A resident visa to New Zealand generally allows a qualified skilled foreign worker and his/her eligible family members (spouse/partner and dependent children) to live, study and work in New Zealand long-term, receive certain benefits (such as free or subsidized public healthcare), and has the option to apply for New Zealand citizenship after living in New Zealand at least five years and meeting all of the other requirements. The points-based Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa Program and the Residence from Work Visa Program both offer a pathway to New Zealand permanent residency for qualifying skilled foreign workers and their families.
In general, to apply for these resident visas to New Zealand you must be 55 years of age or under; have proof of identity; possess a valid passport or other accepted travel document; satisfy the English language requirements; have the necessary education and job skills; have an eligible skilled occupation; possess the necessary work experience; have a qualifying full-time job in New Zealand or receive a genuine offer of qualifying full-time employment in New Zealand; get enough points (if required); be of good character; possess good health; pay the governmental fees; provide the necessary supporting documents; and meet all of the other criteria for the specific New Zealand visa program.
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa Program uses a points system and a minimum points score is required. You must file an Expression of Interest (EOI) online with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to provide your relevant details and pay the EOI fee. A minimum of 100 points are required to be entered into the EOI pool of candidates for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa Program. Points are given for factors such as your age (you must be 55 years of age or under), skilled employment, education, work experience, English level of your spouse/partner (if relevant), etc. Your EOI will be valid for 6 months. You must receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) from INZ in order to file an Application for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence Visa. According to the INZ website, the minimum points score to receive an ITA is 160 points. You will have up to 4 months after the ITA is issued to submit your Application for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence Visa, along with all of the required documents and the governmental fees.
The Residence from Work Visa Program is available to qualifying skilled immigrants who have been living in New Zealand for 24 months with a valid Work to Residence Visa.
Please note that this is an overview and the regulations are subject to change.