Applying for an immigration New Zealand resident visa can be a complicated process, but with the right information and preparation, you can successfully navigate the application process. This guide will take you through the key steps required to apply for an immigration resident visa in New Zealand.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
The first step in applying for an immigration resident visa in New Zealand is to determine your eligibility. There are several types of resident visas available, each with its own eligibility requirements.
The most common type of resident visa is the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) resident visa, which is available to skilled workers who meet specific criteria, such as age, language proficiency, work experience, and qualifications.
Other resident visa categories include the Family Category, which is available to people with close relatives living in New Zealand, and the Investor Category, which is available to people who can invest a significant amount of money in the country.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Once you have determined your eligibility for a resident visa in New Zealand, you will need to gather the necessary documents to support your application. The specific documents you need depend on the type of visa you are applying for, but common documents include the following:
- A valid passport
- Proof of qualifications
- Proof of work experience
- Evidence of English language proficiency
- Police certificates from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
- Medical certificates
Step 3: Submit the EOI (Expression of Interest)
If you are applying for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa, the next step is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand (INZ). An EOI is a form that outlines your personal information, work experience, qualifications, and other relevant details.
You must also indicate how many points you claim under the Skilled Migrant Category points system. If your EOI is accepted, you will be invited to apply for a resident visa.
Step 4: Submit Your Resident Visa Application
With that done, you will need to submit a resident visa application. This application will require you to provide more detailed information about yourself and your family, as well as supporting documents to verify your claims. You will also need to pay the relevant application fee at this stage.
Step 5: Wait For the Processing
After submitting the application, you will need to wait for it to be processed by Immigration New Zealand. This can take several months, depending on the complexity of your application and the number of applications being processed at the time. During this time, INZ may request additional information or documents from you to support your application.
Step 6: Receive a Decision
Once your resident visa application has been processed, you will receive a decision from Immigration New Zealand. If your application is approved, you will receive a resident visa, which will allow you to live and work in New Zealand permanently. If your application is declined, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons for the decision and outlining any options you may have for appeal.
Following these steps can make the application process a lot simpler. If this confuses you, you can always seek help from the professional teams of ICL Immigration.