International Students: Path To Nz Permanent Residency

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand, but they must meet certain criteria. The path to permanent residency in New Zealand usually begins with a Resident Visa, which is valid until a certain date and allows re-entry into the country. After holding a Resident Visa for at least two years, individuals can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows indefinite re-entry to New Zealand. International students can apply for a Resident Visa by first obtaining a Post-Study Work Visa, which allows international graduates to work in the country for up to three years. To be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa, individuals must meet the acceptable qualification requirements. The 2021 Resident Visa also introduced a new pathway to residency for visa holders in New Zealand, requiring applicants to have been 'settled' in the country for at least three years, earn the median wage, or work in a role on a 'scarce' list.

International students' pathway to residency

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand. Here is a pathway that international students can follow to gain residency in New Zealand:

Step 1: Obtain a Student Visa

The first step for international students is to obtain a student visa. This visa allows international students to study in New Zealand for the duration of their course. Most student visas also allow holders to work for up to 20 hours per week and full time over the Christmas and New Year period.

Step 2: Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa

After graduating, international students can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa. This visa allows graduates to work in New Zealand for one, two, or three years, depending on the level of their qualification and where they studied. To be eligible, students must meet the acceptable qualification requirements.

Step 3: Meet the Criteria for Permanent Residence

To be eligible for permanent residence, applicants must meet certain criteria. These include having held a resident visa for at least two years and having been in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of the last two years. Applicants must also meet health and character requirements and provide proof of their commitment to living in New Zealand.

Step 4: Submit an Expression of Interest

Once the eligibility criteria are met, international students can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for permanent residence. The EOI system is based on a points system, and a minimum of 100 points is usually required to be eligible for permanent residence. However, due to the current high number of applicants, only those with an EOI score of 160 points or above are being accepted.

Step 5: Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa

If the EOI is successful, applicants can then submit their application for a Permanent Resident Visa. This visa allows holders to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely and travel in and out of the country as they please. Applicants must provide proof of identity, acceptable photos, and proof of good character, such as a Police Certificate.

Post-Study Work Visa

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand. One way to do this is by first applying for a Post-Study Work Visa.

The Post-Study Work Visa is a visa that allows international students who have recently graduated from their studies in New Zealand to stay and work in the country for up to three years. The duration of the visa depends on the qualification studied. To be eligible, applicants must have held a student visa and have completed their qualification in New Zealand. The qualification must have been studied full-time and for the full duration required to gain the qualification. The qualification must also be on the list of Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa.

If you have completed a degree at level 7 or above, you must have studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand. With this qualification, you can work in almost any job and for any employer in New Zealand. If you have a non-degree level 7 or below qualification, you can only work in a job that is related to what you studied.

It is important to note that you can only apply for this visa once and that you must apply no later than three months after your student visa expires. Additionally, you must genuinely intend to meet the conditions of your visa, and you cannot provide commercial sexual services or operate or invest in a business that does.

Permanent Resident Visa requirements

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand. Here are the requirements for a Permanent Resident Visa:

Firstly, a Permanent Resident Visa is usually the next step after being granted a Resident Visa. Resident Visas have travel conditions that only allow a person to re-enter New Zealand as a resident until a certain date, whereas a Permanent Resident Visa allows indefinite re-entry to New Zealand. If your resident visa has expired 90 days ago or less, you can still apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

To be eligible, you must have held your resident visa for at least 2 years when you apply. To meet the time commitment, you must have been in New Zealand for at least 184 days in each of the last 2 years. Travel records will be used as evidence. You must also provide evidence that you have met any conditions of your current resident visa. English translations of all evidence not in English are required.

You must apply for this visa online, providing proof of identity and acceptable photos of everyone in your application. These photos must be less than 6 months old. You may also need to provide Police Certificates as proof of your good character.

If you are not eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa, you may still be eligible to have the travel conditions on your Resident Visa extended, allowing you a longer time to return to New Zealand as a resident.

Online application process

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand, and the process can be done online. The online application process for permanent residency in New Zealand for international students involves several steps and requirements. Here is a detailed guide on what to expect and how to navigate the process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

Before initiating the online application, it is crucial to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for applying for permanent residency in New Zealand as an international student. The specific criteria can vary depending on the pathway you choose, such as the

PR benefits for families

International students can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand. The process involves applying for a Resident Visa, and after holding it for at least 2 years, one can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

• Healthcare: New Zealand has a universal healthcare system, which means that all residents have access to free or subsidized healthcare. This is especially beneficial for families with children, as it includes maternity benefits and support for families with young children.
• Social Security: New Zealand offers a range of social security benefits, including Jobseeker Support, Sole Parent Support, and Supported Living Payment. These benefits can significantly improve the financial situation of families, helping them meet their basic needs and cover essential expenses.
• Education: With a Permanent Resident Visa, families can access New Zealand's education system, which offers a high standard of education for children. This includes public schools, which are free to attend, as well as the option to apply for scholarships and other financial support for tertiary education.
• Work Opportunities: Permanent residency allows individuals to work in New Zealand, opening up a wide range of job opportunities. This enables families to pursue career goals and provides financial stability, helping them build a secure future.
• Sponsor Family Members: Permanent residents can sponsor their partners, parents, or dependent children during their visa application process. This means that families can be united and together enjoy the benefits of living and working in New Zealand.

Frequently asked questions