more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I have permanent Residency granted In March 2015 and I moved to another country at the end that month. Do I have to renew the PR or need a resident return visa to go back to NZ?
Dear Beena,
If you indeed hold a Permanent Resident visa (and not a Resident visa) then you can come back to New Zealand at any time.
If you hold a resident visa with travel conditions, then the travel conditions might have expired by now. If this is the case, you probably have to apply for a new resident visa (unless you did spend significant time in NZ in the last 2 years).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fieja
I have had my RV for 5 years now and a permanant residence visa for 2.5 yrs now…If i leva the country and go and look after my parents for 18 months….will I be able to come back?
Morna
Hi Morna,
Yes, if you have a PR you can stay out of NZ as long as you like and come back without any issue.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I got my resident visa two years ago as my ex-partner included me in his residence application. We got separated last year in august and applied for permanent Residence separately.I am about to get married soon and he is work visa holder in NZ. Can I sponsor him? or can he claim any points for my work or qualifications?
Thanks
P
Hi Penny,
You can’t sponsor your partner for a number of years. There is a 5 year waiting period counting from the day your resident visa was approved.
Your partner can’t claim any points under SMC for your qualifications or skilled employment as you already have a resident visa and you would not be included in his application.
Feel free to email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz to find out if your partner qualifies for a resident visa on his own merits.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello, first of all thank you for maintaining this website. It is such a useful source of information.
I have one question. My passport will expire in May 2021 one. To get a new one I will have to travel back to Europe (Prague) or to Czech embassy in Sydney. Once I will apply for a new Passport the old one will be taken away as it is the procedures. That makes me pretty confused in the matter of transferring NZ residency into a new passport.
Should I apply before new passport will be issued or contact immigration when I’ll receive a new one. That would be a very few days before my arrival back to NZ.
Thank you so much for your time and help. I am looking forward to hear from you back.
Kind Regards,
Jan
Hi Jan,
2021 is still a long time and current systems might be replaced by newer systems and technologies so I’m a bit hesitant to give you an answer to your question right now.
You can’t apply for a transfer if your new passport has not been issued yet as you will not know the number, nor the expiry date. Currently, you send your new passport together with a form to Immigration. You also need to submit your old passport, if available. If not, there are ways around this as it happens quite often that old passports are not returned. This process will take 2-3 weeks.
Please check the applicable policy closer to your passport renewal date as things might have changed considerably by then.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I applied for a PR visa through partnership as my fiancรฉe is an NZ passport holder. I have been granted a resident class visa though, is it normal for them to grant you the one even when you apply for the other? Will we have all the costs again in 2 years time to make it permanent?
Many thanks!
Hi Daniel,
In the New Zealand visa system it is not possible to apply for a PR straight away (there are a few exceptions). Almost everyone has to apply for a resident visa first and after they have held this for 2 or 5 years they can apply for a PR. Applying for a PR is a lot less expensive than applying for a resident visa. Currently the fee to apply for a PR is NZD 190.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi,
I’m working as general motor mechanic here in Hamilton. I want to apply for residency. Is there any other options aside from taking IELTS? many thanks.
Hi Mark,
Everyone who applies for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category has to complete an English language test (and get the required score). The only exceptions are for citizens of Canada, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States of America, provided the applicant has spent at least five years in work or education in one or more of those countries or Australia or New Zealand or if you completed a level or higher qualification in the above mentioned countries and you studied for at least 2 years (level 7) or 1 year (level 8 or higher).
You do not necessarily have to complete an IELTS test. There are 5 different English language tests that are approved by Immigration New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am British citizen like to move to New Zealand. Shall I come under permanent residency status? If yes, can I do business on that status in NZ ? Also how many years I need to wait for Citizenship? Under PR, any restrictions on business or work? Any English language requirements for UK citizens? Your earliest response will be highly appreciated.
Hi Manu,
What type of visa you may apply for depends on your circumstances, such as age, occupation, work experience and qualifications. However, in most cases a skilled job offer from a New Zealand employer is required. If you have experience in running a business, a good idea for a high growth, high export turnover or innovative business and enough investment capital, there also might be the option to apply for a visa based on that.
Feel free to send me an email at info@experienzimmigration.co.nz to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have a resident NZ visa with my spouse and children, i want to sponsor my mother is it possible?
Hi Fuad,
There are several different visa types available for parents. However, some of these categories have been temporarily closed due to high demand (until 2018 at least). Whether or not your mother qualifies for the remaining visa category is something I can’t determine from the details you provided.
Please send an email to info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi i got my residence class visa last year in April i just want to know when can i apply for my permanent residency .
DEar Sonia,
The earliest you can apply for a PR is exactly 2 years after you received your resident visa (if you were in NZ) or the first day you entered NZ on your resident visa. You must meet all other requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
Currently I am on one year work visa under partnership. My visa expires in may 2018. When is the right time to apply for residency visa while looking at the processing timeframe.
Dear Ashreen,
Processing times can vary greatly. If it’s possible at all (read: if you meet the requirements) apply at least 6 months before your current visa expires. You must meet all resident visa requirements at the time you apply. However, with resident visa you never know. Immigration may process the application within 2 to 3 months but it can also take more than 6 months, especially if you face delays due to additional information that is requested or medical or character issues.
Kind regards,
Feija
We received our resident visa and we currently live in New Zealand, we are expecting a baby in one month, will the newborn baby entitled for NZ passport?
Hi T.T,
Yes, if at least one of the parents has a resident visa or permanent resident visa and the baby is born in New Zealand, they should be a New Zealand citizen. You can get more information about citizenship from the Department of Internal Affairs (www.dia.govt.nz).
I hope all will go well with the birth and the baby will be a healthy boy or girl.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have heard that for applying NZ residency both passport and date of birth certificate send to immigration.But,I got different birth place on my passport and date of birth certificate.Is it will create any problem during my residency.
Regards,
Bent
Hi Bent,
Yes, this could be an issue.
You can send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish. If you attach a scan of both documents, I’m happy to take a look. A fee may apply (I always notify you upfront if a fee is applicable).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi , my name is Suman I stay in Kolkata (India) my fiancรฉ is PR in New Zealand we are going to get married in August 2017 in India ! After that he will return to NZ and will sponsor me as his wife ! I need to know what visa will be granted to me !? And will I be able to work or study ?? I am working in a bank in India will I be able to apply for same in NZ .. And how long does it take to grant visa !!
Hi Suman,
What type of visa you might qualify for depends on a number of factors. I’ll need more information about your relationship to give you proper advice.
Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz for more info.
A fee might be applicable (I’ll let you know upfront).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My partner is from India( living with each other for 14 mths), he has been working in New Zealand for 4 years under a skilled migrant status. He was employed by a Indian company contracted by a nz company. He has now left his job ( work visa till nov 17) and we are about to apply for a partnership visa.
Q1: can he work under his current work visa and seamlessly transfer to a partnership visa in the job?
Q2: do any of his years working here get counted towards the 5 years needed to apply for residenancy as Indian company?
Many thanks for the help on these queries Feija.
Regards,
Kate
Hi Kate,
Usually work visas are granted with the condition that the holder may only work for a specific employer in a specific occupation. If this is the case and your partner has left his job, he will have to apply for a new work visa if he wants to start a new job. Once a partnership visa comes through he may work for any employer and in any occupation but this might take a couple of months.
I am unclear about what you mean by “counting towards the 5 years needed to apply for residency as Indian company”. I’m not sure which policy you mean.
Please email info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to reply.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija van Bokhoven,
I am a PhD student, living in NZ. I’ve been teaching nearly one year part time. Recently, I’ve got a fixed term contract (for a semester – around 4 months. I will teach next semester as well. I want to know on this grounds, can i apply Permanant Residency before i complete my PhD?
Thank you very much
Kind regards
Sam
Hi Sam,
We already communicated through email about this, I believe.
kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Based on your advice “Your are dependent on your husband regarding a PR. When he is eligible for a PR you will be too. If he isnโt, neither are you”.
Please correct me if I am wrong. I will be granted my PR if my husband get PR (as he will stay in NZ 6 month per year).
If not, is it easy for me to get my PR later (2 years later) and based on my husband PR.
Hi Frida,
Yes, you are correct, if your husbands meets the PR requirements and is granted a PR, then you will get it too (if you applied at the same time). If he doesn’t meet the requirements you will not get a PR unless you are in a situation where you can be assessed on your own (e.g. if you are divorced).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My parents have obtained their Residency on the 16th of July 2014 and now they are coming up to the last 2 years preceding the 5 years. My question is do they have to spend 184 consecutive days in each year or can it be a total of 184 days across the first year (16th of July 2017 till 15th of July 2018) and another 184 from (16th of July 2018 till the 15th of July 2019). Thanks In Advance.
Kind Regards,
Adam
Hi Adam,
They must spend a total of 184 days in each of the 2 last years. This can be consecutive or as multiple shorter periods. One period makes calculating the days easier. Please also remember that Immigration will look at the 2 years PRECEDING the date they received and accepted the PR application (not the exact years after a resident visa was granted. Especially if someone is very close to the 184 days this can make a huge difference.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija van Bokhoven,
My name is John and I am currently living in Christchurch. I just recently submitted all the necessary documents needed for the application of skilled migrant residence visa. The trouble is I lodged/submitted all of my documents at Christchurch Immigration Office yesterday (Friday – 08 APR 17) instead of sending it to Immigration Office Auckland. I did not notice that instruction until today (Saturday – 09 APR 17). Can you please suggest as to what should I do? I phoned Immigration Customer Service and they did not tell me what should I do, all they told me is to call back. Should I go early morning when the office at Chch opens on Monday? I am worried about the documents that I already lodged/submitted if it will be misplaced. Also, a friend of mine told me that I should have couriered it to Immigration New Zealand – Auckland Centre because it will take ages if it is submitted in Chch office. Please I need your enlightenment regarding my situation. Thank you so much.
Warm regards,
John
Hi John,
As far as I’m aware all SMC applications are processed in Auckland. The Christchurch office should forward the application to Auckland as they do not process these types of applications anymore.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi.
Im just wondering, if you know the reason why we cant see the status of our visa application online? (We applied for resident visa under skilled migrant). The only thing we can see when we logged in to our account is the eoi status stating ‘decision successful. But we’ve been contacted several times by the immigration officer for requirements. Its just that we cant really know the status online. We’re merely depending on the email of the case officer. Thanks.
Hi Elannisha,
You should be able to see your resident visa application in your online account but I will only say “pending” or “processing”. Only when the application is approved (or approved in principle) the status will change. The online system does not provide a lot of helpful information.
The fact your case officer is requesting additional information means that she is working on your case and that is the most information you will get.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
I have resident visa with no condition. However awhen we applied from abroad my husband was the main applicant. I want to know if I meet requirements (one of 5 criteria) will I get my PR or my situation is totally depends on my husband activities.
Thank you for your help
Dear Frida,
Your are dependent on your husband regarding a PR. When he is eligible for a PR you will be too. If he isn’t, neither are you. There are some exceptions but they apply to people who have split up (or where the main applicant is diseased).
Kind regards,
Feija
Baby born in New Zealand while the application for permanent residence was still pending… 2 weeks after baby birth, VISAS were approved and we are now permanent residents. We have not yet registered our baby, but we are about to. Do I have to apply baby for citizenship independently after registering baby or can we tick the permanent residence box when registering the newborn?
Thanks
Dear Filipe,
Congratulations on the birth of your baby.
If you held a resident visa or a permanent resident visa when the baby was born AND you were in New Zealand when the baby was born, your baby is a New Zealand citizen by birth. You should not have to apply for citizenship for your baby.
If you were on a temporary visa when the baby was born and your RESIDENT visa was approved after the baby was born, then the baby will not be a citizen.
I’m not familiar with the birth registration form so I can’t advise you how to complete this.
Please call the Department of Internal Affairs or go to your local council for assistance.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My question regarding the citizenship, is it necessary to pay the tax of all 5 years . if someone do a job of first two years and also pay a tax , is he eligible for the citizenship.
Hi Tullan,
Citizenship is not linked to paying tax. You must spend enough time in New Zealand in the 5 years before you apply (and after you were granted a resident visa). You also must have good character and English language ability and there are a few more requirements but paying tax is not one of them.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello, everybody.
I have Resident Visa from January 2016, and my Travel Date expires at 18 January 2018, if I have already lived 184 days in New Zealand each year, can I apply for Permanent Resident Visa BEFORE this date, approximately in November 2017?
Thanks for replying, Alex.
Hi Alex,
No, the first instance you can apply for a PR is 18 January 2018. It is mandatory to hold a resident visa for at least 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Using your example, if for some reason it plays out for the main applicant and/or his family such that:
โข 0 days in NZ: 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2017
โข 184 days in NZ: 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018
Can the main applicant apply for an extension to INZ to be allowed to reside the 2nd stint of 184 days in NZ: 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2019? And after completing this, then still be qualified to apply for PR?
Please comment
Hi Saifullah,
Yes, there are options to cover this situation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Using your example, if for some reason it plays out for the main applicant and/or his family such that:
โข 0 days in NZ: 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2017
โข 184 days in NZ: 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018
Can the main applicant apply for an extension to INZ to be allowed to reside the 2nd stint of 184 days in NZ: 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2019? And after completing this, then still be qualified to apply for PR?
Please comments….
Hi Saifullah,
Your resident visa allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely so yes, you can stay in 2019. The only thing is that your travel conditions will have expired. This means that if you leave New Zealand your resident visa becomes invalid. There are options to overcome this too, if you need to travel in 2019.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, I have a work visa (3 years) sponsored by my employer. However, circumstances have changed I have resigned from this job – how long before I am obliged to leave New Zealand. I do not think it would be possible to find another position where the new employer could “take over” the remainder of the visa time, so I will need to go to my country of residence. My concern is how long am I allowed to stay and arrange my affairs and arrange shipping of personal effects etc, plus buy a good airfare etc.
Other option of transferring to a visitor/non work visa – would require proof of funds to support and I don’t have that much. I do not want a knock on the door and being told to leave – would rather leave under my own terms
Is there a set number of weeks/days that I have at my disposal?
thanks and regards
Hi Lisa,
I’m sorry to hear you felt you had to resign from your job. I do commend you on trying to do the right thing and leave New Zealand. As you are no longer working for the employer you got your work visa for, you are no longer allowed to work in New Zealand. If you can find a new job you might have to apply for a whole new work visa or amend the conditions of your visa.
There is no set number of days specified for you to leave the country. The best approach is to contact Immigration New Zealand and tell them you have resigned from your job and explain that you want to leave the country but need some time to get organised. They will probably give you time frame. 4-6 weeks is reasonable but it is up to Immigration New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Although you have shed sufficient light on this subject but I still have one question which I will be thankful to you for the specific answer. My question is that can I apply for PR before completing 24 months if I am living in NZ continuously for 19 months (365 days of first year & 221 days of second year). Can I apply for PR now as I fulfill the condition of required days in 1 consecutive days, OR do I need to wait for completing 24 months for apply for PR.
Thanks
Danish
Hi Danish,
You may apply for a PR if you have held a resident visa for at least 24 months, you satisfy 1 out of 5 criteria (eg. significant time spend in NZ) and you meet the character requirements. In your case you have to wait until you have held you resident visa for 2 years even if you already have met the time spend in NZ criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija
My family and I have residence visa but one of our parents (the principal applicant) won’t apply for PR because I fell in love with someone they don’t like. They got mad when I helped him out with his visa so they threatened me that they won’t apply for PR.
I was a dependent child when we got our residency.We can soon apply for PR but they just won’t apply for it. Is there a way I can apply for PR on my own?
Please help me. :((( Thank you very much
Dear Desiree,
Unfortunately, you getting a PR is dependent on the principal applicant getting a PR. Only when the principal applicant and their partner have died or have become a citizen of New Zealand you may be assessed on your own.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
Thank you for such an informative website.
My husband and I just moved here under the skilled migrant category visa. We have residence visa for 2 years, with no condition. We have decided to run a business here after seeing some opportunities. Is it possible to start a business while we started our visa application under skilled worker category?
Thank you for your help
Hi Frida,
Yes, if you have a resident visa with no conditions then you are free to do whatever you want: work for an employer, start a business, take a sabbatical etc.
Kind regards,
Feija
I had a visa through my company sponsoring me and after a year I got my work to residence visa. I’ve had this for 6 months now. Can I apply for my permanent residence in 6 months? I’ve been here 1 1/2 years but only on work to residence for the past 6 months? Thank you
Hi Darren,
To apply for a resident visa via the Residence from Work category you need to work for a minimum of 24 months since your Work to Residence visa was granted.
However, if you qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category you are free to apply for a resident visa that way.
Kind regards,
Feija
i left new Zealand and didn’t put my permanent residence visa in my uk passport can i return to new Zealand
Hi Mel,
It depends on when your travel conditions expire. As long as they have not expired you can return to New Zealand on your resident visa. If they have expired but less than 3 months ago, you can apply for a PR from abroad. If you travel conditions have expired more than 3 months ago it will depend on how long ago they expired and how long you have been in New Zealand if you are able to get a new resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
I want to ask if I can ask for change in the start date of Resident Visa.
for Example, if My resident visa label shows First Entry before December 2017, can I apply for variation in travel condition and request my first entry before May 2018?
Please advise
Hi Vijay,
No, you can’t and you really have to travel to New Zealand before the First Entry date expires. You do not have to stay long but you need to “activate” the visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, My Resident visa got stamped in July 2016, I came to NZ in Nov 2016. In that case, can I apply for PR in Aug 2018 if I” meet that 184 days criteria each year. Or I will have to get it stamped in Dec 2018. Regards,
Hi Muhammad,
You can apply for a permanent resident visa 2 years after your first day in New Zealand on a resident visa (if you meet the 184 day criteria or any of the other 4 criterias).
In your case this appears to be somewhere in November 2018 depending on the exact date you arrived in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
We are on resident visa.currently we are using nz govt health subsidy services because of infertility issues.so is there any problem to get nz permanent resident visa.
Thanks in advance.
Hi Uma,
If you already are a resident of New Zealand (with a resident visa), fertility treatments will not affect an application for a Permanent Resident Visa. If you currently are on a temporary visa and you still need to apply for a resident visa it might have consequences for this application.
I know you ask about a permanent resident visa application but sometimes people are not aware that there is a difference in New Zealand between a resident and a permanent resident visa so that’s why I put both options in.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good day,
I just like to know if I have a contract for 3 years & decided to go home without finishing it, Will I be in trouble? I am thinking of going home for I feel that they did not explain well the conditions that I will be in. Like I thought that we are many in a location, and before we go it was explain that there will be no worries in accommodations for we can share the the rent and there will be a public transport that we can ride to work. In short I am having problem for I ended up all alone and I can afford the rent where I was stationed & I even walk for about 30-40 mins. just to get to work. Please I need your advice.
Hi Cay,
I’m not sure I understand your situation fully but I’ll give you an answer that hopefully answers your question.
You, of course, need to let your employer know if you want to quit yob. You probably have to give notice (most likely 4 weeks). This will allow your employer to find someone else.
After that you can go home. If your work visa is connected to your job an the employer you work for, your visa is not valid anymore once you resign. This means if you want to come back to New Zealand you need to find another job first and apply for a work visa again.
Or you can find a new job now, get a new work visa (or amendment) and quit your job.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi there
my date of arrival into NZ is 14/08/2009, right now i am still on residence visa but hasn’t expired yet will expire 2018. i just want to know, can i apply for nz citizenship instead of applying for permanent residence?
Hi Riah,
To apply for citizenship you must have held a resident visa for at least 5 years. You also must have spend enough time in New Zealand. You cna find more information on citizenship on the Department of Internal Affairs website
Hi. You have a very informative article with lots of Q&A’s full of useful information. If I understand correctly I can only apply for PRV after hold my RV for 2 years. I was granted my RV on the 27/09/16 however previous to this I have held a skilled migrants work visa for 2.5 years. I have not left NZ since I arrived 3 years ago, have purchased a house in Wellington where I have been living for the past 1.5 years and have worked full time with a good wage since I arrived. Does my previous time holding a Skilled Migrant Visa count towards my 2 year wait I need before I apply for my PRV? I have read and heard of stories where individual have been apply to apply for their PRV before their 2 years of holding a RV is up, are you aware of these cases and if this could apply to me? Thank you.
Hi Dan,
Your time holding a work visa does NOT count towards the 2 year period. You need to hold a resident visa for at least 2 years to be eligible for a PRV.
You are correct there are exceptions to this rule, for instance people who have been on a Work to Residence visa – Accredited employer or for partners of New Zealand citizens/residents who are living abroad.
As far as I can tell, the exceptions do not apply in your case.
Kind regards,
Feija
*I meant the start date of my residence visa was Sept 4th 2015
Hi there,
I was granted residency on 4th Spetember 2015, left NZ on March 9th 2016 and will be re entering NZ on 25th Feb 2017. If I apply for permanent residency after 4th September will I be eligible? I also was granted my residence visa under the skilled migrant category. If I work in a different industry, will this hinder my eligibility? Also, I did not notify INZ when I was leaving the country (although it is multiple entry) . Does this matter?
Thank you
Hi Erin,
You might. I goes to far to make an accurate calculation of the days you have spend and will spend in New Zealand here. I can see both periods are a little over 6 months. If they add up to 184 days each and you apply very quickly you might qualify for a permanent resident visa (PRV).
Please remember that Immigration New Zealand will look at the 24 months PRECEDING the date they receive your application. So for instance if they receive your application on 1 October, I’m pretty sure you won’t qualify for a PRV based on the information you have provided. If they receive your application on or very near 4 September, you might qualify based on time spend in New Zealand.
There are 4 other criteria to choose from to meet the requirements of a PRV.
You also need to meet the criteria of having held a resident visa for at least 2 years so there is no point in submitting your application before you have reached those 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks so much for your reply Feija. So does that mean I can apply on 4 Sept 2017? and will they count backwards from the day I apply, or the day that they receive it? If the application was held up in the post for example, this might mean that it could be denied? Thank you for your time
Hi Erin,
They count back from the day they accept the application. This usually means the day they receive it but if mandatory information is missing you usually get 2-3 days to submit this. If this is the case, the application won’t be accepted until all the information is complete. If you fail to submit the requested info on time the application will be returned to you and not be accepted at all.
And yes, if there is a hold-up in the delivery and you have just enough time you spend in New Zealand, your application could be declined. It is better to aim to have a bit of spare days in each of the 12 month periods. The more spare days the safer you are.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thanks for providing this information, it is very helpful. As a NZ Citizen I am sponsoring my partners residency visa application. I understand the conditions for then applying for a Permanent Resident Visa, however for the Resident Visa, once this has been granted is there a restriction on time she will need to spend in NZ for the visa to remain valid? I.e. once it’s granted, if we moved overseas after say 6 months or something, would the visa become void?
Cheers
Angus
Hi Angus,
To qualify for a permanent resident visa the applicant must meet 1 out of 5 requirements:
– time spend in New Zealand (at least about 6 months every 12 months (for 2 years in a row))
– be a tax resident
– base established in New Zealand
– investment in New Zealand
– establishment of a business in New Zealand
Which option suits your partner best can only be determined if you know what your plans are for the next 2 or so years. I would be happy to discuss the options and the pros and cons in a consult. Please send an email to info@experienzimmigration.co.nz.
You are awesome ๐
Hi,
I want to know if it is easy to find job in NZ, will I be eligible for and job seek assistance program?.
How much time will it take to get the Passport I have resident visa already?
Regards,
Fuad
Hi Fuad,
It is impossible to tell if it is difficult to to find a job in New Zealand. It depends on a number of factors, such as your occupation, work experience and qualifications. But it also depends on how you present yourself in a job interview. You may have all the right attributes and competencies but if an employer feels you are not the best fit for their company or team, they will choose another candidate.
You need to hold a resident class visa for at least 5 years and you also have to meet a few other requirements such as enough time spend in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
Do I have to complete the 24 months of resident visa conditions before I can send in my application for permanent visa? Or can I send in application now since I have already met one of the criteria. My 1st entry into NZ is 3July2015.
Many thanks for your advise.
Hi Lewis,
One of the requirements you have to meet before you can apply for a permanent resident visa is that you need to have held a resident visa for 24 months. You will have to wait until early July 2017 before you can apply for your PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I and my husband and our two daughters are permanent residents in nz and three of our young ones are citizen of nz my question is we have a son in Tonga who was not part of our visas because we apply for our residents he was not even born And when our visa was accept our son was born but he was not included. So we are here in nz and he is still in the island how can we apply for him to come because whatever we want him to come visitors visa or residents hes application still declined by the immigration What are we gonna do to have him together with us
Hi Eva,
I’m sorry to hear you have such trouble getting a visa for your son.
It goes to far to answer your questions here.
Please send an email info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want to discuss this further.
Kind regards,
Feija
my application for partnership visa wasn’t approved because immigration not satisfied on the living together requirements. So iwas given a visitor visa under sponsorship of my kiwi partner. it was a multiple visa ‘ my visa start date was Aug 10 and my first entry was Aug 26. 0ct 14 we got married in new zealand internal affair. it will my 6 months on feb 26. my visa expires 6 montns after first arrival. Do i need to leave new zealand . Can i apply a resident visa after 6months where are living together in new zealand ? can u please adviced us whats the next moved to do after we have met the living together .thanks hope you response to my enquiry god bless.
Hi Concordia,
If you do not apply for a further visa you will have to leave the country.
I would be happy to assist you with a visa application based on a partnership, if I believe you qualify for either a temporary or resident visa. I would need more information to determine this.
Please email me at info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want me to assist you.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there I have recently been approved for my residency visa as a skilled migrant. My case worker has added the condition s49 (1) of working for my current employer for 12 months as I am just under my 90 day probationary period. However I have worked for other employers for the past year and a half here in New Zealand. I had to switch employers every six months as my working holiday visa would only permit a 6 month period. Is this for real? Do I have to continue working for my current employer for another 9 months even though I have been working for more than a 12 month period?
Hi Ryan,
Yes, I’m afraid so. You have to comply with the conditions put on your visa and an Immigration Officer is entitled to put this condition on your visa. You probably work in a region outside of Auckland? If you have already worked 12 months in skilled employment (the same type of job you got your resident visa on, this is really important) outside of Auckland you might want to talk to your Case Officer and clarify why she has put the condition on your label. If you have not worked in skilled employment outside of Auckland for 12 months then you can still ask for clarification but I do not think there is a big chance anything will be amended.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have NZ resident visa, i am the principal applicant, my wife and duaghter are also have nz resident visa. please confirm the requirement for non-principal applicants to fullfill Premanent residence visa eligibility. My family has already visited NZ
Hi Muhammad,
Only the principal applicant need to fulfill the requirements to apply for a permanent resident visa. If you are granted a permanent resident visa you family will too (if you include them in the application).
The only requirements you family has to meet are that they have been in New Zealand on their resident visas and they must continue to meetthe character requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks Feija, your detailed feedback is always helpful
Hi
If I have an offer of fulltime job for a fixterm 6 months. Can I apply for resident visa?
I am about finishing my PhD in NZ.
Thanks and regards
Hi Trang,
No, you, most likely, can’t. Employment must be ongoing. This doesn’t mean a contract can’t be fixed term but 6 months is not long enough. If you qualify for enough points without the job offer, you will be able to apply for a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am on student visa and my husband is on dependant visa (but he has got open work visa)Is he eligible to continue work and stay in New Zealand even if I leave the country?
Hi Reki,
If you leave the country for a short period it is okay for your husband to stay in New Zealand. However if you plan to go back long term it might be a different story. Your husband was granted a visa based on his relationship with you so he could join you here in New Zealand. When you leave New Zealand long term the reason behind granting your husbands visa has disappeared. It kind of is expected that you will be in New Zealand for the same time as your husband.
I would call Immigration New Zealand to discuss the matter if you were to leave long term.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi! I am a kiwi and I used to have a partnership visa with/for my former girlfriend. We broke up in January 2016 and I have been dating my current girlfriend for over 8 ‘o this now. At this stage l’m living in Italy but I’m planning on moving to Queenstown in the next few months and I’d like to know what is the waiting period befor we can apply for another partnership visa.
Hi Alexander,
The waiting period is 5 years.
You also need to be aware that you can sponsor a maximum of 2 partners for a resident visa under partnership.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My partner and I have just been granted residency after two years under the work to residency scheme under (for me) an accredited employer. I had in each case to get a character waiver for the initial visa and the residency visa. Will I need to do the same for the permanent residency? Only it’s quite stressful.
Hi David,
When you apply for a permanent resident visa you need to meet the character requirements. These requirements are the same as for a resident visa. So yes, you might need a character waiver again.
Kind regards,
Feija
How strict is Immigration re. spending at least 6 months of the year in NZ while on a Resident Visa?
I’m in year 1 of my Resident Visa and plan to go travelling next year for 7 months. I can meet one or two of the other 4 requirements for gaining a Permanent Resident Visa. As long as I meet at least one of the other requirements, will I definitely qualify for PR?
Hi Sian,
You need to meet one out of the five criteria. It doesn’t matter which one you meet. So, if you can’t meet the 184 day requirement but you can meet one of the other four, you can apply for a permanent resident visa,
Kind regards,
Feija
great thanks so much for clarifying Feija!
Hi,
I am currently applying for my NZ citizenship but i don’t want to lose my German nationality so the embassy in Wellington has asked me to outline why being a PR is insufficient. For me it is mainly the fact that I want to be a true “Kiwi” and not just a mere PR. What other, more tangible reasons do you reckon I could list? Are there any differences between the rights enjoyed by a PR and a citizen?
Thanks
Hi Milo,
It’s very personal why New Zealand citizenship is important to a person, that’s why it is difficult for me to come up with reasons.
The main difference between being a PR and a citizen is that you can apply for a New Zealand passport. This allows you to travel to Australia without applying for a visa (and even work and live there) but I doubt this will be considered a good reason.
A PR holder has the same rights as a citizen.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
A quick question if my husband has a spent UK conviction (over 10 years ago and he spent 13 months in prison)
This was a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time with a group of people that he thought were friends he had no previous dealings with the police.
Once he came out he achieved his degree and masters and has been working an has not had any problems with the law since
If he has a job offer as a Quantity Surveyor ( long term skills list) is there a chance he will be granted a visa? Or will this conviction stop him from getting any kind of visa?
Any information would be apprectiated
Hi Marie,
Your husband is normally ineligible for a visa (both temporary and resident visa) unless a character waiver is granted.
Character waivers are determined on a case by case basis and depend on the type of offence and several other factors.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a residence visa – which i noticed in the Visa states as Visa Expiry – Indefinite. And there is the 2 year Travel Validity as per any Resident Class Visa.
My question is – assuming i do not manage to fulfill any of the 5 criterias in the PRV requirement – i may not apply for a PRV but I can still stay in NZ indefinitely. That is what I understand after going through the comments above.
However, let’s say my travel validity is expired and I leave NZ for a trip. Is my Residence Visa also invalidated/automatically once i exit NZ? Or the residence visa never actually expires – just that I can’t re-enter NZ as a Resident.
My passport has no travel visa requirements in NZ. So, assuming the scenario above, can i still enter NZ under the regular travel (90 days) and once I enter NZ- my Residence Visa will still be valid since it’s Expiry is stated as Indefinite.
Hi Vincent,
If you leave New Zealand when your travel conditions have expired, your resident visa becomes invalid. You will not be able to re-enter New Zealand on that visa.
If your resident visa has become invalid, you may be able to enter New Zealand on a 90 day visitor visa but your resident visa will not become valid again once you are in New Zealand.
It will depend on your circumstances if you can apply for a second or subsequent visa.
As long as you stay in New Zealand your visa remains valid, even when the travel conditions have expired.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I want to know that if i have got resident visa already can any of the immigration policy effect my first entry that i have to make in 1 years time after pasting of visa on my passport.Can immigration NZ cancel the visa due to xyz reasons after pasting in on my passport?
Hi Fuad,
New immigration policy usually only affects new applications. If you already have a resident visa then new policy cannot take your resident visa away and the conditions that are on your resident visa will remain the same.This includes the first entry date.
Immigration can cancel visas in rare cases, e,g, where you have provided fraudulent information to get your visa. This and other bad behavior may make you liable for deportation when you are already in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I want to know can I take my house hold items including electronics items crockery etc when migrating, shall I need the sales receipt etc in order to show them.
Hi Feja
I just want to know. Now I currently holder resident visa and next January 2017 I need to apply for the permanent resident visa but the main thing me and my husband were seperate, is that affect my PR? I’m looking forward to hear from you.
Best thanks 🙏
Hi Nicky,
If you were the principal applicant there is no issue at all as long as you meet the requirements.
If you were the secondary applicant you will be considered in your own right. You will have to show some evidence of your separation and you must meet the requirements for a PRV.
Hi Nicky,
One addition to what I said below.
It does matter how quickly you separated from your husband after your resident visa was granted. If this was really quickly then you might not be given a PR but just new travel conditions for 12 months.
Hi feji
I stayed with him for 9months after I got the residence visa…is this too quick for seperation??would this time affect my PR??
Hi Nicky,
It depends on your individual circumstances. There is no written instruction that I am aware of that says what is “too soon”.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I arrived in Australia on 20-Dec-2013 and have lived together with my NZer partner. We will get married soon in Australia this year. We might move back to NZ in the end of 2017. Wondering any chance to get PRV outside NZ? If not will the immigration issue RV instead or just decline my application?
and what the general process time for RV and PRV now?
Many thanks.
Kind regards,
Betty
Hi Betty,
If you only lived together with your New Zealand partner from 2013 you will not be granted a PRV.
If you meet all the requirements a resident visa will be granted but only if your partner has been living outside NZ for at least 5 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi..
My husband has 3 years experience in New Zealand Dairy farming. Currently he is working as an Assistant manager/2IC. Furthermore he has a BSc degree in agriculture.
We applied for PR in May this year. Unfortunately our PR was declined..They mentioned my husband is not doing 3 tasks of all the tasks. We hope to appeal..Is it worth?..
Thank you
Hi Han,
I’m sorry your resident visa application got declined.
Only if you believe the Immigration New Zealand decision is wrong because you do satisfy the residence instructions that where in place when you applied for your visa, is it worth appealing.
In your case this means that your husband does the three tasks that Immigration says he doesn’t AND that is evident from the evidence you supplied with your application.
Residence instructions are quite clear that an applicant must meet all tasks and responsibilities describe for that particular occupation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I arrived in NZ on a work visa valid for 2 years and my partner soon followed under partnership work visa valid for same period. I had changed my employment for which i had applied a new work visa, it was granted but my period was reduced to 12 months as i fell short in years of work experience. There was nothing changed to my partners work visa though but I had applied for SMC residency visa including my partner soon after and it is currently being processed. I’ve had communications with my case officer and it’s been 5 months since i submitted my application. My work visa will be expiring in Dec and so i’m now thinking of whether i should apply for a new work visa? and what about my partner’s work visa? as it’s period is still 2 years.
Kind Regards,
Jay
Hi Jay,
First of all, your partner’s visa will expire on the same day as your visa. Her visa is linked to yours and if you do not have valid visa anymore neither does she.
You need to have a valid visa at all times, so yes, if closer to December your resident visa has not been approved, you need to apply for a new visa (for both of you).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I applied for PR under skilled employment. After submitting the EOI, I was invited to apply. I submitted all documents and paid the fee.
If my application for the PR is declined how do I know if I can get a refund?
Thanks.
Hi Nadhiya,
If your application gets declined because you do not meet immigration instructions then there is no refund possible.
Immigration almost never refunds fees, except in very rare cases.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI we have arrived in NZ in 2005. Got our PR but left NZ in 2008 to work in the Middle East for a few years.
We were not long enough in NZ on a PR status at that time to apply for PRV.
We reapplied for our PR again and almost through our 1st year. Should be able to apply for our PRV end of October next year.
I was wondering if it will be possible to apply for our PRV earlier? Considering that we have been working in NZ for more than 2 years first time around and again have now been working in NZ for 2years one year on a work permit and 1 year on the PR?
Thank you
Kind Regards
Riekie
Hi Riekie,
No, unfortunately for you, you have to wait until October next year.
One of the requirements to be able to apply for a PRV is that you must have held your resident visa for 2 years so time spent on a work visa does not count.
Your previous resident visa has expired too long ago to be taken into consideration (otherwise you could have applies for a subsequent resident visa instead of a new one.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My NZ resident visa expired and after that I got 1 year extension which was valid till Feb 2015. This also got expired. I was not able to go bec of my current work.
Is there a way I can get extension again and enter NZ?
My wife got Resident visa and 1st entry was before Feb 2016. She could not go and activate bec of my work situation. Can she extend the travel date now and enter NZ?
Thank you.
Hi Raj,
No, you cannot get an extension of your travel conditions if your resident visa expired early 2015.
You will have to apply for a new resident visa.
Your wife cannot extend her ‘first entry before’ date. There is no extension possible for this date.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My husband, myself and my two kids got NZ resident visa under the skill migrant category and my husband was the primary applicant.
Visa start date – 29/10/2014
My husband’s first entry date – 06/12/2014
Me and my kid’s first entry date – 09/02/2015
We have already spent 184 days in each year for two years.
Now my question is when can we ALL apply for PR?
Is it 29/10/2016 ? 06/12/2016 ? or 09/02/2017 ?
Hi Nilu,
Only the principal applicant has to meet the 184-day rule requirement and the requirement of holding a resident visa for at least 2 years.
The only requirement for the grant of a permanent resident visa to a non-principal applicant is that the principal applicant must hold a permanent resident visa (this means that if you apply all together Immigration will assess your husbands application first and if he is granted a PR, you will get one too).
You can apply for a PR 24 months after your husband entered New Zealand for the first time (as long as you meet the 184 day rule requirement or one of the other 4 options).
You all have to meet character requirements.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, me (principal applicant), my wife and kid have been granted resident visa under SMC. We have one year to enter and activate the visa. I plan to visit NZ stay for a few days and then move permanently only later (sometime before the 2 year expiry period starting the date of the activation).
Question: Do my wife and kid have to travel with me when I enter NZ to activate their resident visas? Or I can enter alone and the resident visa will be activated for all three of us?
Hi Feija,
I wonder if you could clarify…
One of the condition for permanent resident is to live in NZ for a minimum 184 days each year for the continuous 2 years, in another words, the maximum days of NOT living in NZ each year is 365-184= 181 days.
Question: Can the 181 days outside NZ all happen in one overseas trip? I heard from a friend that he mentioned that each overeas trip shouldn’t be more than 4 months. But I couldn’t find this rule on the immigration website.
Look forward to your clarification.
Many thanks,
Juice
Hi,
I have got resident visa for NZ with family, I have 3 children with age of 7,3, and 1 year old a wife, so will I get any support from NZ government during the period I find job?.If have heard of job seekers assistance program what is that?. Will that help me find job?
Hi Fuad,
If you mean if you will receive financial support then the answer is no. You are not entitled to any benefits for the first 2 years you hold a resident visa.
I’m unsure what you mean by the Job Seeker assistance programme. To the best of my knowledge Immigration New Zealand not the government runs a programme like that.
Sometimes applicants of a resident visa get a job search visa where they have a certain period of time to find a skilled job. If they succeed a resident visa is granted. If not, their application is declined. You already have a resident visa so this is not applicable to you.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am currently a NZ permanent resident. I plan to move to Australia, as my work is under the OZ ‘Skilled Occupation List’. I would have wanted to stay and become a New Zealand citizen, however, I would lose points on my age requirement for Skilled Workers in Australia if I wait two more years. Will I risk losing my New Zealand residency if I become an Australian permanent resident? Can you hold two permanent residencies at a time?
Hi Hann,
You can have more than one permanent resident visas at the same time. Moving to Australia does not jeopardize your New Zealand PR at the moment.
Of course, I can’t predict the future and there is no way of telling if at some point the legislation might be changed.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I just have a question that is that possible if I can get my residency visa before 4 months as I read that it take up to 4 months… I have applied for residency visa 2 weeks ago so wondering if I can get it soon…
Would be great if you can answer that … Looking forward to hear from you
Thank you
Hi Singh,
It is possible to for a resident visa application to be processed within 4 months but it can take longer too. There are many factors that determine how long the processing time will be. For instance: It depends how complete was your application (do they have to request additional information), if there are any medical or character issues but also on how many applications were submitted before yours (how long the queue is).
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for you reply. There is no issue with the applications and documents as I submitted everything they need…. Last question am I meant to get any email from them as I haven’t heard from them since I submitted my application?
Thank you
Hi Singh,
You usually receive an email that your application has been received by the branch. A good indicator if your application has been received is if they have deducted the application fee.
This is done pretty quickly after Immigration has received and accepted your application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I had applied for a resident visa and was got denied due to less points but NZQA awarded me required level to lodge my application. Now can I get my visa fee back? .
Hi Kishore,
I’m sorry your resident visa application was declined. You might have claimed some points that you were not entitled to.
No, you can’t get your fee back.
You can apply again(start with EOI) if you believe you have new evidence that will give you enough points but you will have to pay the fee again.
I can check for you if you qualify for enough points. A fee does apply. Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
i am on open job search visa after studying in new zealand . and i got visa for two more years as i got job in same field as my studies. Now while applying for PR should my new zealand experience be enough or i should show my overseas experience too in my EOI. because i know they verify everything and my experience was genuine but one company where i working overseas got closed down.and if i show only new zealand qualification and experience my points do add up so is there any need to show overseas experience?
Hi Nikhil,
You only have to claim the minimum required number of points to get your EOI selected from the pool. I you have enough points without your overseas work experience you do not have to claim points for them.
There is no benefit in claiming 130 points instead of 100.
There is a benefit in claiming 140 points instead of 130. As with 140 points your EOI is selected automatically from the pool.
You must be certain though that you are entitled to all the points you claim. It would be a shame if Immigration will discard some of the points and you fall below the threshold.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I wonder if you can help me. My partner and I are currently applying for our Residence visa where i am the main applicant. Once this is granted i understand the travel conditions on me with regards to how long i spend in the country over the next 2 years to qualify me for application of PR.
However, what are the travel conditions if any, be for my partner? He has been offered a job overseas for fly in, fly out work. So he will be gone for 4 weeks then return for 2 weeks to NZ. This is a 1 year contract. Will this affect our application for PR after two years? I will obviously stay here in NZ, so i will still meet the requirements.
Would really appreciate your advice.
Many Thanks
Hi Becks,
As long as you meet the requirements for a PR, your partner will qualify as well. Only the principal applicant has has to meet the requirements to apply for a PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI Feija!
How are you?
I lodged an application for PR VISA 8 months after I got a 14-month Fixed Term contract. The INZ sent me a PPL asking for further information because there is no reason stated why the contract will end come December 2016.
Have you got any idea why they are asking for such statements? Does it have something to do with my job to qualify as a skilled employment?
Thanks and Regards,
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
One of the requirements of a resident visa application under SMC is that skilled employment must be ongoing and sustainable.
Where an offer of employment or current employment is for a stated term of at least 12 months, the stated term must be valid both at the time the application is lodged and when the application is decided, in particular:
~ if the applicant has current employment, he or she must be in that employment, or
~ if the applicant has an offer of employment, the offer must continue to be valid.
Immigration will want to find out of your employment is ongoing and sustainable and therefore they want to know why it ends in December.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thanks for a very helpful inputs Feija,
The reason in theory for ending the contract would be end of the project. Will this give INZ a guarantee that my employment is Skilled and thus consider approving my application.
On the other hand, my employer assure me that the project will be extended for a number of months but could not guarantee my position. Will this give a bearing say my employer state this fact?
Thank you again and God bless you.
Jeff
Hi Jeff,
If you can prove a history of contracts and if you are in an industry where contracts for the duration of a project are common this is acceptable for Immigration. It is a little more complicated than having a permanent contract but it is possible if there is a history.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I want to know that if I have got Resident Visa in NZ for e.g. in Skilled migrant category (ICT) and I some how get job in NZ based on my level 9 qualification (MBA) as logistics manager, will that effect my resident visa status, after 2 years are passed in NZ when I apply for Permanent Resident Visa?.
What if I do not get a Skilled job while I have resident visa after flying to NZ? Can I still get a Permanent Residence Visa after two years of Part time jobs?
Hi Fuad,
If you are granted a resident visa while you do not have a job offer in New Zealand there is no requirement for you to find a job. You can live of your savings if that is what you want. Neither finding a job nor not finding a job will have any effect on your PR application in 2 years time.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, i have a doubt regarding the switch over from the student visa to the various work visas. Ill make it pretty clear below:
My first doubt is if i can apply for a visa under the skilled migrant category directly after i end my studies in new zealand.
My next question is if not so and supposing i take up a 1 year post study work visa can it be extended to 3 years to gain experience?
Lastly can i apply for a visa under the skilled migrant category after my years spent under the post study work visa? And do i have a right to permanent residence on a skilled migrant visa?
I would really appreciate it if you could clear these doubts from my mind as i am planning to pursue post graduate studies in new zealand
Thanks,
Faraaz
Hi Faraaz,
If you can apply for a resident visa after you graduate depends, among others, on whether you have a number of years relevant work experience and if you have a partner that has a recognised qualification.
If you have no previous work experience I’m fairly certain that you won’t be able to apply for a resident visa but I would need more information to give you a more accurate answer.
No, a post graduate work visa cannot be extended for 3 years. The maximum it is granted for is 2 years (and 1 year job search visa).
You might be able to apply successfully for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category after being on a post graduate work visa but it depends on a number of factors.
And yes, a resident visa obtained under the Skilled Migrant Category gives you access to a Permanent Resident visa after a minimum of 2 years if you meet the requirements.
Hi
I was wondering if after you have been granted a residency visa in nz, would there be any reason why you would not be granted permanent residency?
Thanks
Hi Anna,
Yes, there are several reasons why a PR won’t be granted. For instance, you have to meet one of five criteria. If you don’t, your PR application will not be approved.
Another example is a conviction, even very minor convictions, may be a reason not to grant a PR.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I am an Indian Citizen and I want to go for further studies(Level 8) to New Zealand.
For the same I have appeared for IELTS as minimum pre requisite and accordingly I would get study visa.
I am married and we got married since last Jan 16.
My question is about dependent spouse work visa minimum requirement’s ? are there minimum number of
months we have to stay together before applying for such work visa ??
Thanks in advance.
Hi Bhoomi,
You need to have lived together for a minimum of 12 months.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My apologies, I didn’t read the question properly. There is no minimum requirement of how long you need to live together when applying for work visa based on the partnership with a work visa holder.
The 12 month living together requirement applies to resident visa applications, not temporary visa applications.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi.
I’m a little confused about the travel exp date on the residency card. Say we stayed in NZ until after the exp date passes, are we then still allowed to visit outside of NZ? or do we then have to apply for permanent residency?
Sorry I just don’t understand the need for an exp date when they can just say don’t leave NZ for more than X number of days.
Hi Riob,
When your travel conditions expire you can leave New Zealand but you can’t come back anymore. If you leave New Zealand after your travel conditions have expired your resident visa becomes invalid.
As long as you stay in New Zealand your resident visa stays valid.
The best way to avoid this is to apply for a permanent resident visa.
Hi Feija,
I have got nz residency visa on parents category by the sponsorship of my son for five years with multiple entries. I am staying in New Zealand from 24 may 2016 and not clear in the rule of multiple entries with the travel condition. What should I do the best to apply for PR upto five years? Please give your advice for this condion. I would be grateful to you.
Thank you
Nar Jung
Hi Nar Jung,
Multiple entries means that you can leave New Zealand and come back as often as you like. There are no restrictions on the number of times you can travel in and out of the country.
The travel conditions expiry date means that after the expiry date passes you may not leave New Zealand anymore. If you do, your resident visa will become invalid.
The best way to avoid this is to apply for a permanent resident visa. You need to meet one of five criteria. Time spent in New Zealand is often the most easy to satisfy.
Immigration will look at the 2 years period PRECEDING your PR application to see if you meet any of the five criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
Am holding a PR for Australia based on 190 class. it has been activated and been 2 weeks now
Can i come and work in newzealand ?
Hi Sandy,
Yes, if you hold a currently valid PR from Australia, you may come to New Zealand to live and work here. Please note that your Australian PR must remain valid for the whole period you are in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am looking forward to settle in NZ ie to live and work .but my AU PR is only 2 weeks old and activated , when can i apply for a NZ PR with no travel conditions .
Am curious to know if there will be any conditions applied
Hi,
I applied for work visa under essential skills and it’s on the 26th working days now. I was told by the call centre that my application is currently waiting for the NZ police certificate, although my case officer did not contact me at all since the application is launched. The call centre also mentioned that the NZ police certificate might takes 30 days or more to be processed. However, my employer only give me two months to secure my work visa, otherwise my job offer will lapse. Hence, could you please advice is there anything I could do to speed up the process? Or do you have an idea of how long the police certificate might take so I can try to request my employer to extend the deadline? It will be great if you have any other brilliant advice for me. Thank you.
Hi Jy,
The Ministry of Justice usually supplies these certificates within 20 working days. The following message is currently posted on their website:
“Because of high current demand you may not get your report within 20 working days (about 4 weeks). We’re working hard to process requests as fast as possible. We’re sorry for the inconvenience.”
As you can see there is no estimate on how long it will take at the moment. To the best of my knowledge, there is nothing you can do to speed up the process.
As this is something that is completely out of both your control and Immigration New Zealand’s control, you might want to ask your employer for some leniency in this matter.
Good luck!
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
I am on working visa based on partnership I need to apply for pr. However my work visa expires in August and it say on immigration Nz website that I need to remain under valid visa even while my application is in process. What should I do? And how long does process of pr take?
Kind regards
Ami
Hi Ami,
You need to apply for another temporary work visa.
A resident visa application takes about 2 months to process at the moment. There is no guarantee however. Processing time also depends on individual circumstances (eg. are there medical or character issues), the completeness of the application, the branch where the application is processed.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
I get 130 points without a job offer. I have a PhD in engineering from NZ. May I be selected from pool? Thanks.
regards,
Farzad
Hi Farzad,
No, with 130 points and no job offer you will not be selected from the pool based on the selection criteria that are in place at the moment.
I provide a Detailed Points Assessment where I will advice you on what points you can, may and cannot claim. I will also provide an explanation. A fee does apply. Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello
I’m a holder of resident visa. The conditions are the following: visa is invalid if holder is outside NZ with expired travel conditions. Please apply for transfer of this visa when the passport expires.
Expiry date travel: 23/March/2017.
Does this mean I can stay outside of NZ till march 2017 and I won’t lose my residency?
Regards
Alex
Hi Alex,
Yes, you are correct. As long as you re-enter New Zealand before 23 March 2017 your resident visa remains valid.
However, you need to take into account that your travel conditions expire on 23 March 2017. This means that as long as you stay in New Zealand your resident visa remains valid but the minute you leave New Zealand after 23 March 2017 your resident visa becomes invalid.
In certain circumstances it is possible to receive new travel conditions valid for 2 weeks or 1 year.
A permanent resident visa (PRV) does not have travel conditions and allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand whenever you like but you have to meet certain conditions before you can apply for a PRV.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Thanks for all your help and information. Very useful! My question is: How easy/straightforward is it to get an extension on the Resident Visa with teh Variation of Travel Condition application? https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/general-information/variation-of-travel-conditions
As long as I have 184 days in one of the years preceding my application of this extension, I should be able to get a 12 month extension? Or will it be a more complicated process? Appreciate your help! Thanks.
Hi Michelle,
If you understand the requirements it’s quite a straightforward process.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there
Once a residence application is approved within NZ, is there a time limit on how long you have to send your passport to get the sticker? Can it be put on at an overseas office or if you drop in at an Auckland office? Or can you pay more to get it done quicker in Auckland?
We will be going on holiday and I am worried that if we send the passport straight away, the residence would not be put on the passport and returned before our trip. Perhaps we can send it when we return, but is there a time frame that passports must be sent within?
Thanks
Hi Natalie,
Yes, there is a time limit on when you need to send your passport to Immigration when a resident visa is approved. This date is mentioned in the letter that you receive when your application is approved in principle.
You usually have 6 months to send in your passport so depending on when you go on holiday this most likely won’t be an issue. You can send your passport to Immigration when you return.
It takes 2-3 weeks for your passports to return so depending on when you go on holiday and when your resident visa is approved in principle you might be able to send it to Immigration before you go on holiday.
Just make sure your temporary visas remain valid your resident visa is actually granted (when Immigration have seen your passport).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
I as a principal applicant Lodged Resident application for my partner and she received aproval an year ago. We have been separated 2 month ago and not living together. Now I am going to get married in India in 3 months. I was wondering what can I do to bring my wife to NZ to live with me permanently.
Kind Regards,
Sonny
Hi Sonny,
I think you also send me an email that I already replied to.
There is a waiting period of 5 years before you can sponsor a second partner for a resident visa (you are not allowed to sponsor more than 2 partners total). There are also other requirements you must meet.
It will be a while before you can take your wife to be to New Zealand permanently. There might be temporary options available were she can come to New Zealand temporarily.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
To satisfy the 184 days per year does the principle applicant has to stay here in NZ or both to get a PRV.
ie Principle applicant stays 184 days per year and the partner gets PRV also when it the principle applicant completes the stay
Thanks
J
Hi Jay,
Only the principal applicant needs to meet the 184 day requirement in 2 subsequent years. If the principle applicant meets this requirement the secondary applicant(s) can apply for a PR too, as long as they have traveled to New Zealand to ‘activate’ their visa. To be safe it’s best to do this within 1 year of obtaining the resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have been leaving in NZ since Dec 1972. I was on my parents passport when we came over from England. I still hold a British passport with a permanent resident visa. I’m in the process of renewing my passport and was filling in the forms to have my visa transferred over and one of the question was that if I arrived in NZ before 1974 I has to supply proof that I have been living here for the last 44 yrs. As my parent are both deceased I have know proof. Can you please help as I’m not sure what I’m going to do.
I would of thought immigration NZ would have all the information from when I renewed my passport back in 2002. And if I have already got a permanent resident visa why I have to prove that I live in NZ.
Regards Emma
Hi Emma,
I assume you are talking about Section C on the form. If this is the case, you do not have to complete this. Only people who need their resident visa status confirmed need to complete this. You only wish to transfer a visa label so no need to complete Section C.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
I (as princuipl) and my wife got Resident Visa, Start date Mar 7, 2014, First entry before Mar 7, 2015, Visa expiry : indefinite. We enter NZ using this visa on Dec 2014, and are planning to go and stay there using this visa in September this year.
My question is :
If we stay
184 days during the priod of Sept. 2016-Sept.2017
184 days for the period of Sept 2017-Sept. 2018
then we are eligible to apply for PRV – am I right??
Awaiting your answer to avoid my confusion, thank you.
Tyas
Hi Tyas,
Do I understand correctly that you left New Zealand quite quickly after you first entered?
If this is the case, the scenario you talk about is correct but there is more to it.
Please be aware that your travel conditions expire 2 years after your first entry. This will be somewhere in December 2016. This means if you leave New Zealand after the travel conditions have expired (and before you have applied for a permanent resident visa), your resident visa will become invalid.
You also must be aware that the 2 year period Immigration looks at to see if you have satisfied the 184 day rule, is the 2 year period PRECEDING your PRV application.
Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to learn more. A fee may apply.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
In December I will be able to apply for my PR as I will have been on a residency visa for two years. I was wondering though, I am in my second year of this visa and if I have already stayed for the 184 days in this second year can I apply for my PR prior to December once I have met the minimum amount of time to stay in NZ?
Thanks,
Sophie
Hi Sophie,
You need to wait until December before you can apply for your permanent resident visa.
One of the requirements to be able to apply is that you must have held a resident visa for at least 2 years. You will only meet this requirements in December (based on the information you have provided).
Kind regards,
Feija
I left England around 11 years ago. There was a deportation order against me because I didn’t meet requirements. I did appeal and my case was in the process but then one of my close family member died so i left England to India voluntarily. Now, do i come under the category of being deported and would be rejected by the Immigration of New Zealand? Please advice.
Hi Rajveer,
If you left England voluntarily, you have not been deported.
I suspect there is more to the story than you have written down as it seems a bit harsh to serve you a deportation order just for not meeting the requirements.
There often is a question under the character section if a visa was ever cancelled.
Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to discuss further. A fee might be involved.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for your informative post.
I originally received my Work VISA, because I met the requirements, being in IT, on the skills shortage list, then applied and received my Resident VISA shortly after that, which has fewer restrictions than the Work VISA.
If I had to change my job, in a completely different field, that is not on the INZ Skills Shortage List, would this have a negative impact on any future VISA applications from my side? ie, when applying for my Permanent Resident VISA (after holding my Resident VISA for 2 years), or Citizenship after 5 years?
Kind Regards
Charles
Hi Charles,
If you have a resident visa you may work for any employer and in any occupation as long as they are legal, without it affecting your resident visa nor your permanent resident visa application nor a citizenship application.
Just make sure you have complied with any conditions on your resident visa (if any) regarding your job.
Kind regards,
Feija
Can we extend our work visa if residency under work visa gets rejected?
Hi Shanaya,
Yes, you can apply for a new work visa even if your resident visa is declined. You must, of course, still meet all the requirements for a work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi – if you obtain a residence visa through the Skilled Migrant Category, is there a maximum period linked to the time that you have to move to NZ? How much time do you get to prepare for the move once your residency visa is issued? Thanks.
Hi,
You usually have 1 year from the day the resident visa is granted to move to New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi,just want to ask i got my one year working visa before 7 months behalf of my partner she is nz citizen now we are living together nearly 13 months and we have one baby can i apply for my permanent residence now .thanks.
Hi,
One of the requirements you must meet before you can apply for a resident visa is that you must be able to prove that you have been living together for 12 months or more.
The importance is with the word ‘prove’. It’s not enough to have been living together for 12 months or more, you must be able to prove it. If you can do this and you meet the other requirements, then yes, you can apply for a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
At the outset,I highly appreciate your efforts.
I am a IT professional (India) and will like to apply for NZ Immigration. I do not have any job hand. I have few doubts and will appreciate, if you could clear:
1. I was told that INZ does not give residence visa in the beginning mostly. INZ gives first 9 months job search visa. If I can get a job related to my nominated occupation for minimum 3 months during 9 months in NZ, they will give me residence visa. Is it true?
2. What happens , if I do not get a job or get a job just for 6 weeks out of 9 months in my area of specialisation? Can they give me any extension?
3. Is my spouse and 2 kids allowed to join me during 9 months job search visa? If yes, do I need to lodge separate application for them?
4. If somehow , I found the job and received my resident visa, can I visit my parents before getting Permanent Resident Visa?
Regards,
Amit
Hi Amit,
Immigration will grant a resident visa straight away if they believe you meet the settlement and contribution requirements. Sometimes they doubt if the applicant will meet these requirements. They will then grant a option to apply for a 9 month Job Search visa.
Only the principal applicant can apply for this visa. The secondary applicants are not able to come with the principal applicant.
If a resident visa is granted you can travel in an out of New Zealand freely for the first 2 years. You want to be careful to spend not too much time out of the country as that might affect when you can apply for a permanent resident visa. But holidays to visit your parents are fine.
It goes a bit beyond the scope of this blog to answer all your questions. I would be happy to advise you though. My Consultation Service might be right for you.
Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you wish to learn more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am currently on a Defacto Work Visa to my Kiwi Boyfriend and have my Defacto Residency application in with Immigration. It in the process but unfortunately my boyfriend and I have just split. We could get back together so I don’t want to ring immigration but I am just wondering if I do get it granted and we are still not back together. Can they take it off me? I should be hearing a decision any day now.
We were with each other for 2.5 Years.
Thanks
Amanda
Hi Amanda,
I’m sorry to hear your relationship is experiencing some rough times.
One of the requirements of a partnership visa is that you need to be in a genuine and stable relationship with your partner. You also need to notify Immigration of any important changes. At the moment it seems questionable if your relationship is still stable. Providing false or misleading information to Immigration is a serious offence. If a visa is granted and it is found out your visa can be cancelled and you may become liable for deportation.
I hope you get back together and that your relationship will last if that is what you both want.
In the event you split up later this could have consequences for your permanent resident visa application (2 years after resident visa is granted, if you meet requirements).
Kind regards,
Feija
hi,
I’m in a very similar situation.
my australian partner broke up with me soon after we lodge our application for the PR 801, so well after the 2 years required to stay together with temporary residency visa 820.
they should answer anytime now, i don’t know what to do. i m not sure its over with him.
i wanna comunicate them we are taking some time apart, but if i tell the immigration we split up is it sure they gonna send me away? and in case do i have any chance to appeal to that decision?
im very worried
Sorry,
another question.
what happens after i let them know we split up?
because i’m understanding they will contact my sponsor partner and ask him to withdraw the sponsorship. but i know he does not want to withdraw. he is gonna be forced to withdrawn or he can choose? so if he refuse what happen next?
please answer , thank you
Hi..
I am married to a Filipino but a holder of a New Zealand residence visa. We have been in a relationship for two years and got married last December.What kind of visa can we apply so that I can be with my husband in New Zealand?
Hi Tes,
It will depend on your relationship history and if you have been living together at all which visa you can apply for.
I would need more information to give you accurate advise.
If you could email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz that would be great.
Thank you,
Feija
Hi, just want to ask is the RV granted is the date issued indicated in visa sticker or it is the date where the immigration approved your application for RV? Because we got our sticker 1 month after our application has been approved.
Thanks
Hi John,
The date your resident visa was approved or valid from is on the visa sticker.
You can also look at the travel conditions (if you were already in New Zealand when the visa was approved). The expiry date of the travel conditions will be exactly 2 years after the visa was granted.
If you had to pay a migrant levy when your visa was approved in principle, then your resident visa is usually granted from the day the levy was paid.
If you didn’t have to pay the levy then usually the resident visa is granted on the day it was approved.
My Question: After the grant of resident visa, what happens if applicant lives short of 184 days in the second twelve months (for example short by 90 days) but completes 360 days in the 1st year. applicant be allowed to apply for permanent resident visa after the additional 90 days stay in the second year in New Zealand which fell short in the second year of grant of resident visa? AND when will the above principal applicant become eligible for grant of the Permanent Resident Visa?
Hi Sumanth,
You need to spend 184 days in two 12 month periods that follow each other AND you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years.
Immigration will look at the two 12 month periods PRECEDING your permanent resident visa application.
They do NOT look at the two 12 month periods AFTER the resident visa was granted.
To calculate when you will be eligible for a PRV I would need more information about the periods that your were in and out of New Zealand. Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want to know more. I do charge a fee for this service.
If you meet any of the other four criteria that might be a better way of gaining your PRV. In most circumstances the ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’ is the easiest criteria to satisfy but in some cases one of the other criteria might be easier.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI there
My parents have a residence visa for longer than 2 years and meet the requirements for PR. My mum is the principal applicant and dad is partner. They would like to apply for Permanent residence so that they are free to travel but they no longer live together and i see that they ask the question on the form. Will this affect them applying or gaining permanent residence?
Thanks
Hi Michelle,
First of all, if your parents were sponsored by you, they may only be eligible for a permanent resident visa after they held their resident visa for 5 years (travel conditions will be valid for 5 years as well).
If they got their resident visa through skills (instead of via Family Category) then they would be eligible after holding their resident visa for 2 years.
If your parents are married and they no longer live together they should have proof of their separation or divorce. In this case your dad, as secondary applicant, will be assessed on his own merits. Your mum, as the principal applicant, will have no issues as long as she meets the requirements for a permanent resident visa.
If they are not officially separated or divorced the situation it becomes a bit of a grey area. I would be happy to advise you (or your parents) what to do. I do charge a fee for the advise.
You can send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Myself and my wife are on Resident Visa which was granted on 19th Feb ’15. We are in NZ ever since the stamping was done so the first block of 184 days is knocked off and the next block has commenced from 19th Feb ’16. I would like to know if I can apply for PRV as soon as we complete the second block of 184 days or we have to wait until the travel conditions expire on 12th Feb 2017.
Regards,
Ram
Hi Ram,
You need to wait until you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years before you can apply for a permanent resident visa.
In your situation this is 19 Feb 2017. Immigration looks at the 24 months PRECEDING the permanent resident visa application (in contrary to the 24 months AFTER the resident visa was granted). If you spend the whole 2 year period in New Zealand you will have no trouble meeting the 184 day requirement.
Kind regards,
Feija
My partner and I have broken up. I was the principle applicant in our residency visa. We can apply for PR in May 2016. I have a protection order against him and he has a warrant for his arrest due to breaking this order numerous times, although the police cant find him. Will this affect him getting PR?
Hi Louise,
I’m sorry to hear your relationship ended and the issues you have with your ex-partner. This can’t be easy for you.
Yes, the outstanding arrest might affect his PR application. He can still apply for a PR even if you have split up but every applicant has to complete the character declaration.
One of the questions is about whether you are under investigation, convicted or charged for an offence in New Zealand.
Decisions on applications from people with arrest warrants (or who are under investigation may be deferred for 6 months to see what the outcome of the investigation is.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have the section 49 condition on my resident visa and it states that I need to remain in that employment for at least 3 months. I have satisfied the conditions on my visa and have submitted all the evidences INZ require. But it’s now on its 3rd week and the INZ hasn’t approved or return my passport with the new visa label without conditions.
I want to leave my current job soon. Is it alright to file my resignation now while waiting for the INZ to return and approve my request for the removal of the section 49?
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Alma
Hi Alma,
I advise you to stay in your job until you receive notice that Immigration is satisfied with the evidence and has removed the condition.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, me and my family(husband and son) in under Resident Visa here in NZ, now were applying for US Tourist Visa, and there is a question on the application like this “Are you a permanent resident of a country/region other than your country/region of origin (nationality) indicated above? ” its really confusing if i have to answer Yes or No since we are not holding a permanent residence visa. please help..thanks
Hi Marmin,
I’m not an expert on US visas and certainly are not licensed to provide advise on US visa applications.
My personal opinion based on common sense would be to tick YES as your New Zealand resident visa allows you to stay in New Zealand permanently.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I have residence and staying in NZ I have moved to a new house , do I have to notify immigration of my new address ?
Hi Chris,
No, you do not need to inform Immigration of your move if your resident visa has been granted.
You only need to notify them of any change in your circumstances if a visa application is still under consideration.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi,Feija
i just want to ask, m living with my partner from last 5 months and my student visa finish after next month and i want to apply work visa on behalf of her she is New Zealand citizen but the thing is that in us have age gap she is 16 year elder than me . can u please tell me age gap is doing matter or not .
thanks
Hi Lucky,
If you and your girlfriend are living in a genuine and stable relationship AND can prove this then the age gap does not matter.
I would be happy to assist you with your application if you wish. Please email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz or call me on 022 381 5146 if you want more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am living in NZ from last 7 years. Got residency in dec2014 which mean i can apply prv in dec 2016. Bt now my wife is pregnant she is due in june. Just waana know if our baby gonna be NZ citizen or do we have to get a indian passport. If we have to apply for indian passport. Hw abt we have apply baby’s passport after we got prv which is afta 6 months afta baby born.
Thanks.
Cheers
Hi Garry,
Your baby will be a New Zealand citizen as at least one of his parents has the right to remain in New Zealand indefinitely (read: hold a resident or permanent resident visa).
Kind regards,
Feija
Greetings,
My wife is interested on NZ Skilled Migrant Category, she got her skills Pre – assessed and is ready to loge Expression of Interest, but we are concerned if we should continue further.
I have been a student in Greece, then USA but some unexpected things happened and I dropped of school and I left USA voluntary and went in Canada illegally. I abandoned my case, so I got departure and later deportation order and removed from Canada. This time has been a black page for my life which I want to forget, but it seems that will follow me.
My wonder is if this will affect my wife to apply for Skilled Migrant Category as primary applicant and add me on the application. Is stated on Act 15 that applicants with a deportation order from any country will not be selected for the pool.There is any exception? We both work for a British Humanitarian Organization. She works for over 8 years as Finance Manager and me Program Coordinator.
Can you please advice us?
Thank you in advance!
Hi Jimmy,
Your wife should be able to apply for a visa but you will never be granted a visa for New Zealand. If you do not meet the character requirements sometimes a character waiver can be applied. However, this does not apply to someone who falls under section 15. Section 15 of the Immigration Act 2009 includes people who were removed or deported from any country.
I wish I had better news for you.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I hold a Permanent Resident Visa and would like to go back to my home country for quite sometime. I heard from friends that INZ only allows 6 months of being away in NZ for you to retain PRV. How true is this?
Another thing, if I intend not to come back to NZ, am I still considered a Permanent Resident in NZ indefinitely?
Thanks
Hi Faith,
A permanent resident visa is valid indefinitely (under current legislation, this may change in the future). There is no rule that says you may only stay away for 6 months. You can stay away for many years and after that still come back on your PRV.
Please keep an eye on Immigration legislation when you are in your home country. As with all legislation it changes from time to time and it would be sad if you miss out because of a law change that you missed. As far as I’m aware there are no plans to change this any time soon though.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Sukhpal,
What a nasty situation your sister is in.
New Zealand has options available for victims of domestic violence. So, if your sister meets the requirements there might be an option available to her. As this is a very delicate situation I have send you an email to discuss further.
Kind regards,
Feija
My sister is married to a PR groom in New Zealand August,2015. She joined his husband in Nov, 2015 with 9 months visitor visa as the partner visa requirements were not met yet.
Her husband is abusive since she reached Nz and she is subjected to physical and mental violence regularly. He will not let her work anywhere. He threatens that he will send her back after divorcing her or will not apply PR for her and she will be automatically deported. Please suggest her rights in this situation. Coming back is no solution as life is a living hell for a divorcee girl in Indian society. Could she start her life afresh in Nz if this divorce happens or she will be deported back to India. Kindly reply…
Hi Sukhpal,
What a nasty situation your sister is in.
New Zealand has options available for victims of domestic violence. So, if your sister meets the requirements there might be an option available to her. As this is a very delicate situation I have send you an email to discuss further.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
Nice to see you are helping people specially who are out of reach to NZ system.
I really admire your job.
Thanks,
Vikram
hello my husband has applied for a resident visa- done Nov 15
online it says his medical cert was received today! 29th Feb 16— this doesn’t seem right?! it was posted with everything else with the application. have you heard of this before?
Hi Mez,
No, I have not come across this before.
Submitting medical information is a vital component to a resident visa application. If this information is not present the application will not be accepted for processing and you will be notified of this immediately.
I assume you have not heard anything and you did receive a letter that the application was accepted for processing.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am a NZ Perm Resident. I wish to travel to my home country for 3 months to get married and have some break from the busy schedule. That would mean I will have to quit my job.
My question to you is can I sponsor my wife while I am in my home country after the marriage? so she can come with me to NZ
Can I sponsor without a job?
How much funds do I need to show?
Regards,
Sam
Hi Sam,
Yes, you can sponsor your wife if you do not have a job. You do not have to show evidence of funds.
You do have to show evidence of your relationship.One of the requirements is that you need to be living together.
I can see this might be an issue in your situation. Send me an email (info@experienzimmigration.co.nz) if you require further assistance.
Kind regards,
Feija van Bokhoven (license no. 201300693)
Paddy,
Hi, if I have a none returning residents visa and I have been in the country for 7 year’s with out traveling and I don’t intend to travel, however my passport is soon to expire , will my visa become invalid when it expires, or do I have to get a new passport and have it transferred.
Regards
Paddy.
Hi Paddy,
No, your visa will not become invalid if you do not renew your passport.
If you do decide to get a new passport, you need to transfer your visa label to your new passport. You will receive a Resident Visa. That is the name of same type of visa you have now but under new legislation.
Kind regards,
Feija van Bokhoven (license no. 201300693)
Hi, my wife and me obtained resident visa under skilled migrant category 2 months before. We are now interested to move to UK as being a nursing professional she will have better opportunities. Is their any benefit of having NZ residency to travel to UK??
Hi Feija,
I am currently in UAE and have submitted an EOI already. In case the process went fine with the issuance of Resident Visa, how long I need to stay in New Zealand from the time we arrive before going back to UAE?. We are planning to save money to ensure I can sustain my family while looking for a job, thus need to stay outside New Zealand and work back in UAE after receiving the Resident Visa.
Regards,
Lee
Hi Lee,
When a resident visa is granted you have 1 year to travel to New Zealand to ‘activate’ the visa. If you don’t, the visa becomes invalid.
Once you are in New Zealand, you can leave the next day if you wish. You will have travel conditions on your visa that are valid for two years. In these 2 years you can enter and leave New Zealand as often as you like.
The 2 year period commences on the first day you enter New Zealand on your resident visa.
After 2 years the travel conditions become invalid. If you are outside New Zealand at the time, your resident visa becomes invalid.
If you are in New Zealand at the time your travel conditions expire, there is no problem. Your resident visa remains valid as long as you remain in New Zealand.
You can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, that has no travel conditions and thus allows you to enter and leave New Zealand whenever you want, after you have held a resident visa for 2 years AND you meet 1 of 5 criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija van Bokhoven (license no. 201300693)
Hello,
I’m from England and my partner is a NZ citizen. We have been together for 14months and I’m planning on applying for a de facto resident visa. Please can you tell me what would happen if I was granted the visa, moved to NZ and (god forbid) we broke up. How would that affect my visa and my ability to apply for a permanent visa?
Thanks.
Hi Rebecca,
If you are granted a resident visa and you brake up, your resident visa remains valid. There are only a few reasons why a resident visa can be cancelled. One of them is providing false and misleading information to Immigration. This means that if your relationship was in bad shape before the resident is granted and you didn’t tell Immigration about this, you might have provided false and misleading information.
You are able to apply for a permanent resident visa in your own right after you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have lived in NZ for 4 yrs , I plan on leaving NZ for 6 to 9 months . I have Permanent Residency: Indefinite – Visa and Travel . sSo I’m all clear for my Citizenship in the next year .
1: How will it affect my entry back into NZ if I lived abroad for 6-9 months?
2: Will this affect my Citizenship ?
3:Will I have any troubles coming back to NZ in 6- 9 months ?
Thanks in Advance
Hi Joseph,
1. No, you should have no issues coming back to New Zealand. Your PRV remains valid.
2. It might affect your citizenship. I advise you to contact the Department of Internal Affairs for more information. You must have spend a certain amount of time in New Zealand before you are eligible for citizenship (next to the requirement of having a resident class visa for at least 5 years).
https://www.dia.govt.nz/web/cctool.nsf/citizenship?openform
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
My first entry in nz 1st June 2014 & left nz 31 Dec 2014 near abt 210 days. Second entry again 1st June 2015 & left on 10august near abt 70 days . Both year paid tax in nz . Bt my query z
M belong to india (which in list of double tax agreement ) . M I eligible to apply to get RRV under 41 days tax resident status.
Hi Mann,
If you also have tax residency status in India then you would have a double tax resident status. This means you cannot be a tax resident under the PRV instructions.
In that case you cannot apply for a PRV under this criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
For PR visa parents who are currently away from NZ, would you know how to apply or which visa to apply for a newborn who will be born abroad?
Hi Kiko,
You will have to apply for a resident visa for the newborn baby.
If your resident visa was granted but you have not yet traveled to New Zealand the baby can be added to your application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello,
We want to know that how one can get the PR .. We are the family of four .. me , my wife , 1 children and 1 infant. After getting resident visa of the whole family . I reached 3 months before my partner and children. I want to know that whether there time for first year of 184 days start when i entered or its the other way around ( when they entered in New Zealand respectively)
Hi Ausaf,
Only the principal applicant needs to fulfill the 184 day requirement (or any of the 4 other requirements). If you meet the requirements and you are granted a PRV, you wife and children also will be granted a PRV (if you have applied for it, it’s not automatically granted if yours is granted).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I just want to ask I lived in nz almost 2 years and my resident visa expired on Jan 2017
Can I apply my PRv before my visa expired and what form number should I use?
Hi Eve,
You can only apply for a PRV when you have held a resident visa for 2 years (AND you meet one of five criteria).
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for the response to my previous query reg. Resident visa extension.
I could not go back because of the current job requirements and other problems.Can I get extension under exceptional circumstances?
My wife got Partnership based residence visa. How will it affect her status when my resident visa gets void? Her travel condition will be active till 2018.
When my resident visa gets void can I travel with her as dependent or can she sponser me resident or work visa?
Thank you.
Hello,
I have a query regarding residence visa extension. I got residence visa in Feb 2013 when I was in NZ. I left NZ in Oct 2013. After that I applied for extension and it got extended till Feb 2016. I was not able to travel back to NZ and still outside NZ. I have plans to go back to NZ next year.
1. Can I apply for 1 more year extension.
2. If yes, should I apply before expiry date or it can be applied anytime.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Prasad,
No, unfortunately your travel conditions cannot be extended this time. For a new 12 month variation of travel conditions you need to have spend at least 184 days in one of the two 12 month periods preceding a variation of travel conditions application.
You do not seem to meet the tax residency criteria either.
If you come back to New Zealand you can get an extension of 14 days but that probably isn’t much help to you.
If you do not come back to New Zealand before your travel conditions expire your resident visa will become void. You will have to apply again if you wish to return to New Zealand in the future.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am currently on a Residents Visa, unlimited travel which expires in Sept. At that time I will have held my Residents Visa for 24 months, and I will have met 3 of the other requirements. Am I able to put in my application before the 24 month anniversary? INZ take time to process applications and I don’t want to be stuck with travel restrictions until they process my Permanent Residence application.
Kindest regards,
Blair
Hi Blair,
For a Permanent Resident Visa to be approved you also need to meet the requirement that you have held a resident visa for at least 24 months preceding the application.
This means you can’t send in your application too early
A PRV application is processed really quickly (about 1 week).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, narainan here i m a malaysian passport holder m a permanent resident visa holder and what will hapen if my malaysian passport exp,i dont want to renew as i want to apply for my citizen of N.Z, m not traveling any where at tis moment pls advise
Hi Nairanan,
I would always advise you to hold at least one valid passport so you can travel out of New Zealand in an emergency. You never know what will happen in life.
If you really do not wish to renew your Malaysian passport you do not have to, to be able to stay in New Zealand and apply for citizenship. You will have to prove your identity when applying for citizenship but you may use an expired passport for this. Just be aware that it can take 6-9 months for your citizenship application to process.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I just got my Resident Visa last year (November) from Skilled Migrant Catagory. And now I want to find another job. Is it possible?
Regards,
Ruel
Hi Ruel,
Yes you can go and find a new job if you wish.
You have to look at the conditions that are on your visa label though. If it says you have to work for 3 months in job that you got your resident visa on, it is better to wait with switching jobs until you have completed the three months (and have prove that you completed 3 months).
If there are no conditions on your visa you are free to find another job whenever you want and you can take any job you want, It doesn’t have to be in the same occupation as you got your resident visa on.
Kind regards,
Feija
my wife (principal) and i applied and approved as skilled migrant. can i as dependent applicant go ahead of her to look for a job? so that she can still earn until i get a job in nz?
Hi Amir,
Yes, if your skilled migrant resident visa have been approved and you have a visa label in your passport you can travel to New Zealand ahead of your wife.
Just be mindful that she will have to travel to New Zealand within 12 months after the visa was approved. If she doesn’t both her and your visa will become invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
I would like to know that do study visa count towards New Zealand permanent residence visa (permanent residency)?
Hi Nitin,
Any level 4 or higher (NZ) qualification will give you points. It will not give you enough points though to qualify for a resident visa. You will need work experience and/or a job offer too.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I wondered if you can help me. I’m from the UK and have recently applied for a residence visa under the skilled migrant catagory. This was mid November and I have not been assigned a case officer yet and have been told it could take 6 to 9 months.
My question is would I still be able to enter New Zealand for a holiday with the visa waiver providing I have a return flight and proof of funds.
Hi Dave,
Yes.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I want to apply for New Zealand residence visa under Skilled Migrant Category.
I am Planing to apply for EOI in February 2016, My Question is if i get Pregnant during this period and that to if I am 4 month pregnant then can i travel to NZ if i get NZ visa ?
Another Doubt if I apply for New Zealand Skilled Immigration and get NZ residence visa and in that period if I deliver my baby in my citizen county then is it necessary that I have to do same procedure for my new born baby.
Please revert.
Thanks & Regards,
Shital Patil
Hi Shatil,
You will have to inform Immigration that you are pregnant if your resident visa is still being processed.
If your baby is born outside New Zealand you will have to apply for a resident visa for them too.
If they are born in New Zealand they are deemed to hold the same visa status as their parents (please check with Immigration if this is the case and if any special conditions apply).
You can travel to New Zealand when your resident visa is granted and while pregnant as long as it is safe to do so for you and the baby.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
First of all thank you for the brilliant and precise answers you are giving us all.
I am a french citizen in the process of making an EOI as a Skilled Migrand with 145 points which include 20 points for Partner Qualification and WITHOUT a job offer in NZealand. I have 3 kids aged 19, 14 and 11 at the time of the EOI.
From what I understand 140 pointers and above are automatically invited to apply for the residence visa.
I will be the main applicant and I will add as dependants my wife and my 3 kids.
My question is : When my residence visa is granted, we intend to all go in NZ before the one year expires but as I will not have a job there yet and my wife still has her job in my home country and my kids go to school there, I will be the only one staying in NZ for the 184 days per year in each of the 2 years, in order to apply for the Permanent Residence afetr the two years.
Once my PR is granted to me, will it be automatically granted to my dependents although they have not physically lived 184 days each year in NZ during these 2 years ?
They intend to come and study and live in NZ once I am granted PR and by that time they will be aged 22, 18 and 14.
Many thanks in advance for your great help,
Hi Tom,
Only the principal applicant (you, in this case) needs to meet the 184 day requirement to be granted a permanent resident visa (PRV). If you are granted a PRV your wife and children will be granted a PRV too. You will have to apply for them together with your application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I was granted Resident Visa in Oct 2015. I am planing to move to NZ April 2016 and I will be six months pregnant by then. I wonder if my baby would be NZ citizen by birth or not? And am I eligible for public funded health care?
Your answer will be great of help as it will clear my head and show me which way should I choose.
Thanks
Tran
Hi Tran,
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
If you give birth in New Zealand your baby will not receive citizenship. It will get the same visa status as its parents (please check with Immigration if there are any special conditions that apply).
You are eligible for public funded health care if you have a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Correction: a baby will get citizenship when born in New Zealand and one of the parents holds a resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
I checking with immigration NZ,
parents need to hold NZ permanent residency to get their baby NZ citizenship by birth in NZ.
if they hold NZ Residency their baby not eligible to get NZ citizenship by birth in NZ.
Please let me know if any one have real experience with this condition.
Dear Murali,
The website from the Department of Internal Affairs provides information on citizenship (https://www.govt.nz/browse/nz-passports-and-citizenship/getting-nz-citizenship/check-if-you-are-a-citizen/
In their online tool they have 2 questions:
1. Were you born in New Zealand, the Cook Islands, Niue or Tokelau?
2. Was at least 1 of your parents a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or resident when you were born?
When both questions are answered with YES, then you get the following message: You are a New Zealand citizen by birth
You can order a birth certificate if you need one.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Fieja,
Thanks for the valuable information.I am currently holding residency visa with 2 years travel conditions. If my child born in NZ,should he get citizenship by birth? Immigration site mentions Only Permanent Residency visa.
Dear Nagesh,
A child born in New Zealand is a NZ citizen if one or both of it’s parents hold a resident class visa. A resident class visa is both a resident visa and a permanent resident visa.
You can find information on citizenship on the website of the Department of Internal Affairs: Check if you are a citizen
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
We have applied for a Permanent Resident Visa the exact day that we have been in New Zealand for 2 years with a resident visa and that our travel conditions have expired, 2 weeks ago. We have just got a mail from immigration saying that our application will be processed in 4 weeks time. But we have flight tickets bought for going overseas in 3 weeks time, because we have to attend to my sister in law wedding. So we will be leaving the country before are granted with the PR. We will be back in 7 weeks time to New Zealand (3 weeks after our application is expected to be processed). I have called immigration already 4 times and they have told us that we have nothing to be worry about. That our resident will be granted on time, and we will be able to come back. And that we do not have a problem to leave the NZ, althought our travel condicions have expired. That customs or flight company are not going to have a problem with us leaving NZ. Do you think all of this sounds correct? Thank you in advance for your help
Hi Olaya,
I hope you have heard something by now on your permanent resident visa application.
You can always leave New Zealand even if your travel conditions are expired. The issue is coming back. If you leave New Zealand while your travel conditions have expired, your resident visa becomes invalid. However, as you already have applied for a PR this should not be an issue. You will have to wait until your PR is issued before you can return to New Zealand.
I hope though, that the PR is issued before you go overseas.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi !
I’ve got an urgent question. I’m in NZ with a working holiday visa. I still have less than 2 months here.
I would like to apply for the skilled resident (in creatives arts) because I’ve had a job offer but they said they cannot sponsor me.
So I need to apply by myself for a visa who can let me work here.
The lonely one who doesn’t need a sponsor and which with I matched was the Skilled Residency.
I would like to know so, if, when I apply for the skilled residency, my working holiday will see it’s dead end postpone by the time the Immigration service give me an answer ?
Or do my WHV will end at it’s original ending date?
Many thanks
André
Hi Andre,
Your Working Holiday Visa will expire at its original expiry date.
A resident visa takes several months (more than 2) to be processed (current December 2015).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
I have a resident visa, issued at the end of August 2015. Is the 184 days counted from the ‘Lodgement Date’ or, as I’m presuming, the date it was issued?
Thanks
Jake
Hi Jake,
The 184 days start counting from the date your resident visa was issued. The date that is on the visa label.
Kind regards,
Feija
We are planning to apply Resident visa under Skilled Migrant Category.
The application will include my husband and 2 kids (3 and 6 yrs old).
If the Resident visa gets approved, does the kids will have Resident Visa too? or what type of visa will they receive?
What are the difference between
Resident Visa
Work Visa
Dependent visa for kids
Lastly, which among the above 3 visa does our children can go to public school
for free on Primary and Secondary school?
If they have resident visa (not permanent resident visa), can they go to public primary and secondary school for free?
Hi Cel,
If you apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category and you include your children and the spouse in the application, all family members will receive a resident visa if the application is approved.
A resident visa is a permanent visa, which allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely (as long as you do not leave New Zealand).
A work visa is a temporary visa that allows you to work and live in New Zealand for the period the visa is valid.
A dependent visa for children can be a temporary or permanent visa . You apply for this if the children were not or could not be included in the application of the primary applicant (one of the parents). If the dependent visa is a temporary visa then it’s either a student or visitor visa depending on the age of the child.
Children pay domestic tuition fees when they have a resident visa or if one of the parents holds a specific type of work visa and meet the income requirement (if any).
Kind regards,
Feija
I would like to know if it is possible to obtain a residence visa for NZ but only to move there permanently in another couple of years?
Hi Annari,
When your resident visa is approved you need to travel to and enter New Zealand within 12 months.
This is to ‘activate’ your resident visa.
You do not need to stay long.
Once you resident visa is activated your travel conditions are activated too. These are valid for 2 years. This means you will have to return to New Zealand (and stay there) before these travel conditions expire. If you do not, your resident visa will be void.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Slightly different subject. Will completing a working holiday Visa affect my application for a skilled workers visa, or would this be classed as a positive attribute?
Cheers
Hi Mike,
Completing a Working Holiday Visa will not affect your application for a future work or resident visa.
If you did not breach any of your Working Holiday Visa conditions will show Immigration that you, most likely, will respect future visa conditions and this is positive.
You will always have to meet the requirements of the new visa you apply for, for it to be granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi feija, i have a uniqe delema. I first arived in NZ as a child on an aussy passport back in 1973 and have spent most of my life there and assumed eroniasly that i was a nz citizen due to time spent in the country. Ive lived in aussy since1999 and wish to return return .Would i, due to the time spent in the country outomatically get an permanant residency or citizenship or am i not concidered a kiwi at all ?
Hi,
No, you are not a New Zealand citizen as you were not born here.
You will get a resident visa when you enter New Zealand. This resident visa will become invalid as soon as you leave the country (you’ll get a new one when you return).
If you do not leave the country for 2 years you may apply for a permanent resident visa.
If you do wish to leave New Zealand (eg. for a short holiday) there are ways to get this sorted.
Send me an email (info@experienzimmigration.co.nz)if you wish my help.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
It’s very informative blog.
I am interested to apply for the residence pass under SMC with myself as principal applicant. Based on the point indicator, I may get 120-130 points without partner qualification. And 150 points with partner qualification.
However, my spouse is visually impaired.Due to health requirement, it would be glad to hear your opinion whether I should “claim 120-130 points without partner qualification and exclude him in my application” or “claim 150 points with partner qualification and include him in my application”?
If I exclude him in my application, will his condition still have effect on my application?
Thank you
Hi Nita,
It will depend on the severity of your partner’s visual impairment if this is going to have an effect.
People who have a severe vision impairment are not considered to be of good health. Send me an email and we can figure out if your partner’s vision impairment is considered severe.
You need to score at least 140 points (if you do not have a job offer in New Zealand) for your EOI to be selected at this moment. Submitting an EOI while you clam less points is a waste of time and money.
It seems to me that not including your partner (and his qualifications) is not an option but depending on the severity of his visual impairment you might not be granted a resident visa because of this.
I hope you understand that not including him in your application means that he can’t come to New Zealand unless he applies for a visa in his own right.
Excluding him in your application will not affect your application but as said before you might not be able to claim enough points.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
First of all the way you helping people here is amazing and shows your quality of not just being a very good Lawyer but an amazing human being as well.
My situation is that i moved to NZ on Partner based Resident visa through my NZ citizen wife in June 2014. I have completed 184 days and over last year and aiming to do the same this year till June 2016.
I also have a 2 years old NZ Citizen by decent Child with my wife. We have recently got separated and my child is living with the mother (Though i get to see her/Talk to her)
My query is if this separation would effect my future application of Permanent Residency after june 2016? How long does it normally take for the process once application is filed over the counter at one of the immigration offices?
I cant even imagine about being far from my child. Kindly grant your reply.
Your answer is much appreciated.
Regards.
Hi Sam,
Thanks for the compliment. I just want to say that I’m not a lawyer. i am a licensed Immigration Adviser and fully qualified to provide immigration advice in New Zealand.
Your separation should not have an effect on your Permanent Resident visa. Your application will be considered in his own right if you have proof of your separation/divorce.
If your travel conditions expire in June, your resident visa remains valid as long as you stay in New Zealand.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I was granted Residence visa for NZ under SMC category this year. My first entry date is due in 3 months time. I am planning to make a entry along with my partner and planning to return back after 2weeks. After going through your post, it clearly depicts that we need to spend 184 days in each year (2year time). So are there any clauses apart from this for SMC category after first entry.
Also, is it not possible to spend remaining days of first year 184 days in second year?
Moreover, what are the other terms and conditions for this visa category after the first entry date.
What kind of implications we face if we stay less than, 184 days in one year, but covers complete thing in second year.
Thanks,
Nani.
Hi Feija,
I hold a Work to Residence visa for 9 months now.
I have an option to convert /apply for residence in 2 years (or 1 year and 3 months from now).
Are there any faster way to apply for resident visa without waiting for the 2 years?
Thank you, your insights have been most helpful.
Hi Jean,
You, most likely, can apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. The total processing time for this type of application will be about 6-9 months. It will cost you $2,320 plus migrant levy when your visa is approved ($310 per person included in the application).
Send me an email if you wish to know more.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
Appreciate if you could clarify the following burning issue.
I have New Zealand resident visa with condition of; first entry before 15 Oct 2013 and expiry travel condition on 13 Oct 2015. I made my first entry within the time and stayed few days in NZ. Then, I came back again on 10 Oct 2015 (ie. few days prior to the expiry of my travel conditions) and currently live in New Zealand. Means, I have not spent enough time so far to apply permanent residency. However, I believe that I can apply for permanent residency, after completing continuous 18 months from the date of 10 Oct 2015. Am I correct here?
Hi Miyuru,
You need to spend 184 days per 12 month period, which is a little of 6 months per year in New Zealand. So you can apply for a permanent resident visa after a little more than 18 months in New Zealand. I can give you an exact calculation if you like but this service will involve a small fee.
You can apply for a 14 day variation of travel conditions so you can travel outside New Zealand in an emergency now your travel conditions have expired.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi i got the same question ?
i do not have enough time to spent in nz in order to get PRV so i would like to i need to 2 year exact order or just 18month to apply PRV
example i got RV on 01 march 2015 and 01 march 2017 is my ecpire travel date , then if i stay from 01 march 2017 will i be able to apply PRV 01 september 2018 or need to be 01 march 2019 ?
Hi Nich,
You can apply for a permanent resident visa as soon as you meet the requirements (after the initial 2 year period has passed). In the example above you can apply for a PR in September/October 2018, if you meet the 184-day rule in 2 consecutive 12 month periods. If you meet any of the other 4 possible criteria (you only need to meet 1 out of 5) then you may be able to apply sooner.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I received residency in 2013 after applying through EOI, The application consisted on myself, partner and two kids. In late 2014 my partner and I split. I was wondering if you could tell me if this will affect the application for perm residency in the near future?
Hi Jenn,
The implications for you depend on whether you were the principal applicant or the secondary applicant. If you were the principal applicant there will be no problem.
Your children will assessed for a permanent resident visa on the basis of the parent who has legal custody if they are younger than 16
The non-principal partner will be considered in their own right for a new residence class visa (resident or permanent resident visa) if they have proof of the divorce or separation.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, thank you. I am the principle applicant. My now ex is concerned that he may loose his visa or may not be granted a perm res when we are legible to apply in March. Should he be concerned?
Hi Jenn,
If your ex meets the criteria for a permanent resident visa (eg. 184 day rule) then he should not have any problems.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My parents were granted residency visa under parent category in 2015 and unfortunately my father who is the principal applicant on Residence visa) passed away recently( 184 day not met for this year) .
Is my mother( non principal applicant) eligible to apply for Permanent Residence visa if she meets the significant time spent in Nz criteria?
Regards
Hi Sirisha,
I’m sorry to hear your father has passed away. Yes, your mother is eligible to be assessed for a Permanent Resident visa on her own merit if the principal applicant has passed away.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi got a job search visa invitation, what if while waiting for my passport i got pregnant. Is my entry to NZ will be move on the later date? After birth perhaps. Thanks
Hi Jaz,
You usually are given a certain amount of time to travel to New Zealand after a visa is granted. If you do not come to New Zealand before this date, your visa becomes invalid and you will have to apply for a new visa. You should be able to find the date on your visa label. It will say something like “first entry before”.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
My husband is a NZ citizen and we are living in Australia as he has been working in Australia for the last 5.5 years. We have been married since the beginning of 2014 but have been together for more than 10 years. I would like to apply for a permanent residence visa. is this possible or do i still need to apply for temporary residency first? How easy is this if I live in Australia (I am in Australia on a NZ relationship visa)?
Thanks,
Nicole
Hi Nicole,
You should be able to apply for a permanent resident visa. A couple of exceptions apply to your situation.
If you wish more information email me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz. As it is very specific information about a visa application I do charge a fee of NZD 100 for up to an hour of advice.
I can also assist you with the application through my Comprehensive Visa Application Service. The fee I charge will be higher in that case.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I am a permanent resident of NZ and have been for over a year now.
How long can i live outside NZ before my PRV is revoked.
I know there is no such travel condition but INZ does mention that the Visa may be revoked if person is outside NZ for a significant period of time.
I am planning to go back to my home country and do some business.
Regards,
Sunny
Hi Sunny,
To the best of my knowledge a PR is only revoked if you are convicted of a (serious) crime.
A PR gives you the right to enter New Zealand at all times.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello ,
How long will a PR filed by employer in NZ take.
Thankyou very much
Hi Kriss,
Do you mean a resident visa or a permanent resident (PR) visa? Usually a PR is not filed by an employer so I’ll assume you mean a resident visa.
It depends a lot on the branch were the application was filed. It can be fairly quick 2-4 months but can also take 6-9 months.
If you did mean a PR visa.This type of application has a quick turn around time of 1-2 weeks.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
You have a very good blog and I find the articles very helpful.
I’m interested in applying for a resident visa via SMC. You mentioned in this article about the travel condition and I’d like to know more about it. In a scenario wherein I’m already in New Zealand and the 2 yr travel condition has lapsed, what shall happen next? If during this period I want to leave the country temporarily, will I have a problem going back?
Hi Glen,
When your travel conditions expire and you leave New Zealand you won’t be allowed back into New Zealand.
You either need to stay in New Zealand until you can apply for a permanent resident visa or you can apply for a 14 day travel condition to go overseas in an emergency or for a short holiday.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am currently on a temporary work visa and was considering applying for permanent residency through SMC. With advisor fees and INZ fees together, we would be looking at about NZ$6,000 or more. My question is, what are the “benefits” to obtaining residency outside the obvious that visa doesn’t have to be continually renewed and can move around to other jobs within NZ?
Hi there!
We are currently permanent residents of this beautiful country. we are going in and out now just visiting family abroad.
anyway, my question is, after having two kids born here in nz, now citizens… what if i give birth to them elsewhere? will they still be NZ citizens? as both parents are Permanent Residents already?
we do travel a lot for business and I would really want all my kids to be NZ citizens…
thanks so much!!
Hi Laura,
A child born overseas is only entitled to New Zealand citizenship if at least one of their parents is a New Zealand citizen by birth or grant.
When this is not the case, you will need to apply for a resident visa for the baby at some point.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there, please can you offer me some advice. I have been in Christchurch since July 2011 on partnership visa. My partner and I have been together since 2010. We have since had a little boy. Both my partner and child are NZ Citizens but I was born in the UK. I have just been granted residency and would like to go and study Midwifery at CPIT. I am aware that I am entitled to pay the domestic few but I was wondering if you were aware of any companies that would help me with a tuition loan? Study link etc all require me to be a resident for 3 years before I can apply! It doesn’t seem fair that I would be expected to pay the full almost $30’000 up front! I just wish I’d applied for residency earlier since I’ve surpassed that time before I gained residency.
Thank you for your help!
Hi Louise,
I would advise you to go and talk to the school. You migh be able to arrange a payment scheme. I would be surprised if you have to pay the fee for 3 years upfront but I’ve never completed a multi year study in New Zealand so I might be wrong.
CPIT offers information on scholarships on their website: http://www.cpit.ac.nz/study-options/scholarships-and-fee-reductions
Call the school to see if there are any scholarships available.
If you really have to pay tuition fees for three years and no scholarships are available you might have to wait a couple of years before you commence your study.
Good luck.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija
I have been working for 4 months now under an open job search visa and my residence application has been assigned to an INZ officer(not sure if she a case officer) about 2 months ago.
I am wondering what might happen to my residence visa processing if i get fired. My boss has been giving me hard time because he knew that i am seeking residence under SMC.
Could you please give some advice?
Kind Regards,
Hi James,
That is an unpleasant situation that you are in.
If you are fired your resident visa application will, most likely, be declined as you will have to notify Immigration on an significant changes in your situation.
A job offer or current employment must be valid the day you lodge your application and the day the application is decided upon.
Depending on your situation conditions might be put on the visa that will say you have to continue work for another couple of months for the same employer.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have an inquiry on maintaining the NZ Resident Visa for my dependants i.e. wife and two kids. Should they not meet the 184 day two year requirement but I as the principal meet this requirement and later apply for the Permanent Resident Visa, hence do my dependants as well qualify to receive the Permanent Resident Visa together with me ?
Thanks.
Hi Ron,
If you meet the 184 day rule for 2 years in a row you cna apply for a permanent resident visa (PRV). If you are granted a PRV your dependants will be granted PRV’s as well. Only the principal applicant has to meet the 184 day rule under ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’
You can apply all at the same time. They will process your application first and if a PRV is granted they’ll move on to your wife and kids.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am a principal candidate and registered nurse.If I have followed 184 days rule and my husband and daughter couldn’t follow that as my daughter doing university in Australia and husband working in kuwait.Are they eligible to get Permanent residence with me?How many days they should be in newzeland for Permanent residence? And when it should be? Thanks
Hi Soji,
Dependents are eligible for a permanent resident visa as long as the principal applicant is eligible. However, they must have been to New Zealand as a resident. It doesn’t matter if they were only in New Zealand for a couple of days, but they must have been in the country on their resident visa.
Eligibility for citizenship is determined individually. Every applicant must meet stringent days in New Zealand rules. These are stricter than the PR rules. An applicant must have been in New Zealand as a resident and/or permanent resident for at least 5 years and have spent at least 240 days of every 12-month period in New Zealand AND they must have spent at least 1350 days (9 months per year on average) in total in New Zealand over the 5 years prior to applying for citizenship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
We got New Zealand resident visa last year and should make the first entry before October 7th 2015.
We are planning to make our first entry in another two weeks. However, we are planning to stay in New Zealand only for three days since I am working overseas and still trying to find a job in New Zealand. We are hoping we will be able to move to New Zealand in another three to six months. Is it ok to spend only three days after the first entry?
Three of my family members have the resident visa, but my second son who is only six months does not yet have the visa. He is a US citizen. If I cannot get all the paper work completed to get the resident visa for him, can he still accompany me in my travel for the first visit to New Zealand at least in a tourist visa?
Thanks
Hi Wazi,
Yes, it is okay to just spend three days in New Zealand and come back later.
Your travel conditions will be valid for 2 years, so as long as you come back o New Zealand within those 2 years you wil be fine.
Yes, you son can come with you on a visitor visa. As he is a US citizen you do not need to apply for a visitor visa for him as long as you do not stay longer then 3 months
Kind regards,
Feija
HI Vijay,
Congratulations, great news that your parents resident visa is approved.
With resident visa applications under the parent category their resident visa is subject to you (the sponsor) meeting their obligations for 5 years. The travel conditions on your parents visa should be valid for 5 years as well.
With a permanent resident visa application Immigration New Zeland will look at the 24 month period preceding the date of the PRV application. This rule is the same for all resident visa holders. Your parents will have to meet 1 of 5 requirements.
Usually the ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’ requirement is the easiest to fullfil. This means they have to stay 184 days in the two 12 month periods preceding their PRV aplication.
Knd regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have Australian PR and i have spent 6 months in Australia. Now I am moving permanently to NZ as i got a good job there.
As you replied in one of the question that I should be granting an on arrival NZ residence Visa, Is there any minimum time limit i suppose to spend in Australia before moving outside?
Hi Danish Jafri,
I have sent you an email as well as I saw your email request before this comment.
There is no requirement to the amount of time you need to spend n Australia on a PR visa. You do need to have a current Australian visa when in New Zealand.
Hi Feija,
my Resident visa just got approved May this year and my travel date will expire on May 2017 and in two years time i will apply for PR. my question is when i can apply for citizenship? can i apply for citizenship after 5 years from the date my resident visa got approved or when my PR get approved then i can apply for citizenship after 5 years?
Your answer will be a great help… Thank you and more Power
Hi evelyn,
You can apply for citizenship after you have held a residence class visa for at least 5 years. Both a resident and a permanent resident visa are residence class visa.
You can apply for citizenship 5 years after your resident visa was granted (or the first day you entered New Zealand on your resident visa if you were not in New Zealand when your resident visa was granted).
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
I have few concerns regarding study to work to residence pathway. I have recently graduated Level 7 Programme and successfully got a one year job search visa (open). I have a just started a full time job related to my studies and still have 10 months of the open work visa. My doubts are 1) if I have to wait to pass this one-year visa and then apply for 2-years employee assisted visa, and then apply for residency visa?; 2) is it a good idea to apply now straight away for a residency visa, as with the job offer I have 145 points?; 3) if I decide to wait for the 2-years employee assisted visa, should I wait for those 2-years to pass or I can directly apply for a residency?; 4) are there any requirements for the job position i.e. annual salary?
Thank you for the great website and forum that you have! I find it extremely helpful!
Kind regards,
Kristina
Hi Kristina,
Congratulations on finding a job!
You can apply for a resident visa straight away. You do not need to wait until you have completed the pathway.
You just have to remember that you need to have a valid visa at all times. Resident visa applications can take a while to process so you might have to apply for the employer assisted 2 year work visa any way to bridge the period until your resident visa is approved.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My resident Visa is approved. I will be moving in few months. Requirements for granting PR point # 2 “You have tax residence status” . Referring to IR site : ” You are a tax resident in New Zealand if you:
are in New Zealand for more than 183 days in any 12-month period and haven’t become a non-resident, or….”
What I understand that if I stay for at least 183 days in the first year and at least 41 days in the second year , I will be considered a tax resident of New Zealand and I will get my PR . Is that true ?
Best regards
Hi Khaled,
Only the IRD can confirm if you are a tax resident. So please ask them this question as well. They will have to confirm your tax residency status anyway before you can apply for a PRV under this criteria.
My understanding of this rule is the same as yours. Issume you need to have an IRD number as well.
Just bear in mind that you need to spend at least 24 months in New Zealand on a resident class visa before you can apply for your PRV, even if you meet one of the criteria much earlier (as is possible with the tax residency rule).
If you continue to spend time in New Zealand after you meet the criteria for tax residency it might be easier to apply under the criteria of ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’ as it is not always easy to get the required confirmation from the IRD.
Also be aware that you cannot be a New Zealand tax resident if the application of a double tax agreement means you are a tax resident of another country.
Kind regards,
Feija
I
I have “resident visa” that is sponsored by my kiwi wife, sometimes i wonder if she will divorce me before completing of 2 years period travel conditions, will i still be able to apply for “permanent residence visa”? Or i will have to leave to my home country? Plz reply
Hi Ali,
Your resident visa was approved because you met the requirements of that visa type at the moment you applied. That is all that matters.
When you have been in New Zealand for 2 years AND you meet the requirements for a PRV you can apply for it and it should be granted even if you would be divorced.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My wife have apply for resident visa after two years with work she fully qualified with all aligibilities . She was work at UK and granted the talented visa . I am as dependent , applied the work visa base on her sponsorship.
The problem now is , after receiving my recent police certificate, there is a pending prosecutions at UK court , from my previous employer. The case they missing some item from work place and I was suspected .
I am so worried now ,my wife has been submitted the police certificate to the case officer , she ask for access apply from ACRO. I have apply and wait for the reply.
Kindly explain its going to be please. We apply our own without any advisor.
Will you help us please
Rajah
Hi Rajah,
As you currently are investigated/charged the Case Officer may decide to defer any decision on the resident visa application (for up to 6 months) until a decision is made by the court. If you are convicted this could have consequences for your resident visa application. If you are cleared, and you have no other convictions, there should not be an adverse effect. The applicable policy is below.
Applications for a residence class visa will usually be deferred for up to six months if, at the time the application is assessed:
the applicant (see R2.1.5) has an arrest warrant (or the equivalent) outstanding in any country; or
the applicant:
– has been charged with any offence which, on conviction, would make either A5.20 or A5.25(a) to (f) apply to that applicant; or
– is under investigation for such an offence; or
– is wanted for questioning about such an offence; or
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have a question. I hold a indefinite returning residents visa (havent lived in NZ since 2009). I moved to Australia and got citizenship there after living there for 5 years. ive moved back to my home country since and now would like to move back yo NZ but I want to get my partner a partnership-based work visa. My question is, will I be considered a new zealand resident (which is one of the requirements for sponsors) based on me holding an indefinite RRV (which by the way has not been transferred to my latest passport yet)?
Hi Vince,
You will be considered as a resident in New Zealand because you are an Australian citizen. You will have to move back to New Zealand first though.
If you transfer your RRV to your new passport, what I recommend, your new label will be that of a Permanent Resident Visa. The PRV replaced the RRV a few years ago.
When you do this you will be considered a resident based on this. At least I assume a New Zealand PRV will have preference over residency based on Australian citizenship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for your response. I understand NZ does not require a visa label on passports nowadays as it has everything on computers and it is linked to airlines and immigration. Can I have my RRVtransferred to my new passport without having a label stamped in my passport (ì.e. an electronic record)?
Hi Vince,
At the moment (23 June 2015), Immigration New Zealand has started to introduce label-less visa. A PRV is still a label (sticker, not a stamp) at the moment.
Even if the PRV would be label-less you still are required to submit your old and new passport to Immigration to transfer the visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, one question if i granted the resident visa (even when is no permanent) my son is included with the same benefits? or does he have to apply under another visa and of what depends he get it (my son is under 16 years old) and in the case od permanent resident visa is the same?
thank you very much!!
Hi Agni,
As long as you include your son in your application as a dependent child he will get a resident visa with the same conditions as your visa when you are granted a resident visa.
You do not mention your son’s mother. If she is not coming with you to New Zealand you need her permission to take your son with you.
hi, i have recently applied for residency and had my EOI approved but due to working long hours, waiting for evidence of employment, character etc from overseas (And a bit of laziness!) i missed the 4 month deadline to submit my application. Is there a time limit on when i can submit another expression of interest?
Hi Adam,
You can submit another expression of Interest again if you wish. There is no time limit on when you may apply again.
Tip: you already know what evidence you need to collect so make sure you have everything (or most of it) ready before you submit a new EOI. This way it is more likely you will not miss the deadline again.
Kind regards,
Feija
When renewing work permit can you change the principal applicant from one spouse to the other if they have similar qualifications and work experience?
Hi Shireesh,
Yes, you can change the main applicant as long as you have a job offer too and you submit a completely new work visa application and partnership work visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I applied to NZ residence in February, 2015 and haven’t heard back anthing on it yet. I am on a work visa right now but my company asked me to fin d another job as their projects got cancelled for which they hired me.
I got another job in Australia so is there a way to get refund of my the fee I submitted for my and my wife’s PR applications?
Look forward to hearing from you soon.
Hi Faisal,
No, you cannot get a refund of the fee you paid because you wish to withdraw your application.
There are just a few situations where you qualify for a refund and your situation is not one of them.
You should notify INZ about the changes in your circumstances.
I wish you all the best with your new job in Australia.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi
my residence visa expires on the 29 june 2015 as per the requirment
i have spent 184 days in each of the 12 months portion. please confirm me am i able to get the indefinate residence stemp on the same day? i will be leaving for overseas after 4 days
Hi Aman,
It’s not your resident visa that expires but your travel conditions. If you meet the 184 day requirement in each of the 12 month periods in the 24 months preceding your application for a permanent resident visa, you can apply for a permanent resident visa.
I would wait until 30 June to apply. Depending on where you live you might be able to go to an INZ office where they process your application at the counter. Make sure you have completed the correct form and have your passport and other required documents with you.
If you can’t go to an INZ office or the office near you does not process applications at the counter you will have to submit your application by courier. It does not take long to process this type of application but 4 days might be a stretch.
Kind regards,
Feija
I’m looking to do my second year work visa and was wondering the easiest way of doing this and what it involves. Also cost. I’m currently on a working holiday visa and I’m also from the UK.
Thanks
Hi Charlene,
Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz.
Please include a copy of your WHV.
Many thanks,
Feija
hi
i have a question . i got my resident visa last week and i am working for this company for 2 years now . if i want to change my job and want to move to another or want to work part time and part time study . can i do that ..
thanks
Hi Pancham,
Yes, if there are no conditions on your visa label that say that you have to stay with your current employer for a X-number of months, you are free to do whatever you want. You can study, work or start your own business. You can do this either full-time or part-time. You decide.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi dear ,
i apply for a visitor visa for usa but it was denied beacuse not many ties back in nz . my question is that i am on resident visa at the moment and this refusal can have any bad impact when i will b applying for permanent resident visa after another one and half year .
thanks
Hi Sidhu,
When applying for a permanent resident visa you need to tick a box in the character section of the form advising Immigration that you have been refused a visa.
This, however, should not a reason to decline a permanent resident visa. Only if you have, at any time, been removed, excluded, or deported from another country, you are not eligible for a resident visa. These describe all methods where a person was forcibly removed from a country.
There are other grounds to decline a permanent resident visa application but these do not apply to your situation.
If Immigration believes you are a threat or risk to the security, public interest or public order of New Zealand they can decline a PRV application too.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hey there – I am waiting approval of my Residency Visa and heard from a friend that under the Skilled Migrant Category there are conditions that you must remain in your position of employment used to obtain the Residency Visa for a minimum of 3 months after the visa is approved. I can’t seem to confirm that anywhere on Immigration New Zealand and was wondering if this is true. If so, are there any exceptions to that rule?
HI Shalene,
Your friend is correct in certain circumstances.
You have to keep your job for at least three months if
– you had not started work when you submitted your resident visa application or
– you did start your job but have worked for less than 3 months
If you have worked in your job for a while there is no requirement to stay with that employer when your resident visa is granted.
By the way, you may switch to another position of employment that meets the requirements for current skilled employment including requirements for bonus points (if you claimed any) but as this is a bit of a hassle, my advice is to stay put for three months.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you for this – it’s a relief to find a clear answer to this (if only this information was as easy to decipher on the Immigration website). ๐
Hi Feija just want to clarify your point.
So is it mean when we work more than 3 months at the time residence visa is granted we can quit my job immediately?
Because I ve been working for 3 months now and my residence visa is not approved yet.
Kind regard
Nai
Hi Nai,
A very good question. And a bit of a grey area.
I would advise to always keep your job until your resident visa is granted. You would not want to risk missing out on your resident visa because you quit your job too early.
If your resident visa application is declined your work visa is still valid but only if you have a job for which the work visa was granted. So that is a second reason to keep your job until you know the outcome of your resident visa application.
If your resident visa is granted, your visa label will tell you if any conditions are imposed on your visa. There will be travel conditions but there also might be work conditions. This is very unlikely if you have held your job for a while but just in case there are conditions it’s good to keep your job.
Hypothetically, if someone had a Permanent Resident Visa but it was held in a passport that had now expired, is the residence visa still valid?
Or to put it another way;
Is the visa just conveniently stuck into the passport, or does the passport also have to be valid as part of the conditions of the Permanent Resident Visa?
Hi Tom,
Your permanent resident visa does not expire because your passport is expired.
You should however get a new passport as soon as possible and then have your visa transferred to your new valid passport (you need to show your old passport too so don’t throw it out).
If you leave New Zealand or where outside New Zealand when your passport expired, you will not be allowed to enter New Zealand on a passport that is not valid. You can apply for a transfer of visa if you are outside New Zealand as well.
Kind regards,
Feija
on december my resident visa will expire ,Should I apply for PRV before my residence visa expired or after it expires thanks in advance
Hi Shen,
Your resident visa cannot expire. It are the travel conditions on your resident visa that expire. When you are outside New Zealand when your travel conditions expire, your resident visa will no longer be valid and you will not be granted into New Zealand based on that visa.
You can apply for your permanent resident visa the moment you have your resident visa for 24 months AND you meet one of the 5 criteria. Applying in advance will not work as Immigration will decline your application as you do not meet the requirements yet. They might defer a decision (= wait with making a decision) if you would meet the requirements in a few days but it is better to wait with your application until you meet the requirements for the visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello.
I’m on a working holiday visa at the moment and was wondering once I leave after the year can I apply for another working holiday visa in the near future? Also once your at the age of 31 is there any visas apply to work on?
Many Thanks
Hi Charlene,
A Working Holiday Visa is only granted once.
So when you have your Working Holiday Visa and you want to come back to New Zealand you need to apply for a visitor, work or student visa.
To apply for a work visa you need an offer of skilled employment. For a student visa you need to be enrolled in a course of study.
If you are from a visa waiver country you do not need to apply for a visitor visa, you can just travel to New Zealand and a 3 month visitor visa will be granted when you enter New Zealand. This only applies to visa waiver countries, not to all countries!
You are not allowed to work on a visitor visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello. We are looking to do our second year working visa holiday. We only want to do an extra 3-6months. Could we do this or do we have to lay for a full year? What do we need to provided to get our second year gurannatte?
Many Thanks
We are looking to extended our working visa holiday. We were only looking to doan extra 3-6 months. Is there aanyway if doing this or does it have to be a full year? Do you know what we would need to do to get the second year expected? Also if we decided to do just an extra 3months could we do a vm3 month visitor?
Hi Charlene,
You can only extend your Working Holiday Visa is you are a UK citizen. If you apply for it and it is granted it is for a full year.
You can leave New Zealand whenever you like, though. You don’t have to stay until your visa expires.
If you only want to stay for another three months you can also apply for a visitor visa. Both options will work.
If you are in New Zealand you need to apply for a visitor visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
We have done 24 months of work visa and are about to apply for PR. Can you tell me … if you are denied PR, how long is the period they give you in which to return to your country
Hi Leanne,
You need to have a valid visa at all times. So if your resident visa is declined but your work visa is still valid you can stay in New Zealand until your work visa expires (and even put in a new application, if you wish, and if you have new evidence).
If you work visa has already expired when your resident visa application is declined you need to leave the country as soon as possible.
There isn’t really a time frame for it as legally you are not allowed to stay in New Zealand and you have an obligation to leave New Zealand if you do not have a valid visa. You are unlawfully in the country without a valid visa and liable for deportation. Just leave as soon as you can get yourself organised.
As an addition, you need to have a valid visa at all times when in New Zealand so if your work visa expires while no decision is made on your resident visa you need to apply for another visa unless an interim visa is granted (or leave the country to await the decision on your resident visa).
Let me know if you need some help with your resident visa application. I offer services for every budget and encourage people to do a lot of the work for the application themselves.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dear Feija,
I’m trying to verify whether my partner eligible for 20 points or not under SMC.
“c. Despite (a), if a partner of a principal applicant holds a RECOGNISED New Zealand QUALIFICATION at levels three, four, five, and six on the NZQF, they will be eligible for 20 points if…”
Does it mean that only qualifications gained in New Zealand will qualify for 20 points or overseas qualifications with assessment from NZQA as well?
Thank you very much!
P.S. http://www.immigration.govt.nz/opsmanual/42640.htm
Hi Alex,
Qualifications that are assessed by the NZQA are accepted too but only if a International Qualifications Assessment was done. (a PAR is not enough for the actual resident visa application.
Good luck with your application.
If you require any assistance just drop me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I hope you can answer my question.
I got residency last week and I want to go study at Unitec Institute of Technology in July this year.
In their application form it says: “To qualify as a domestic student, and to be entitled to the Government tuition subsidy, you must be a citizen of New Zealand or a permanent resident of New Zealand.”
Therefore, I am concerned that as a Resident visa holder I cannot use the education systems in the same way a citizen can.
Hi Mikhail,
Congratulations on receiving your resident visa.
According to Immigration New Zealand people who are eligible for domestic tuition fees are (among others)
The following people are considered to be domestic students for the purpose of attending an education provider in the tertiary sector (see U5.20) and do not require a student visa, interim visa with study conditions or limited visa in order to undertake a programme of study in New Zealand:
-New Zealand citizens, including students from Tokelau, the Cook Islands and Niue.
-New Zealand residents.
-New Zealand permanent residents.
The Ministry of Education confirms this: http://www.minedu.govt.nz/NZEducation/EducationPolicies/InternationalEducation/ForProvidersOfInternationalEducation/DefinitionOfDomesticStudent.aspx
You should be able to enrol and pay domestic tuition fees.
Enjoy your study!
Kind regards,
Hello!
What happens if someone who got a resident visa coudn’t get a job in 3 months or lost it in first 3 moths?
Thank you!
Hi Michael,
It depends on your situation. if you are granted a resident visa without needing a job offer (you had a 140 points or more without a job offer), there is no requirement to find a job within 3 months (unless it is a condition on your resident visa).
If a person did have a 140 points without a job offer but an Immigration Officer is not satisfied they can settle successfully in New Zealand they can grant a 9 months Skilled Migrant Job Search Visa. In this case you would need to find a job within 9 months. If you do your resident visa is granted but it will, most likely, be subject to the condition that you keep the job for at least 3 months (and start the job within 3 months of receiving your resident visa). If you are not able to find a job or lose it within 3 months your resident visa will not be granted.
If you were granted a resident visa because you have an offer of Skilled Employment or you have current skilled work experience in New Zealand there is no requirement to keep your job for a certain amount of time after your resident visa is granted if your offer of employment is for more than 3 months or if you have worked in that job for more than 3 months.
If the job offer is for less than 3 months or you have worked in it for less than 3 months at the time the resident visa was granted, you will need to stay in this job for another 3 months be able to keep your resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
I’m considering the chances to get Residence Visa. In order to prove my relevant experience of work outside NZ (8 years) and have 140 points, how many wage leaflets shall I provide? I worked for three different employers.
Thank you
Eleonora
Hi Eleonora,
There are several ways to prove your work experience from outside New Zealand. Wage slips is one option but might not be the best solution.
I’m happy to help you with this to make sure you provide all the information Immigration New Zealand wants to see about your relevant work experience.
I have sent you an email too.
Kind regards,
Feija
i got my residency visa in jan 2015 through spouse. Now we want to separate. Will that cause any effect on my residency visa? I dont have any job right now.
Thanks
Hi,
No, this should not be an issue as long as you do not have any conditions on your visa (conditions are stated on your visa label).
When your visa was granted you met the requirements for the specific visa category you applied for.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, i am in the same status.
I got my Resident Visa through partnership. I have a travel conditions in my PRV and this will expire in 2yrs time but we are separated now. Do I need to call immigration to let them know that my partner and I were separated already?,or should I just wait for 2 yrs and Apply for the PRV the one that there is no expiration of travel.? And do I still need him to sign anything when that time comes?
Hi Angel,
You do not need to inform Immigration of your separation unless there are conditions on your visa (see your visa label) that say otherwise.
You can wait 2 years and apply for the PRV. Your ex-partner does not need to sign anything. Immigration, most likely, will ask you if you are still together with your partner.
If your split up was really soon after your resident visa was granted you may be asked to submit a Statutory Declaration.
Immigration may always decline any application, including PRV applications, if they believe there are good reasons to do so. Normally a split up should not affect your PR application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
Conditions of my PRV says: “Please apply for transfer for this visa when passport is expires.”
My passport is expires 12/06/2017 and me and partner are thinking of separating now. Will that affect anything with my PRV and also when I transfer visa to new passport next year?
Also once we’re separated, am I still qualified for Citizenship when it’s due which is in May 2018? Thank you for your help
Kind regards
Sita
Hi , i got residency through my bf about 2 years, but we have seperated few months ago . N now m planning to go back to india next year to get married. Just wondering if i can still will be able to sponsor my husband from there? Or can’t i just even sponsor him on any visa for 5 years?
Hi,
You may sponsor someone for a temporary visa after at least 4 years have passed since your resident visa was granted. YOu vmay sponsor someone for a resident visa after 5 years have passed since your resident visa was granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
We received our residency visa in Feb 2015 and made the first visit to NZ in March 2015. The conditions in the visa says Last Entry Before – 12 Feb 2016 and Valid for further 12 months from first arrival.
Does this mean it is ok for us to not go to NZ till Feb 2016?
Will this effect the minimum stay required to apply for PR?
Thanks.
Eshan
Hi Eshan,
To give you accurate advice I would like to see your visa label.
May I ask you send me a copy of your visa label and a copy of the stamps in your passport of when you entered (and left) New Zealand.
Please send it to info@experienzimmigration.co.nz
Thank you,
Feija
Hi i been in nz for 10 years. I had resident granted and two years later had permanent residence granted. Ive held permanent resident for 4 years now. Can i now apply for citizenship?
Thanks.
Adrian.
Hi Adrian,
Below are the requirements for a Grant of New Zealand Citizenship. They come from the website of the Department of Internal Affairs (www.dia.govt.nz). You can find more information there.
You may be eligible for a grant of New Zealand citizenship if:
• you intend, if granted citizenship, to coninue to reside in New Zealand
• you are able to understand and speak English
• you are of good character
• you understand the responsibilities and privileges of New Zealand citizenship
• you are entitled to reside indefinitely in New Zealand; AND you have been present in New Zealand for:
– at least 1,350 days with New Zealand residence during the five years immediately
before you make your applicaƟ on; and
– for at least 240 days with New Zealand residence in each of those five years; and
– fully met any conditions imposed by Immigration New Zealand in regard to your residence status.
‘New Zealand residence’ means you have a residence permit, a residence visa or a permanent residence visa issued by Immigration New Zealand or you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident.
Hi Mee Mee,
From what you write I assume that you are from a visa waiver country. This means you do not have to apply for a visitor visa. You get your 3 month visitor visa on arrival in New Zealand.
There is no time lapse on when you can return to New Zealand. The only thing you have to take into account is that you may no spend more than 6 months in any 12 month period in New Zealand.
If you do not want to travel to Australia first you can apply for a 3 month extension of your visitor visa.
If you do not belong to one of the visa waiver countries and you did have to apply for your first 3 month visitor visa, other rules might apply. Let me know if this is the case.
Kind regards,
Feija
Thank you very much for your advice. Another question, how long would it take to apply for the 3 month extension visitor visa?
It takes about 2-3 weeks to process a visitor visa application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, what is the lapse time to return to NZ after my 3 months holiday visa expired? Is it possible to make my way to Australia and come back to NZ after the3 months holiday visa expired? Thanks.
Hello
My wife and I are permanent residents without travel conditions.
We live in another country now due to work and for the moment have left NZ permanently. We may return in 2 years once the contract is up but that remains to be seen
Anyway wife is now pregnant. Plan is to give birth in Auckland. So she will return to give birth. Will baby be citizen of NZ or will we have to apply for residence permit for baby too??
Hi Jay,
Congratulations on having a baby!
From 1 January 2006, children born in New Zealand acquire New Zealand citizenship at birth only if at least one of their parents is entitled to be in New Zealand indefinitely in terms of the Immigration Act 2009 (i.e. has a residence permit or visa, or is an Australian citizen or permanent resident);
This means if you received your permanent resident visa under the Immigration Act 2009 (you can see this on your visa label) your baby will be entitled to New Zealand citizenship at birth.
How is citizenship status decided?
The birth registration form asks parents for their citizenship or immigration status and this information is checked by the Department of Internal Affairs. Citizenship status for the newborn is worked out from that information and is recorded on the child’s birth registration.
Kind regards,
Feija
Would having a new baby porn in NZ accelerate parents getting their NZ citizenship ? ( I mean the above case )
Hi Khaled.
No, having a baby born in New Zealand does not speed up the citizenship process. You still need to be in new Zealand on a residence class visa for at least 5 years before you can apply for citizenship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija, I’m here in Auckland, NZ around 14 months and now recently switched to new job here in Auckland only and got new work permit valid for next two years. I’m planning to apply for EOI and total points coming 165 without registering degree with NZQA. I mean my university not recognized by NZQA but I’m getting enough points without certifying degree via NZQA. Is this mandate to certify degree or can apply PR and don;t need to register degree with NZQA as points already > 140? Regards Puran
Hi Puran,
No ,it is not mandatory to have your qualifications assessed by NZQA. If they are not assessed and not on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment you may not claim points for them either.
There is no additional benefit in having more than 140 points. Your EOI won’t get selected quicker if you have 160 or 180 points. 140 points is the pass mark.
Just make sure you only claim points you are entitled to and then make the pass mark. Immigration New Zealand will strike off any points you claimed but are not entitled to. You do not want to end up with too few points and have your application declined because of it.
Kind regards,
Feija
P.S. If you need an extra set of brains to determine which points you may claim, I’m happy to do so for a small fee.
Hi,
My dad worked for NZ for quite some time and now, my mom and sister are there with him already. I will go there too two weeks from now as for my travel condition required me to go there before Aug 4, or else I’m not sure if it’s PR or citizenship that I’ll lose, what bothers me is, I want to finish my school here in the philippines, would it be possible to go back here and finish my degree for one year and return to New Zealand again? my endeavors are to continue my masters and doctorate in New Zealand after my Bachelor’s graduation here. Please reply. Thanks!
Hi Danica,
Reading your story I’m pretty sure you have a resident visa as a PR and citizenship do not have travel conditions on it. To make sure I would have to see a copy of your visa. You can send me a copy via email (info@experienzimmigration.co.nz) if you want me to look at it.
If you indeed have a resident visa you have to enter New Zealand before 4 Aug to make sure you do not lose your visa.
You do not have to stay here though. You can go back to the Philippines for a year and return to New Zealand then, if you wish.
Kind regards
Feija
Hi Diana,
A New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is only valid in New Zealand.
To enter Australia you need a visa that is valid in Australia.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am in New Zealand on a working holiday visa. Can I go back to Australia on this visa or do I have to apply for another visa for Australia?
Cheers
Diana
Hi my name is Glenda currently waiting for the approval of my resident visa application , my question, is it ok to go outside new zealand for a holiday? While my application is still pending?
Hi Glenda,
Yes, this should be fine as long as it’s a short holiday (weeks instead of months). If you already have a case officer assigned to your case, it’s best to contact them and inform them about your plans. If an Immigration Officer requires additional information the deadlines usually are tight so if you are away on holiday you might struggle to meet the deadline.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello, My name is alex. I am 22 years old.Last year i got resident visa with travel conditions. My father is a nz PRV holder. He sponsored me while he was in nz.
Now my father wants me to go back to my home contry but i dont want to go.
My question is can i live without my Father.
Hi Alex,
Yes, you can stay in New Zealand without your father. You will need to be in New Zealand for at least 24 months and meet one of the Permanent Resident visa conditions to be granted a PRV. Immigration. As long as your dad doesn’t lose his PRV status you should be fine. He does not need to be in the country.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good afternoon Feija,
I have been working in NZ with a Work Visa (Skilled Migrant) for 6 months now. I would like to know if it is possible to apply for a Permanent Residence Visa before I’ve worked for one year. My partner is a Kiwi but we live in different cities and at the moment we cannot live together as my Visa is tied to my job.
My daughter is 19 and she has a domestic student Visa but she finished Year 13 last year and International Fees for Uni are to expensive for us. Is there any way she could work part time and then be included in my Residence Visa application as a dependant child? may be with a Working Holiday Visa?
I’m very worried as I have no idea how difficult it is to get the RV or PRV..
Thank you very much for your help!
Cheers
Hi Eleonora,
You can apply for a Resident visa if you meet the requirements.
The most important one will be if your job is seen as skilled (for resident visa purposes, these criteria are different from the criteria for work visa). This is determined by your job description, your employment history and your qualifications.
Send me an email on infor@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want more information.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
I have a Permanent Resident visa in Australia and want to move to NZ. I have read that I will be granted a resident visa on arrival but am nervous of moving our lives without the guarantee. Is there a way of getting a Resident Visa before we arrange to move and apply for jobs? Thanks
Hi Helena,
An application for a resident visa is deemed to be made by completing the “New Zealand Passenger Arrival Card” and giving this to an immigration officer together with a passport or travel document. Resident visas granted at the airport are electronic, meaning you will not be given a stamp or label in your passport.
The answer to your question is no, you can’t apply for a resident visa while still in Australia.
This resident visa allows the holder to remain indefinitely in New Zealand, to study, and to work for any employer, but it will expire upon exit from New Zealand.
When you enter New Zealand again a new resident visa will be issued.
If you intend to stay in New Zealand long term, you may decide to apply for a permanent resident visa (PRV) after you have been in New Zealand for two years.
If you plan to apply for a PRV, your resident visa must be endorsed with travel conditions to ensure that it does not expire when you leave New Zealand. You can only do this while in New Zealand.
I can help with this, if you wish.
Hi, I’m thinking to get PR for my son.
Current situation is he is PR in Australia but it’s very difficult to keep his PR since Australian immigration required him to live there every 2/5yrs, and I mother is not PR.
As I heard Australian PR can be granted a resident visa at airport, at the time can he get 24months resident visa?
To get NZ PR, can he leave there during the period as long as he live there 184days in each year?
My son is still kid, is it possible to apply for PR or he has to be an adult?
Please let me know.
Thanks.
Hi Amy,
Your son gets a resident visa when he arrives in New Zealand. His Australian PR visa should be valid for this to happen. THis resident visa expires as soon as he leaves the country.
To prevent this from happening he (you) should apply for a New Zealand Resident visa with travel conditions. These are not automatically given. The travel conditions, which allow him to leave and enter New Zealand for a period of 2 years, make sure that all time spent in New Zealand counts towards the 184 days per 12 month period.
Yes, if he spends 184 days in 2 consecutive 12 month periods in New Zealand he can apply for New Zealand PR visa. His age does not matter.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi thank you for your advice.
Good to hear that age doesn’t matter to apply for permanent residency, but neither I or his father is non NZ resident, is that no problem?
I’ll need your help when we get there to apply for his resident visa with travel condition.
And he needs to go primary school there, I read immigration website for study
“You don’t need a visa if you are a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you hold a New Zealand residence class visa, or you are the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa.”
So when he enters NZ he must have valid australian resident return visa, is it possible return visa doesn’t cover whole 2years while he is in NZ?
Is it ok if it’s expired while living in NZ to apply 2 year travel condition?
No plan to come back Australia.
Hi Amy,
I have replied to your email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi can you help me i in NZ and i meet someone from Egypt but hi left in Dubai got a good job in there in the internet and hi want to come and meet me how can we do this and wish is the best way plz i hope you can help me Thanks
Hi Maria,
I have sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Sean,
I’ve sent you an email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there .ive been given a case officer after I’ve applied for PR throw my partner who’s a kiwi . My case office told me she’s wait on police vetting that she’s ask for my partner in nz . This thing is she told us she’s done that 5 in a half weeks ago and still no news . Do you know if there’s any way we can find out what’s going on . I’m just worried that it’s been lost . I’m in the uk and my partner is in nz . Also is there any kind of visa I can enter nz until my PR is being approved . Thanks
I have a permanent residence already. Don’t have citizenship yet. But got a great job away. If I leave NZ permanently for that job will I lose my PR? I may come back or I may not…had to tell at this stage.
Hi Jay,
If you already have a Permanent Resident visa (this means there are no travel conditions on your visa) you can come and go as you please. You may leave for multiple years and return without any problems.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good afternoon
I have a few questions, could you possible email me your contact details. I’m currently on a one year working holiday visa and it expires on the 16th of April I’m trying to get another working visa. The company I’m currently working for wants to sponsor me.
Hi Josh,
You can contact me on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz or call me on 022 381 5146
Kind regards,
Feija van Bokhoven
Hi Kim,
No, you have to wait until you have had the residence visa for two years AND have spend 184 days in both in the 2 previous years (or meet one of the 4 other requirements).
It seems to me that you could have applied for a resident visa a while ago but without knowing your exact circumstances I can’t be sure about that and it doesn’t make any difference for your current situation any way.
Kind regards,
Feija
Would I entitled to apply for PR before 2 years initial expired date? I hold the Residence visa for 8 months but I stayed in NZ for 4 years with 3 year work visa. Married with Kiwi for 8 years in 2007. I don’t know much about visa. I thought I married with my husband and got a son. its should be easy for me to get visa in NZ. Thank you so much for your reply.
Hi,
I arrived in October 2012 on a working holiday VISA, and gained a skilled migrant VISA around June 2013. Does my first 8 months on the work holiday VISA count towards obtaining a permanent residence VISA, or do I need to wait until later this year to apply?
Thanks!
Hi Gareth,
Your first 8 months on Working Holiday visa do NOT count towards a permanent resident visa. You can start counting from the day your resident visa was issued.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there.
I got question. I just got my residancy and I m thinking to leave my job after 1 month so is that possible to leave the job after 1 month. And just I have heard from my fnd That we cant leave the job for next 3 months after Got residancy so plz give me right suggestion.
regards
lals
Hi, you need to stay in your job for 3 months if you applied under the Skilled Migrant Category and your resident visa was granted on the job you have now.
but my lawyer told me that it is possible to leave the job after get resident visa under skilled migrant category anytime.
Just to be clear on this subject:
If you have worked in your job (which helped you gain a resident visa) for less than three months when your resident visa was approved you need to keep working there for 3 months after your resident visa is approved.
The same applies if you hadn’t started the work at all.
If you had this same job for a while (e.g. because you had a work visa first) you can quit any time.
Just check your visa label to make sure there are no conditions mentioned on there.
The conditions of your resident visa should be on your visa label.
If there are conditions on your visa label you have to inform Immigration New Zealand when you have met these conditions. For instance, 3 months worth of pay slips to proof you have worked for the employer for three months after your resident visa was granted.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, i just got my residency approved but I am working for that skilled employment for more than 3 months now. So its means I can leave that job anytime? Without submitting any requirements? And also if i find a new job? Do i still need to update the immigration about it?
Hi! I had recently informed that i held an IRRV under my dad’s approved resident application,way back 1990. I held a visa label and expired travel condition but my visa is indefinite
If i will apply for second or subsequent resident visa or entry permission, can i use the the informations i requested from INZ as proof that i held a visa label for IRRV? Please advise me. Thank you
Hi,
I need to know exactly when your resident visa was approved and when the travel conditions expired. There may be some transitional rules that apply to you. If you can email me this information (info@experienzimmigration.co.nz) I will answer your question.
Kind regards,
Feija
Good. Day Madam Feija!
My father’s residence application was approved way back 1989.
The rrv label visa under my name travel condition is from 1993 till 1997 of July. I do not know about it and its under my father’s file when we requested an OIA of him and mine.
The immigration is asking evidence that i was included on my dad’s appication but when my dad rang up the INZ the records are no longer available
What can.i do to for me to go to NZ as a resident because my whole family knows.that i am included.in that application
Please help me
Hi
My name is Harry . I got my residence visa – partnership. My gf helped me with my visa and Now it has been 2 months she broke up with me . I am confused do i have to let NZ immigration know? Would they decline my residence visa and send me back to my country ?
Thank u
Regards
Harry
Hi Harry,
I’m sorry your relationship ended.
If your resident visa is approved and the label is in your passport there is no obligation to let immigration know your relationship ended. Your application was approved based on the information provided at the time of the application (and during the time it was processed).
However, when the time comes to apply for a PR, you might have to provide details about your relationship and why it ended.
When applying for a resident visa under partnership you declare that you are in a genuine and stable relationship. If the relationship ends shortly after the resident visa is approved Immigration might question how genuine and stable the relationship actually was.
They might believe you provided false and misleading information and this might lead to deportation.
Kind regards,
Feija
I am really confused about this .
On INZ website itโs written after residency is granted , anyone can apply for PR after two years in your own right , even if relation ends .
Anyone had this kind of experience in real ?
Please share you thoughts
Hi Maninder,
If your relationship ends, you may apply for a permanent resident visa in your own right if you were the secondary applicant in a resident visa application. If you were the principal applicant (when your partner was an NZ resident or citizen), you may always apply for a PR after 2 years.
In both cases, Immigration New Zealand may request additional information relating to when and why your relationship ended. This may affect the outcome of the application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Jan,
You only have to meet 1 of the 5 requirements. So no, if you meet the ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’ requirement you do not need to get your tax residence status confirmed.
Kind regards,
Feija
My partner is a NZ citizen. Do I need to give her IRD reports for my residency application?
Dear Harman,
Without knowing your full circumstances and what type of visa you are applying for your question is tricky to answer. In general, you do not need to show the IRD records of a NZ citizen partner to Immigration.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
we comply with 3 of 5 conditions, my question is is it worthy to get the confirmation of tax residence and base in NZ for the permanent residency application or is it ok only submit it with condition 1 (184 days per year)? I guess my question is will it do any difference to the decision in the end? thank you
Jan
Hi! Just wanted to know something. Once u land in NZ and get your residence visa, you have to spend a certain number of days each year for 2 years. But can u extend you residence visa, and thus, extend your obligation to live in NZ for the time period specified?
Hi Farwa,
You need to enter New Zealand within 12 months after the resident visa was granted (if you were outside New Zealand at the time when it was granted) to ‘activate’ the visa. If you don’t the visa will be void 12 months after it was granted and you will have to apply for new resident visa all over again.
Your resident visa is valid indefinetely as long as you stay in New Zealand. You do not even need to apply for a permanent resident visa. Most people do as they want to be able to leave New Zealand and always be able to come back.
If you leave New Zealand for a certain period but you return before your travel conditions expire there is no issue. You probably won’t meet the requirements under ‘significant time spend in New Zealand’ to apply for a PRV but your resident visa will remain valid as long as you are in New Zealand. You might meet one of the other 4 criteria. I
For a PRV visa Immigration looks at the 24 months preceding the PRV application, not the 24 months after your resident visa was granted or ‘activated’.
I’m not quite sure what you try to clear up with your question. If I haven’t answered your question, please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz.
Hi,
I am a registered Nurse and wish to register in Nursing Council of NZ. I would like to ask if i can be eligible for visit visa 3 months in order to comply with the Nursing Council if i have been removed from UK 8yrs ago for breaching the condition of my student visa ( specifically working extra hours). In the UK, after 2 years i am eligible to come back. I am just not sure if i can have a problem applying to another country like NZ? I would appreciate the response.
Regards,
Hi Kristina,
I believe we have been communicating via email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
We are one day short of the 184 day requirement for the first 12 month period but have been in NZ for the full 12 months in the second period. Will that effect our application or would we be better applying under the tax residency condition as we have both worked during that time and paid tax throughout. If we have to go down the tax residency route what do we need to prove this?
Any advice much appreciated. Nicky
Hi Nicky,
Being one day short in one of the 2 years means you do not meet the requirement for ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’.
You could go for one of the other options or wait until you meet the requirement of significant time spent in New Zealand.
To meet the ‘significant time spent in New Zealand’ requirement you need to have been in New Zealand as a resident for a total of 184 days or more in each of the two 12-month portions of the 24 months IMMEDIATLY PRECEDING your application for permanent resident visa.
This means that if you apply for your permanent resident visa on 1 April 2015, you need to have spent
– 184 days in the period of 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015 AND
– 184 days in the period from 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014
If you qualify for the tax resident status requirement depends on whether New Zealand is the only country you had tax residence status in this period. If not, situation becomes a bit more complicated. You can prove your tax residence status by completing the Confirmation of Tax Resident Status form and have it endorsed by Inland Revenue.
Send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you have any more questions.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi ,
my partner and I have the resident visa, he is the principal applicant.
we are now on our 2d year but I wont be able to complete the 184 days in nz as him.
Could I get the PR when he apply together?
the travel restrictions are for both?
thank you
Hi Gina,
Only the principal applicant must meet one of a possible 5 criteria (significant time spent in NZ is one of those criteria). This means that if your husband, who is the principal applicant meets the requirements for a permanent resident visa, you will be granted a permanent resident visa too (if you are included in the PR application AND if you have been in NZ as a resident).
Kind regards,
Feija
You mention five requirements to convert from resident visa to permanent resident visa, what are they as we are in a dilemma knowing which to go for?
Your site is a great help, thanks.
Stuart
Hi Stuart,
You must meet (at least) one of the following 5 requirements:
– Significant period of time spent in New Zealand (at least 184 days in 2 subsequent years)
– Tax residence status in New Zealand for at least 2 years
– Investment in New Zealand
– Establishment of a business in New Zealand
– Base established in New Zealand
For most people option one and two are the most suitable to go for. Send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want me to comment on your specific situation.
Kind regards,
Feija
hiii. m getting residents visa and m living in new Zealand 12 months continues… can I eligible for parmanent residents visa
Hi Charanjeet,
My name is Feija and I am the owner and Licensed Immigration Adviser of ExperieNZ Immigration Services.
When your resident visa is approved, you need to be in New Zealand for at least 24 months AND prove that you have a commitment to New Zealand before a Permanent Resident visa is granted. To prove the commitment to New Zealand you need to meet one of the 5 requirements.
Send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz if you want to know more.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi…greetings
im in a visitors visa..i applied for work visa tru partnership..im now holding an interim visa….its been 3 mos now i dont have any results yet…can i go home to my country of origin? for emergency reasons?what will happen to my application?thanks…
Hi Maria,
An interim visa will expire the moment you leave New Zealand.
You can go to your home country but you will have to await the decision on your application from there as well. You might have to notify Immigration that you are leaving the country and why.
If you are from a visa waiver country you might be able to come back to New Zealand. A 3 month visitor visa will then be granted upon arrival. If this is a possibility will depend on how much time you already spend in New Zealand on a visitor visa and which country you are from.
It takes on awfully long time for your visa application to be processed. It usually only takes about 1-4 weeks for a work visa based on a partnership.
Kind regards,
Feija
What happens if you lose your job under a resident visa? What’re the options? Thanks.
Hi Michio,
My name is Feija van Bokhoven and I am a Licensed Immigration Adviser and the owner of ExperieNZ Immigration Services.
Thank you for your question.
If you have a resident visa nothing happens if you lose your job (except that you lose your income). You can go and find another job.
When you are on a work visa or a (Skilled Migrant Category) job search visa it will have an impact on your visa status.
Please contact me via email if you need more information on your personal situation.
Kind regards,
Feija
How does does immigration takes to send ITA ..invitation to apply?
So once you have your residency visa could you live somewhere else straight away, and apply for a permenant visa in a few yrs once you have completed 2 yrs living in NZ. Or do you need to be living in NZ the first 2 yrs of having the residency visa?
Hi Christina,
No, you do need to live in New Zealand the first 2 years after your resident visa was granted. However, you should take into account that the travel conditions on your resident visa expire after 2 years. If you are outside of New Zealand when this happens, your resident visa becomes invalid.
But you could spend 1 or 2 years somewhere else and then come to New Zealand, live here for 2 years (or meet one of the other 4 requirements) and apply for a PR after that (would be in year 3 or 4 after your resident visa is granted).
Does it mean that after I get my PR could I live somewhere else for a few years and then come back to NZ (as I don’t have travel conditions anymore)?
Will this delay my citizen application (3 years after my PR)?
Thank you
Dear Cintia,
Yes, after you have your PR you can go and live somewhere else for a few years. It will delay your citizenship. One of the conditions of applying for citizenship is that you in the 5 years before you apply for citizenship must have been in New Zealand for:
– 1,350 days in total, and
– 240 days in each of those years.
Kind regards,
Feija
With regards to Feija van Bokhoven;s response, I would like to ask what will be the 4 requirements? And are we allowed to travel on a regular basis (required by my job) on the resident visa (we will make sure to be make in NZ before the resident visa expires)?
Hi Laura,
There are 5 possible criteria that you may satisfy to be eligible for a permanent resident visa:
– Significant time spent in NZ
– Tax residence status in NZ
– Base established in New Zealand
– Business established in NZ
– Investment in NZ
You only have to satisfy one criterion.
You may travel on a resident visa as long as you have valid travel conditions. However, if you wish to apply for a PR after holding a resident visa for 2 years, you must make sure, you still meet at least 1 of the 5 criteria mentioned above.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a question, as my kiwi husband and I have been living together outside NZ for more than 5 years, will I granted a permanent resident visa straight away without getting the residency visa first or how often they do that?
Hi Annabelle,
If you can prove you have lived together for 5 years or more outside New Zealand then you should be granted a permanent resident visa. If you meet the requirements this will be granted. There is no maximum number per year or something like that.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, I am already in Newzeland on visit visa along with my spouse who is doing PhD in AUT. Although I have a right to apply for work permit but I did not apply as I am a serving military officer and am due to retire on 30 Oct 2018. I am going to my home country and ll again come back, need to know how can I settle here permanently? I have money to invest as well. Regards
Hi Tariq,
Please send me a message through the home page of the website and upload your and your wife’s cv. Also mention any other information that might be relevant. You may also complete the free assessment form if you wish (also on home page).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, after I get my Residency, is it mandatory for me to do the same job? Or I can do anything I want? Will it have an impact on applying the permanent residency if I’m allowed to work anywhere else? Thanks
Hi Rizvy,
My apologies for the late reply. Your message must have slipped through, somehow. I hope you found an answer to your question.
It depends on the conditions listed on your resident visa. All resident visas have travel conditions, but some have employment conditions where you have to stay in your job for a specific period of time. This must be clearly on your visa. These are s49 or s50 conditions.
Kind regards,
Feija (license #201300693)
Hi my name is Wame and hold a resident visa,am I eligible to sponsor my two sons to visit NZ or even extend their Visitors Visa if they are in NZ
Hello just confuse when should I apply my PR visa. I was approve november 2014 for my residence visa however The sticker was stamped to my passport december 2014. Can I apply my PR this coming november or december?
Thanks and looking forward to your response
My residence visa is in fact a partnership residence, things are very bad and I am told that if I leave them I will be deported.
Is this true?
I have held this visa for just under the 2 years
Hi Maera,
No, you will not be deported (unless you were convicted of an offense in the last 2 years or if you provided false or misleading information with your resident visa application. You can even apply for a permanent resident visa in your own right after you have held the visa for two years.
Immigration may ask questions about why your relationship has ended and when. They may also ask when it started to deteriorate. This is to establish if you were in a genuine relationship while you applied for residence (if you were not, and the relationship was already bad, you may have provided false or misleading information and this is a serious offense).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Vic,
You can apply December 2016.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there
My name is priti currently iam holding resident visa
Under my kiwi partner but we got separation so can i apply my Pr on my own
Hi Priti,
Yes, you can. It depends on how quickly after you received your resident visa you got separated if Immigration will ask a lot of questions. You may be asked to explain why you got separated and how that came about.
If you got separated quickly, they may question if you were in a genuine and stable relationship, to begin with (and thus whether you provided false or misleading information with your resident visa application, a serious offense).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
I’ve obtained my residency through my partner and we both are permanent residence now.
We both are going to divorce, Will it effect my citizenship as he was the principal applicant.
Thanks
Hi Gia,
If you hold a permanent resident visa a separation or divorce will not affect a citizenship application.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello I have a question. My whole family applied for residency but I’m out of country right now. Can my family be granted the residency ? And then after I come back can I have mine as well ? Or because we applied together we need to Ames our passports together as well? How does this work? Or if we get the residency will it be stored in the database ?
Dear Feija,
Just want to clarify things. My brother in law (principal applicant) was granted a resident visa together with his 3 kids. His two kids already joined them in New Zealand last November, 2016. The eldest will join them by June, 2017. First entry to travel is before Sept 29, 2017. So definitely she can’t complete the 184 days on the first year. The principal applicant which is his father will apply permanent resident visa on October 1, 2018. Am I right? But how about his daughter, can she apply for permanent resident visa? . Thanks for your prompt attention.
met
Dear Met,
Only the principal applicant needs to satisfy the 184 day rule to qualify for a PR (or one of the other 4 requirements). His children are eligible for a PR the moment that your brother in law is. The only requirements for them is that they came to New Zealand before the First Entry Before date expired.
They can all apply together and when your brother in law is granted a PRV then his children will be granted one too.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi, we are also facing this similar case. my brother has resident visa but not yet PR, he is now living oversea while we all transferred our resident visa to PR without him (we are under father as principle) but he came to nz before first arrival date is expired then he fly out again for more than 2 year with travel condition is expired. so would he grant to PR and come back or not?
Hi Mini,
There certainly seem to be options for your brother. I do need more information to assess the case properly (a fee may apply).
Please email me at info@experienzimmigration.co.nz
Thank you,
Feija
Hello, I found this page and I hope you can help me, I have been living in Auckland with my work visa for almost 4 years and I still have 2 more years to go, i got pregnant with my ex-partner who is New Zealander but we are not together,then What to do to be able to stay here in New Zealand or get my residence if my son is a serious New Zealand citizen?
thanks since now.
Hi Veronica,
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
If you wish to stay in New Zealand long-term, you’ll need a resident visa. Based on the information you have provided I can’t tell if you meet the requirements for this.
The most common resident visa application is the Skilled Migrant Category, which uses a points-based system. To apply for this visa, you need to equal or exceed a points threshold of 160. You may get points for age, recognized qualifications (your qualifications are not recognized automatically, an assessment is required), recognized and relevant skilled work experience and a skilled job offer in New Zealand. You also need to meet health, character and English language requirements.
In addition, to meet the 160 points threshold, you’ll need a skilled full-time offer of employment from a New Zealand employer with an hourly rate of at least NZD 25.00 (the rate is indexed every November).
If you are unsure if you can meet the above requirements or to find out if you may qualify for a different type of resident visa, I can complete a Detailed Assessment (a fee applies).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi my name is Moha and I am married to a kiwi and I have 6 children are kiwis my wife she was lieving with me overseas I came here in partnership visa work and now I am here more than 3 years my question is ,our lawyer he applies for resident visa and I got it but I’m just wondering that if my lawyer was rong and I should get my permanent resident now because am already seting here more than 3 years and I have 6 child citizen and we was living overseas so please can u advise me wht to do next step thanks
Hi Moha,
There is no option to apply for a permanent resident visa straight away unless you live overseas while you apply for a partnership resident visa and have lived overseas for at least 5 years together with your partner/spouse (and you must be able to prove this). And even then it is up to the discretion of the Case Officer to grant a permanent resident visa.
To get a permanent resident visa, you need to hold a resident visa for 2 years and meet one out of a possible 5 criteria.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi what are the consequences if my sponsor withdraws their sponsorship after residency has been granted but before PR has been granted…will that affect my PR application?
Hi Christopher,
If you got your resident visa on the basis of skilled employment in New Zealand and there are no conditions on your visa regarding employment, then it doesn’t matter what happens after your resident visa is issued. If there are conditions regarding employment on your visa, e.g. stay in employment for 12 months, then it becomes a bit more complicated.
If your resident visa was granted on the basis of a relationship with an NZ partner and that relationship ends, then that could affect a PR application. Also, if you have a visa type where the sponsor has to commit for period of 5 years, you’ll be in trouble if your sponsor quits (e.g. parent category).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there,
Me and my wife living for more than 12 months overseas and now she’s got approved for PWV we are planning to come to NZ in May can she apply directly once we arrived for resident visa as we already living together for more than 12 months and have all evidences
Hi Hassan,
My apologies for the late reply. I must have missed your message.
If you have evidence of living together for at least 12 months, you can apply for residency. You don’t even have to wait until you are in New Zealand (but I’m sure by now you are already here :-)).
Kind regards,
Feija (license #201300693)
We live in the UK and my partner has a permanent residency. Will I automatically get a permanent residency visa or will I get a residency visa?
thanks
Hi,
I got my skilled migrant resident visa with a s49 conditions where I got extra points for getting a job outside Auckland.
I have finished first four months of my first year in my job outside Auckland. Can I quit my full time job and go find another same skilled job at Auckland now? Or do I have to stick with same job for 12 months until my s49 conditions could be removed?
How about could I still keep my full time job outside Auckland and get a part time job (in the same skilled job) in Auckland?
Good day,
I would have a few questions about immigration if you are still an immigration adviser please.
Are you still working as one ?
Please let me know, I am in a weird situation, I need residence as I can not have a third partnership visa, but not to sure how to get it. I could explain more with a private email if you have some time to help us.
Thank you very much
Hi,
I’ve send you an email.
Thank you,
Feija
Hi I am a registered nurse in a care home and I have just been granted a residence visa under Skilled Migrant Category, but I want to work in another care home, can I do so or not, would I lose my residence, do I need to let immigration know if I took another job in the same field? I had read somewhere in immigration website that I need to be in the same place for atleast 12 months. I would very much appreciate your reply.
Dear Ashesh,
What you can do depends if there are any conditions on your resident visa. Some resident visa have a condition on them that you need to stay in your job for either 3 or 12 months. If there is no such condition written on the visa label in your passport, you can do whatever you want.
If you do have condition on your visa label than you must comply with that condition on your visa. If you don’t your resident visa might be cancelled. You may change employers but you have to make sure your new job is skilled as well and the position must be very similar.
Whatโs the process of changing residence visa to a permanent one… I wanted to know what forms required and do U need to show any supporting docs etc.
Hi Ashesh,
You need to complete the relevant form. you also must have held a resident visa for at least 2 years and be of good character. In addition, you must meet one out of a possible 5 criteria and provide information to show you meet this criterion.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have more than six years of experience in IT industry and my position on last company(US based company outside NZ) was sr. software Engineer. Currently, I am a student. Can I apply for New Zealand residence without Job?
If I apply Australia, I need IELTS 7 in each band without job.
Could you please clarify whether I am eligible for NZ or not?
Dear Anil,
In very rare cases it is possible to apply for a resident visa without a job offer from a New Zealand employer. This will depend on your age, your qualifications, your work history and whether or not you have a partner with qualifications.
Please send me your cv on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz for a free high level overview of your options. I also provide a detailed assessment of the points you may claim but a fee is applicable.
Kind regards,
Feija
hi,i really need your help .my resident visa was approved feb 2016 and we arrived NZ also end of Feb but i only stayed their for 21 days then left the NZ But my wife and daughter stayed there.i came back decemeber 2016 stayed for 2 weeks then left again NZ and came back again dec 2017 . So for 2 years of being resident in NZ I only stayed short..now I am working now in NZ I started working Feb 2018 until now.i am planning to apply for my permanent visa now can pls advice me if I am eligible in applying already ?planning to apply first week of August coz if I’m not wrong I already completed 184 days in New Zealand??please do let me know.thank you
Hi Richel,
Please ask me a question via the website (experienzimmigration.co.nz) – I’ll get an email that I can reply to give you an accurate time you can apply for your PR. Based on the information you provided I don’t think it is August.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi dear,
I am on residency Visa for about since 1 and half years continues living in new Zealand.
Can I apply for permanent residence Visa now rather than waiting for 2 years completing.
Thanks
Manjeet
Hi Manjeet,
To apply for a permanent resident visa you must
– hold a resident visa for at least 2 years
– meet the character requirements
– meet one out of a possible five criteria
So no, you cannot apply for a permanent resident visa yet, as you have not met the first requirement (I don’t know if you meet the other two). You have to wait until you’ve held your resident visa for at least 2 years.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi.. just want to know if there are anyone here who knows the policy when moving from diffirent region? i work in north island and wanted to move in south island. My question is do i need to renew my work visa or just variation?
Hi Jennifer,
If you have an Essential Skills work visa you will have to apply for a new work visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi,
My entry date to start a resident visa is October 2019. Could I arrive before that date, leave and come back to settle down in Jan 2020 for example.
Many thanks for your help.
Hi Nick,
I think you got some dates mixed up.
In general, when a resident visa is issued and you are not in New Zealand at the time, you get 12 months to come to New Zealand to “activate” your resident visa. Once you have been in New Zealand on your resident visa, your travel conditions are activated and valid for 24 months. This means that in the 24 month period you are free to come and go as you please. For instance, if your resident visa is granted in October 2019, you have to October 2020 to “activate” your resident visa. If you travel to NZ in March 2020 (and stay for at least 1 day), you have “activated” your visa and your travel conditions are valid until March 2022. You can come and settle in New Zealand at any time in this period.
Please be mindful that if you are outside NZ when your travel conditions expire, your resident visa will become invalid. If there is a condition on your resident via that you have to take up employment within 3 months of the visa being granted (or something similar) you have to comply with this condition otherwise your resident visa will be invalid.
Kind regards,
Feija
HI Feija,
I just want to know, I have a resident visa and planning to go to new zealand on January 2018 before my first entry expires on April 25, 2018. MY question is, Am I allowed to work any kind of job other than my skilled category?
Thanks!
Jeffry
Hi Jeffrey,
In principle, you may work in any occupation and for any employer when you have a resident visa. However, if you have a condition on your resident visa that says you have to work X number of months in occupation Y, you must do this and provide proof to INZ to get the conditions removed.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi dear Sr.mam.My name is Ibrahim I’m Working temporary work visa for tow year so how long after I can apply for Residents and what I need to apply for thanks?
Hi Ibrahim,
You may apply for a resident visa as soon as you meet the points selection threshold of 160 unless you have a Work to Residence. With thel imited information you have provided I can’t tell if you might be eligible to apply for a resident visa. Please send me an email on info@experienzimmigration.co.nz with more information about yourself, your qualifications, work experience and job in New Zealand (a cv is a good start).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi – i got my resudency in March 2018 – i am living straight up since then in NZ .. i am planning to move to canada for a while may be in october 2019 .. this will make me complete 184 days of this year and i have already then completed 184 days of 2018. Will it be possible for me to apply for PR while in canada in March 2020 ??
Hi Vishwesh,
Yes, you can apply for residency if you are overseas. You must do this within 3 months of your travel conditions expiring.
Please be mindful that you must meet all requirements for a PR. If you do not, and your travel conditions have expired, your resident visa will no longer be valid. The same applies if you apply for a PR too late.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I am under a Family Child Residence Visa, what if i apply for a PR… Will it be a Family Child Permanent Resident Visa or is it just Permanent Resident Visa?
Hi Liki,
You will receive a permanent resident visa if you meet the requirements and your application is approved.
Kind regards,
Feija
So what are the added conditions for a parent? I have been trying to find them as we wish to move over as a family
Hi Kat,
The parent category is still closed. Only the parent retirement category is open, at the moment, but this requires for your parents to invest at least 1 million in New Zealand shares and/or bonds (or other approved investments).
There are other requirements they must meet.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hlo,
I have a question. I am permant resident of Newzealand and I am studying also for how much time I can do job in a week.
Thank you
Hi Hrtik,
If you are a New Zealand resident or permanent resident then you can work as much as you like. Your visa imposes no limitations regarding this. If you receive a benefit or supplement from the government there might be limitations from them but you would have to contact the relevant government organisation.
Kind regards,
Feija
I and my partner has broke up.I have got residency under partnership based. So will I get permanent residency still?
Joe
Hi Joe,
If you broke up with your partner, then you can still apply for a PR. Immigration may request additional information on your break up. For instance, when you broke up and why.
With your resident visa application, you stated that you were in a genuine relationship that was likely to endure. Life does sometimes get in the way and things don’t work out as you planned. However, Immigration may want to ensure that your relationship was genuine and stable when you applied for your resident visa (and when it as granted as well).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I have a quite the same question.I got my PR from my husband and we are separated now but not yet divorced.And I am planning to sponsor my boyfriend for a visitor visa since I am working and cant travel very often.Am i qualified to sponsor him?Thank you
Hi,
I’ve already answered your question in an email and phone call, I believe.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
Just wondering if I meet the first criteria. I was granted Resident Visa (start date) 21 Sept 2017 and will expire on 30th May 2019 and went for a holiday to the Philippines on 6th February 2018 to 1st March 2018 (entry in NZ) which is 23 days and went for a holiday again 27th April 2019 to 4th May 2019.
Thanks
Hi Mary,
I do not comment on individual cases on this forum as I have not seen any documents.
In general, to meet the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa, you:
– must hold a resident visa for at least 2 years, AND
– meet the character requirements, AND
– meet 1 out of a possible 5 criteria
The easiest criteria to satisfy for most people is “significant time spent in New Zealand”. You must have been in New Zealand for at least 184 days (about 6.5 months) in two consecutive 12 month periods in the 2 years PRECEDING the day Immigration New Zealand receives your PR application. For instance, if they receive your PR application on 20 June 2019, they will look at the period from 20 June 2017 to 19 June 2019.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hello Feija,
I got my residency visa nearly two years ago based on a partnership.
If we’re going to separate now, will this effect my Visa?
Kind regards
Kathie
Hi Katharina,
If you separate it does not have an effect on your resident visa (unless you were not in a genuine and stable relationship when you applied for residency)
It may affect your permanent resident visa application. You will have to mention on the application form that you are single and Immigration New Zealand may enquire about the circumstances of your break-up (when it happened, how long ago and why).
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija,
I have a question. I am currently on a partnership visa (my partner has over 2 years remaining on his current visa), got a job with an accredited employer. They are happy to sponsor my visa to change my visa to a Talent Visa (work to residency). I want to submit my new visa application, but found out that I am pregnant a while ago. I am currently eligible for Public Funded Maternity services. Will I still be eligibile for this when I apply for my new visa and what info do I need to submit to INZ on my application to prove that I am/will be eligibile?
Thank you
Danica
Hi Danica,
Congratulations on your pregnancy.
I believe we talked on the phone about this.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi
I am here in nz and applying for skilled migrant to residence visa, will they accept combined oet scores?
Thanks
Hi Ed,
No, you need to have a B score (or higher) for all 4 skills in one test.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi I need to know that can I apply for Newzealand resident visa being a partner of newzealand citizen living in Australia from last 6 years with my husband. Currently on 461 visa. Thanks
Hi Neha,
I believe we have exchanged a few emails.
Kind regards,
Feija
Dead Feija, I have a question regarding applying my partnerโs resident visa,I am NZ permanent resident and my partner is Philipines National but has her partnership work visa now is until 23 April 2020 and is here living with me in NZ;she had children from previous marriage in Philipines, she had got separation form ex husband in 2009, so children are not my biological children.
โShe has dependent Child
of 23 year old who we are interested to apply resident visa together with my partnerโs application also,she qualifies as Dependent Children Category because she is single , no children of her own and financially reliant on us โ and also I understood that all dependent children can be included in residency application of my partner.
I would like to ask when we apply my partnerโs Residency, can we same time โApplyโ resident visa for her 23 year old daughter because I am not her biological parent?
As to my understanding โIncluding dependent children โ and โApplying Resident childrenโ are two different things, are they or please correct me if I am wrong.
weโre thinking that may be we can include all the children in resident visa application of my partner but not able to apply childrenโs visa until my partner will get her own resident visa. Please correct me on this if itโs wrong.
Hi Rocky,
Your partner can include all her dependent children in her resident visa application. If the application is approved all applicants will receive a resident visa. If one or more of your partner’s children are minors your partner needs permission from the other parent (in writing) that that child (or children) can be taken out of the country.
Kind regards,
Feija
I would like to ask a follow up question on this response please?
we currently are waiting on a residency decision (15months) we had a written statement from the absent father that gave full permission for our daughter to live permantly in Nz this was always enough for the student visas,
however immigration stated they wanted a legal document for our residency visa so from Nz we had a lawyer draw up a parenting order and sent over seas for the absent parents signature, it generally stated her day to day care, and that she can reside in Nz indefinitely should the visa be granted etc etc.. and their signature was witnessed by a lawyer,
immigration stated that was ok 10months ago now our application is again at the 2pc stage, theyre saying sorry but its not now not acceptable and want a court order which is almost impossible to do with border restrictions/covid isolation times? not to mention time and money? my daughters 15 yrs old lived in NZ since 2017 could we get a insight of if this is correct?
Hi Mike,
My apologies for the late reply.
Without knowing the full details of this case, I cannot answer your question. If you still need help with this issue, I’m happy to provide this, please contact me through the contact form on the website http://experienzimmigration.co.nz/contact-us/. A fee may apply.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, what happens if you miss out the annual threshold by couple of hundreds due to unpaid sick leave? Can it jeopardize meeting the criteria for applying for residency? And also, what about Covid 19 when everyone got paid 80% for 5 weeks?
Hi Charlotte,
Yes, unfortunately, this can jeopardize your resident visa.
Immigration New Zealand has not shown a lot of leniency towards this. If you already have a resident visa application in the queue, the only thing you can do is hope your Case Officer a)won’t notice it or b) shows some leniency.
If you do not meet the hourly rate threshold for every hour you worked, strictly speaking, you do not meet the policy requirements and thus an application can be declined. Often there are grey areas, such as with the lockdown, where the pay reduction was only for a short period. If you pay was restored to its normal level after lockdown this may be seen as positive, but there is no guarantee.
Kind regards,
Feija
I want to ask you if some one is convicted 6 years ago and they apply for citizenship after prv is it ok, in form it only ask have you ever been convicted in last 3 year .
Hi,
I’ve replied to your email.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi, can you tell me whether the two year period that you must hold a residents visa for before applying for a permanent one begins when the visa is issued or at the point of entry into NZ. My visa was issued in London but I did not enter NZ until 11 months later. If I meet one of the five conditions within my first 13 months in NZ can I apply for a permanent visa 2 years from issue date or do I have to wait until 2 years from date of ephysical entry? I’d be glad of your advice.
Hi Feija,
I have the same query as Simon mentioned. I would need to know if the 2 year requirement of staying in NZ with a resident visa and in terms of applying for a permanent resident visa count from:
1. Start date on resident visa (when it was granted)
2. NZ 1st entry visa at airport (when visa was activated)
Your advice is very appreciated. Thanks, Loida
Hi Feija,
I am a NZ Citizen.
How long can I be out of NZ before my citizenship expire?
I have been offered a job in South Africa for 3 years and would like to take up the opportunity.
Hi Lionel,
I’m not an expert on citizenship so if you wish to know for sure please contact the Department of Internal Affairs (www.dia.govt.nz). To the best of my knowledge you may leave New Zealand as long as you like without losing your citizenship.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi Feija
My wife is going to get permanent resident visa on december this year . She has never been to oversea since she enter New Zealand . She plans to visit her mom in cambodia on august and come back NZ on November this year ( 3months ) . Will the immigration allow her to enter NZ if her resident visa is expired on december ? Thank you so much . Please reply
Hi Sophea,
As long as your wife stays in New Zealand her resident visa is valid indefinitely.
What can expire on a resident visa are the travel conditions. They expire after 2 years. If you are outside NZ when they expire, the resident visa will no longer be valid and it is not possible to return to NZ as a resident.
If your wife meets the requirements for a Permanent Resident visa, it is possible to apply for this from overseas, as long as it’s done within 3 months of the travel conditions expiry date. This is a risk of course, because if she applies too late or she does not meet the requirements, she may lose her resident visa.
If your wife wants to visit her mum, it is best if she returns before her travel conditions expire or that she postpones her travel until she has a permanent resident visa.
Kind regards,
Feija
Hi there
I have one question ?
What will happen if you will convicted in a criminal case ( drink and drive over then the limit ) after 1 year on your residence ?
Is it any chance to get deported ?
While you get convicted can you travel out and come back to nz ?
Please
Thanks
Hi Ajay,
If you are convicted of an offense for which the court has the power to impose imprisonment for a term of 3 months or more if the offence was committed not later than 2 years after you first held a residence class visa, you may be liable for deportation.
In New Zealand if your breath-alcohol level is more than 400 micrograms, or your blood-alcohol level is more than 80 milligrams, you can be prosecuted through the courts and, if convicted, can be jailed for up to three months or fined up to $4,500.
It doesn’t matter if you are convicted what the actual penalty is. The maximum penalty the courts can impose are what count.
Kind regards,
Feija