Residence Pathways

New Zealand's residence system is designed to attract people who can contribute to the country's economic and social development. The main pathways include the Skilled Migrant Category, Family Category, Business and Investment categories, and newer pathways like the Green List and Residence from Work categories.

Each pathway has distinct eligibility criteria, points requirements, and documentation standards. The Skilled Migrant Category focuses on qualifications, work experience, and age, while Family Category applications centre on genuine relationships with New Zealand citizens or residents. Business categories require significant investment and business experience.

Recent changes to immigration policy have introduced streamlined pathways for certain occupations and simplified some application processes. However, these changes have also created new complexities, particularly around timing applications and understanding which pathway offers the best chance of success for your circumstances.

The Skilled Migrant Category remains one of the most popular residence pathways, using a points-based system to assess applicants. You need to score at least 160 points across factors including age, qualifications, work experience, and job offers. Points are also awarded for partner qualifications and New Zealand work experience.

A key requirement is having skilled employment or a job offer in New Zealand. The employment must be with an accredited employer and in a role that matches your qualifications and experience. The job must also meet minimum salary thresholds and be genuine and sustainable.

Health and character requirements apply to all applicants and their families. You must also demonstrate English language proficiency, typically through IELTS or equivalent tests. The application process involves an Expression of Interest, followed by an Invitation to Apply if you're selected from the pool.

Family Category residence allows New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their partners, dependent children, parents, and adult children for residence. The most common applications are for partnership-based residence, which requires demonstrating a genuine and stable relationship.

Partnership applications require extensive evidence of your relationship, including joint financial commitments, shared living arrangements, and social recognition of your partnership. The supporting partner must meet income requirements and provide an undertaking of support.

Parent Category applications are currently limited and subject to ballot selection due to high demand. Adult child applications require the child to be single and demonstrate exceptional circumstances. All Family Category applications require sponsors to meet character and, in some cases, income requirements.

The Green List provides a fast-track pathway to residence for people in occupations where New Zealand has skills shortages. There are two tiers: straight to residence and work to residence, each with different requirements and processing times.

Tier 1 occupations allow direct application for residence without needing to work in New Zealand first, though you must have a job offer or employment. Tier 2 occupations require you to work in New Zealand for a specified period before becoming eligible for residence.

Green List applications often have streamlined requirements compared to the Skilled Migrant Category, but you must still meet health, character, and English language requirements. The specific occupation requirements vary, and some roles require registration with professional bodies or specific qualifications.

The Residence from Work category provides a pathway for people who have been working in New Zealand on certain work visas. This pathway recognises the contribution of workers who have established themselves in New Zealand and built connections to the community.

Eligibility typically requires having worked in New Zealand for a specified period, earning above median wage levels, and having employment with an accredited employer. The pathway is designed to provide certainty for workers who have been contributing to New Zealand's economy.

Applications must demonstrate ongoing employment or a job offer, and all standard health, character, and English language requirements apply. The pathway provides a more straightforward route to residence for eligible workers compared to the points-based Skilled Migrant Category.

The residence application process varies by pathway but generally involves gathering extensive documentation, completing detailed application forms, and undergoing health and character checks. Most applications require police certificates from all countries where you've lived for 12 months or more since age 17.

Medical examinations must be completed by Immigration New Zealand approved doctors, and the results are valid for 36 months. Character requirements include police certificates and declarations about any criminal history, immigration breaches, or other character concerns.

Processing times vary significantly, with some Green List applications processed within months while Skilled Migrant Category applications may take over a year. Incomplete applications or requests for additional information can significantly extend processing times. It's crucial to submit complete applications with all required evidence to avoid delays.

Many residence applications face delays or declines due to incomplete documentation, failure to meet specific requirements, or changes in circumstances during processing. Common issues include expired police certificates, insufficient relationship evidence, or employment that doesn't meet skilled work requirements.

Character issues can be particularly complex, as they may relate to minor offences, immigration breaches in other countries, or associations that raise concerns. Even minor character issues require careful handling and may need detailed explanations or supporting evidence.

Changes in employment, relationship status, or personal circumstances during application processing must be reported to Immigration New Zealand. Failing to notify changes can result in application decline or future immigration consequences. It's important to maintain eligibility throughout the entire processing period.

Immigration law is complex and constantly changing, making professional advice valuable for most residence applications. A lawyer can assess your eligibility across different pathways, identify the best strategy for your circumstances, and help you avoid common pitfalls that lead to delays or declines.

Legal assistance is particularly important if you have character issues, complex employment situations, or have previously had visa applications declined. Lawyers can also help with appeals if your application is unsuccessful and advise on timing applications to maintain lawful status.

Early legal advice can save significant time and money by ensuring you choose the right pathway and submit a complete, compliant application. Given the long-term importance of residence status and the complexity of the application process, professional guidance is often a worthwhile investment.