How to get a New Zealand Residence Permit in 3 Years

How do I get a residence permit in New Zealand? Many international students ask this question to understand how to settle in New Zealand after their studies. Over the years, students have embraced this country because of its lower cost of living compared to Australia.

New Zealand offers a diverse culture, an active job market, and a high quality of life, making it ideal for people who want to live abroad.

New Zealand PR (Permanent Residency)

New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) allows individuals to study, work, and live in the country as citizens. With this PR, it is easier to apply for the country’s citizenship after a period of time. With the New Zealand PR, you will enjoy the following:

1. Live in the country without restriction.

2. Enjoy access to social services, schools, and public health care.

3. Sponsor family members to join you.

4. Opportunity to apply for citizenship.

Eligibility Criteria for PR after Study

International students begin their transition to permanent residency after graduation. They apply for a post-study work visa, which permits them to gain the work experience required for their permanent residency application.

To be eligible, students must have studied programs recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). With a Bachelor’s degree (Level 7), a Master's or a PhD, especially on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, qualifying becomes easier.

The student has to meet specific eligibility criteria, such as:

• They must demonstrate strong English skills through IELTS/PTE.

• They should have skilled work experience in New Zealand.

• Each student must meet the age, health, and character requirements.

• They must also meet the points threshold.

How do I get a New Zealand Permanent Residency after studies?

Complete Recognised Studies: Pick a program from a government-approved tertiary institution.

Post-Study Work Visa: Apply for a post-study work visa to work in New Zealand for up to three years.

Gain Relevant Work Experience: Get work experience in a highly valued role to earn more points towards your PR application.

Pick the Right PR Pathway

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Points-based system based on age, qualifications, job offer, and experience.

• Residence from Work Category: After 2 years on a Work to Residence visa.

• Other Pathways: Family reunification, Entrepreneur or Investment.

How Are New Zealand’s PR Points Calculated?

Under this system, applicants are assessed on factors such as:

• Age:20–39 years earns the highest points.

• Qualifications: New Zealand-recognised qualifications score higher

• Work Experience: In-demand or skill-related work improves points

Here is how the Skilled Migrant Category’s points-based system is calculated:

• Age (20 to 39 years):30 points

• New Zealand Qualification:50 points

• Work Experience:60 points

• Job Offer in New Zealand:50 points

• Partner’s Skills:20 points

• Study in Skill Shortage Area:15 bonus points

Required Documents for New Zealand PR Application

• Valid passport

• Police clearance certificates

• Medical certificate

• Recent passport-sized photos

• Birth certificate

• NZQA-recognised academic documents

• Payslips, tax returns

• English language proficiency test

• Employment offer letters/contracts

• Relationship proofs (for family applications)

Which Occupations are in Demand in New Zealand?

The current in-demand occupations in New Zealand are:

• Engineering

• Agriculture

• Healthcare

• IT

Which Programs Improve the New Zealand PR Chances?

Some of the programs that lead to strong PR prospects include:

• Agriculture, Horticulture , and Forestry

• Education and teaching

• IT and Engineering

• Nursing and Healthcare

• Business and Accounting

How long can you stay with the Straight to Residence Visa?

A Straight to Residence Visa lets you stay in New Zealand indefinitely.

Read: Top 10 US Universities Offering Free Tuition to International Students: A Guide

Who can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa?

To apply for this visa, you must:

• Must speak and understand English.

• be aged 55 or younger

• Be in good health

• Be of good character.

• Have an offer of, or be working in, a Green List Tier 1 in-demand job with an accredited employer

• Have a genuine relationship with your partner and dependent children, including them.

What is the Green List Tier 1 Job?

The Green List is a list of jobs that we need people for in New Zealand. To qualify for the Straight to Residency Visa, you must have an offer of a job or already work in a Green List Tier 1 job.

Green List Skill levels or tiers

The job must be:

• With an accredited employer

• a Tier 1 job on the Green List

• full-time

• Permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months, or a contract or continuous contracts for at least 6 months.

When you apply for this visa, you must be paid at least:

• The rate specified for your Green List job, or

• NZD $33.56 an hour (the 2024 median wage) if a wage rate is not specified for your Green List job.

You must also meet the Green List requirements for your job, such as registration, professional membership, or qualifications.

Documents Required:

• Your employment agreement, fixed-term contract, or employment offer letter from an accredited employer — it must show your hours, duration of employment, position, and pay

• Contract (s) (without breaks) totalling 6 months or more.

Documents Required for Straight to Residency Visa

• A copy of your passport

• 1 acceptable photo

• Evidence of a chest X-ray

• Proof of a medical examination

• police certificates

• Proof that you can speak and understand English

• Proof that you have a job offer or already work in a Green List Tier 1 in-demand job with an accredited employer, and that you meet the other requirements for the job

• Translated versions of all your documents if they are not in English.

If you are including your partner and dependent children, provide:

• Documents to show your relationship with them

• Proof of their identity and acceptable photos

• Police certificates, if required

• Evidence of chest X-rays and medical examinations, if required

• Proof that they can speak English or have paid for English language lessons.

If you applied for your visa outside New Zealand, you must come to New Zealand within 12 months of the date your visa is issued.

Getting a Permanent Resident Visa: After you have had a Straight to Residence Visa for 2 years in a row, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

Getting citizenship: For most people, after 5 years of living in New Zealand as a resident, you may be able to get New Zealand citizenship. You do not need a Permanent Resident Visa first.

Read: Study Abroad in the Netherlands: A Guide

How Can Pay4Me App Help You?

The Pay4Me App will help you process your tuition deposit, accommodation, and other New Zealanders’ move abroad payments within 1-24 hours.