The New Zealand Immigration Process
If your dream is to start a new life in New Zealand with your family and pets, here is some good news – this is possible!
Many people just like you have successfully immigrated to New Zealand and are now enjoying a wonderful life.
In order to be successful is it going to be worth your while to learn more about the New Zealand immigration process.
The New Zealand immigration process
The truth of the matter is that applications for New Zealand can be rejected. The application process is extremely strict. Not only can applications get delayed but they can also get refused based on tiny technicalities.
This is why it is important to understand the New Zealand immigration process fully before impulsively trying to rush through things.
The first step in the New Zealand immigration process
Too many people end up spending vast amounts of time, energy and money, only to discover that they do not even qualify for New Zealand immigration. One of the reasons that this occurs is because they did not start at the beginning of the process.
The first step in the New Zealand immigration process should always be to obtain a comprehensive assessment by a reputable and licensed immigration agent for New Zealand immigration. This will be able to help you determine if you do or do not qualify and you can take it from there.
Which visa should I apply for?
There are different visa options for New Zealand immigration. The option which is best for you is dependent upon your unique situation and circumstances.
The visa options which may be best for you and your family may be different to that of other people that you know who have successfully immigrated to New Zealand.
Many factors need to be taken into account. This is one of the many reasons why it is highly recommendable that you make use of a fully licensed immigration agent for New Zealand.
A licensed immigration agent will explain everything to you and will be able to assist you thoroughly through the process.
I want to start the New Zealand immigration process
Should you wish to begin your journey to New Zealand, then the best place to start is by booking a consultation call.
You’ll find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand, discover how the application process works, and see what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Your Visa Application
New Zealand Wants You
Could it be possible that New Zealand wants you? The answer is “yes it is very possible”. New Zealand is actively seeking migrants in order to fill the skills shortage gaps in the country.
New Zealand is always looking for skilled workers, who have the expertise and passion to fit into the New Zealand workforce.
New Zealand wants you
The good news is that New Zealand is unique in that it needs to attract skilled migrants. This is actually to the point where the GDP of New Zealand would suffer badly, if it were not to find sufficient skilled migrants.
A rolling three year target is agreed. The amount of immigrants which New Zealand needs to attract is currently at 150,000. Should you fit the requirements, be assured that New Zealand wants you.
Who can apply?
You will need to meet the following criteria’s in order to be eligible for residence under the skilled migrant category.
• Be under 55 year of age
• Be healthy
• Be of good character
• Be an English speaker
In order to decide if you can apply, a points system is used. You will get points for your experience, age, employability in addition to your qualifications.
How do I score points?
If you meet the above criteria, then points can be awarded for the following:
• Skilled employment
• Qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• Age
• Family in New Zealand
• Your partners score
What are the skill shortages in New Zealand?
In order to see exactly what the skills shortages in New Zealand are, it is advisable that you check out the New Zealand skill shortages lists.
The New Zealand skill shortages lists are:
• The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL),
• The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) and
• The Canterbury Skill Shortage List (CSSL).
You can download the skill shortage lists from the various categories here.
Find if you qualify for to immigrate to New Zealand
Book a consultation call with Sarah Hewitt, our licensed advisor, and you’ll find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice
Why choose New Zealand?
Let’s face it; if you are looking to migrate to a new country to have a better life with your family, there is a whole world of countries to choose from. This begs the questions: why choose New Zealand?
Why choose New Zealand?
If you have never been to New Zealand and don’t know much about it asking the question: Why choose New Zealand? is a very fair question to ask.
The truth is that there are many fantastic elements about New Zealand that make it a top contender when it comes to choosing a country for immigration purposes.
Some of the best reasons to choose New Zealand
Here are some of the best reasons why families across the world have chosen New Zealand specifically as their number one country of choice:
• New Zealand is the perfect place to raise a family.
• The education system is one of the best in the world.
• It is a known fact that life is safer, simpler and more satisfying in New Zealand.
• The people are warm and friendly.
• It is an easy country to integrate into.
• The government is stable and secure.
• New Zealand is clean with lots of open air.
• There is a diverse range of country and city to choose from.
• There is an ideal work-life balance with plenty of public holidays.
• Life is calm and relatively stress free.
Do you think New Zealand would be a good fit for you and your family?
If you think that New Zealand may be a good fit for you and your family, then your very step in the immigration process would be to obtain a comprehensive assessment.
Starting at the beginning of the process and obtaining an assessment, will help you to determine right from the get-go if you in fact qualify or not.
It is best not to waste your time planning your move until you know for sure if you do in fact qualify.
Find if you qualify for to immigrate to New Zealand
Book a consultation call with Sarah Hewitt, our licensed advisor, and you’ll find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisor is registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice
FAQs: New Zealand Student Visa
The New Zealand student visa is a popular visa used by enthusiastic students from all over the world.
Should you wish to study in New Zealand you will need to meet set visa requirements.
Today we wanted to share some of the most frequently asked questions on this visa category.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on a student visa?
You will be allowed to stay in New Zealand for up to four years on the New Zealand student visa.
What happens if I want to study a course only?
If your course is less than 12 weeks long, you will need to obtain a visitor’s visa. However should you plan on studying anything that is over 12 weeks long, you will be required to obtain a student visa.
Where do I apply to study in New Zealand?
Firstly, it is imperative for you to understand that if you wish to obtain a New Zealand student visa, the education provider which you intend to study with, has got to be fully registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.
In terms of where to apply, you are required to apply here.
Will I be allowed to work on a student visa?
You are only allowed to work for up to twenty hours a week. Although during school holidays and holiday times, you may work full time. Please be aware that there are no restrictions for PhD and Masters Research students.
What additional information do I need to know about a student visa?
Here is some additional information which you may find useful:
• You will be required to have medical and travel insurance for the full duration of time that you will be studying in New Zealand.
• There are very strict requirements which you will need to meet in order to successfully obtain a student visa for New Zealand.
• There are currently three methods used, in order to determine the length of your specific stay.
• There are certain students who may be exempt from applying for a student visa, this includes citizens of Australia.
What do I do if I want to study in New Zealand?
Should you wish to study in New Zealand, the very first step would be to explore the option of obtaining a student visa.
The best route to go is by contacting a fully licensed immigration agency like ourselves. We’ll be able to take all the variables into consideration and be able to advise you best on an individual basis.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration
Demographics Of New Zealand
Should you wish to find out more about New Zealand, then you may want to start by learning all about the demographics of New Zealand.
The demographics of New Zealand include the ethnic, gender, religious, geographic and the economic backgrounds of all the people living in New Zealand.
Some interesting demographics of New Zealand
Religions in New Zealand
The biggest religions in New Zealand are Protestant which makes up (38%) and Roman Catholic which makes up Catholic (12%). You may be surprised to learn that over 30% of Kiwis are not religious.
New Zealand national anthems
New Zealand has two official national anthems. One is “God Defend New Zealand” and the other is “God Save the Queen”. Although they have the same equal status, “God Defend New Zealand” is the most preferred and commonly used of the two.
The New Zealand life expectancy
People in New Zealand, on average, live long and healthy lives. The general life expectancy is 80 years of age. Males being 78.88 years and females being 83.08 years.
The birth rate in New Zealand
The average birth rate in New Zealand is 13.4 births/1,000 population.
The death rate in New Zealand
The average death rate in New Zealand is 7.3 deaths/1,000 population.
The population size of New Zealand
The estimated population size of New Zealand is 4.4 million people. Of this number of people, 50% are of European descent.
The major cities in New Zealand
New Zealand has five major cities. These major cities are Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, Hamilton and Tauranga.
The capital of New Zealand
The capital city of New Zealand is Wellington. The largest city in New Zealand is Auckland.
The official languages in New Zealand
The New Zealand languages consist of English (official), Maori (official), New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) (official) and Kiwi Slang (unofficial). The primary language in New Zealand is English.
I wish to emigrate to New Zealand what do I do?
If you wish to emigrate to New Zealand it may be worth your while to look into all the options available to you. In addition, it is going to be worth your while to consider making use of a licensed immigration advisor who will be able to advise you best accordingly.
- Published in Life in New Zealand
How Do I Move To New Zealand?
If you are one of the many people who have made the decision to move to New Zealand with your family, but don’t know where to start do not feel alarmed.
Many people make the decision to leave and are completely ready to make the big move, however they may wonder: how do I move to New Zealand?
What do I do? How do I move to New Zealand?
Today we are going to be answering all your questions with regard to the route forward.
What is the first step in the process?
The very first step in your emigration process should be to get assessed. The truth is that this is the first and most important step in the New Zealand emigration process.
Why do I need to get assessed?
Obtaining a comprehensive and formal assessment will be able to help you determine if you qualify for New Zealand emigration or not. Without this vital part of the process, you will not be able to proceed further.
What are my assessment options?
There are three main options when it comes to obtaining an assessment.
These include:
- Doing it yourself.
- Making use of a licensed immigration adviser.
- Making use of someone who isn’t licensed.
What is the difference between the three assessment options?
The DIY option: may seem appealing, however it can result in major mistakes being made. The truth is that one simple mistake can be the difference between success and failure.
Making use of a licensed immigration adviser: one of the main benefits of this option is that a licensed immigration adviser for New Zealand has the knowledge and expertise to advise and guide you best. Making use of a licensed immigration adviser can help to improve your chances of success.
Making use of an unlicensed immigration adviser: is not a good idea at all; don’t expect to receive any accurate advice or information.
What role does the New Zealand Immigration Points System play in your prospective immigration?
Any skilled migration for New Zealand residency will require you to take a points test. In fact, the point’s assessment is probably the most crucial aspect of your prospective New Zealand immigration.
Which visa option will be best for me?
There are many different visa options available. It is going to be within your best interest to explore each visa option carefully. The best way to do this is by making use of a licensed immigration adviser who will be able to help you in the process.
A licensed immigration adviser will be able to go through all of the visa options with you and help you find the best one to suit your individual needs and requirements.
Should I look at temporary routes to New Zealand?
Sometimes residency is best achieved through a process as opposed to a once-off application. In some circumstances obtaining a temporary work visa will help to enhance your chances of obtaining permanent residency.
Once again, it all depends on the individual and their individual situation and circumstances. It is once again highly suggested that you make use of a fully licensed New Zealand immigration adviser.
Find if you qualify for to immigrate to New Zealand
Book a consultation call our licensed advisor to find out if you meet the requirements to move to New Zealand.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our advisors are registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration, New Zealand Immigration Advice
Work Towards Residency In New Zealand
If you wish to become a permanent resident of New Zealand, the good news is that there are ways to work towards residency in New Zealand.
The best way to work towards residency in New Zealand is to apply for a visa under the work to residence category.
What is work towards residency in New Zealand?
If you have exceptional talent in a certain area such as culture or sports, you could apply to work in New Zealand under the work to residence category.
The fundamental goal behind the work towards residency category is that your skills should enhance the country’s reputation and provide a positive contribution to New Zealand.
What are the 4 temporary work visa options that can be used to work towards residency?
There are 4 distinct temporary work visa options:
1. Accredited Employers
2. Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports)
3. Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Policy
4. Religious workers
Please note that each option has a different set of requirements in conjunction with the general requirements applicants will need to meet.
What are the general requirements?
In addition to the set requirements for the specific work visa option which you choose, you will also need to meet the general requirements.
• Be 55 years of age or under.
• Have exceptional talent in a specific field.
• Be supported by a New Zealand organisation of national repute.
• Be sponsored by either an individual or the organisation supporting you.
What type of exceptional talent do I need?
Should you wish to be considered you will need to display the following:
• You will need to have an international reputation and record of excellence in your field.
• You will need to still be prominent in that field
• You will need to be able to enhance New Zealand’s participation and accomplishments in that field.
Find if you qualify for a New Zealand work visa
Book a consultation call to find out if you meet the requirements to apply for a work visa.
You’ll also discover how the application process works and what the costs and timelines are.
Our licensed advisors are registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) of New Zealand, so you can rest assured that you’re getting advice you can trust.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand
FAQs: New Zealand Immigration Points
The New Zealand immigration points system raises the most questions with our clients. People want to understand how it works, how many points are needed, what you get points for…
We want to simplify things for you by helping you to understand the system better.
We’re going to do this by answering some of the most frequently asked questions.
What is the New Zealand immigration points system?
Some of the visa options for emigration to New Zealand require you to be assessed against point’s criteria in order to determine if you qualify or not.
The skilled migration category is a good example where points are needed in order to qualify.
What is the importance of the points system?
New Zealand is an extremely popular emigration destination. People from all over the globe are looking to start a new life with their families in New Zealand.
a points system is used helps to protect the best interests of the country. It helps to determine if you’ll positively contribute to New Zealand and its economy.
What does the points score look at?
The points scoring system looks at a combination of essential variables. These include but are not limited to:
- Skilled employment.
- Work experience.
- Age.
- Qualifications.
- Character.
- Age.
- Health.
- English ability.
How many points do I need?
You will need to obtain 100 points in order to progress to the next stage. The next stage involves making the expression of interest.
How do I improve my chances?
One of the best ways to improve your chances and to ensure a level of accuracy is to work with a licensed immigration advisor. A licensed immigration advisor will be able to advise you best, every single step of the way.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration
FAQs: New Zealand retirement
Have you been looking for a country that will offer you a good retirement? Many people from all over the world consider New Zealand retirement as the answer for their retirement dilemma.
Today we wanted to share some of the most frequently asked questions on this visa category.
What age must you be to qualify for New Zealand retirement?
The good news is that New Zealand doesn’t have an official age of retirement. This is extremely good news, as many countries have a set age for retirement purposes.
Who can qualify for the New Zealand state pension (Superannuation)?
In order to qualify you will need to meet certain requirements.
These requirements are:
• Being over 65 years of age.
• You will need to be a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen.
• Live in New Zealand when you apply.
• Have lived in New Zealand for at least 10 years since you were aged 20 with 5 of those being after you attained the age of 50.
How do I know if I qualify for a pension?
Some people qualify for a pension from the New Zealand government. Other people qualify for a pension from overseas countries. It is even possible to qualify for both.
Even though other pensions may lessen your New Zealand benefit, it is very important for you to be honest and to declare the truth.
Who can provide me with additional information?
Should you require additional information with regard to your prospective pension and benefits, it is going to be within your best interest to contact The International Services Team, who will be able to advise you best and assist you further in this regard.
I am considering New Zealand retirement
If you are considering New Zealand retirement, then it is going to be within your best interest to make use of a fully licensed immigration agent for New Zealand.
There is a vast amount of complicated information which may become confusing. It is going to be worth your while to go through the steps correctly with a qualified professional.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand School Zones
The education system in New Zealand is one of the best in the world. In order to keep their schools at the high standard which they are, certain rules and procedures have been put into place.
The New Zealand school zones system is one of the methods that New Zealand uses in order to prevent overcrowding.
If you are planning on migrating to New Zealand with your children, then it is highly advisable that you learn more about the New Zealand school zones and the zoning system which is in place.
What is the New Zealand school zones system?
Firstly it is going to prove useful to understand exactly what ‘zoning’ means. Children who live in the school’s area are guaranteed a placement at their local school. When you enroll your child into school, you will need to provide your address. This has to be your official place of residence.
If you are being dishonest and are caught, this could result in your child’s enrollment being cancelled.
Do all schools have zoning in New Zealand?
No, not all schools have zoning in New Zealand.
How do I know if a school has zoning and whether I’m in their zone?
If you wish to check if a school has zoning and if you fall under that zone, it is going to be best for you to make use of the nzschools website. You can type in a school or specific address and do a search.
You could also approach the specific school directly and ask them if they have a zoning system. They will be able to give you all the information which you will need.
What happens if I live outside the zone?
If you live outside the zone of the school that you wish to enroll your child in, then you will need to understand how the New Zealand school zone system works. In many cases the school may have additional places available. Children who live outside the zone are then able to apply for these extra placements.
Every year schools are required by law to place a notice in the newspaper stating:
- The out-of-zone places which are available.
- The closing date for applications for these places.
- Any ballot dates for out-of-zone places.
At what age can I enroll my child in school?
You can enroll your child in school once they have turned five years of age. It is always best to do as much research and homework as you can. It is never a good idea to leave this to the last minute. You may even want to start collecting your information and talking to various schools before your child turns five.
Do schools in New Zealand get reviewed?
Yes, schools get reviewed every three years in New Zealand. Schools are reviewed by The Education Review Office. Aspects such at the school’s curriculum, performance and special features are all taken into account. Demographic information is also included. These reports are made open to the public.
This is really good news for parents who wish to enroll their children into a specific school in New Zealand, because it means that you can freely look up reports on a school that you are interested in. You can find a school report here.
What should I do if my application is rejected?
If your application is not successful do not despair because New Zealand has a very fair system in place. You will be put onto a waiting list. The moment that a place becomes available the first person on the list will be contacted and will be offered the placement. If the person does not accept the placement, the next person on the list will get called.
The waiting list expires when the next ballot is held. You will however be required to enrol your child into another school in the meantime. There are never any guarantees when it comes to waiting for a placement.
- Published in Family Immigration