One of the most confusing issues in New Zealand visa jungle is telling the difference between a New Zealand permanent resident visa and a resident visa. Immigration New Zealand have done a pretty good job of making this as complex as possible. So I’m 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 won’t have a ‘First Entry Before Date’ as you are already here.The second condition stated on the visa label (which is usually the one that confuses most people) is the “Expiry Date Travel”. 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 ‘permanent’ 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. We’re due to apply for PR this December. I would like to ask if it’s 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 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,
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 … 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 “time spent in NZ” 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 couldn’t 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 🙂
Thank you a lot for your feedback and help 🙂
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 🙂 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 🙂
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 ‘significant period of time spent in New Zealand’. 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 🙂
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. I’ve got a question as well. I got my resident visa approved in December 2016 under partnership. Sadly things didn’t 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 fiancée 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 fiancé 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 isn’t, 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:
• 0 days in NZ: 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2017
• 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:
• 0 days in NZ: 01/01/2017 to 31/12/2017
• 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