How to Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand Part 2. Part 1 is here.
Getting a temporary and a permanent residency in New Zealand requires having a job offer or active employment in the country. This article tackles that first step.
Introduction
New Zealand has over 80 different types of work visas, but the majority of them are country-specific. This implies that depending on the nation of origin, the number and kind of visas granted, as well as the conditions, differ. Only the most important components of applying for a New Zealand visa are covered in this section, allowing you to get started right away.
It’s important to keep in mind that certain visas are more expensive than others, with the Entrepreneur work visa being one of the most expensive. In most cases, an immigration fee is also required.
Working in New Zealand: First step in obtaining a residence permit
Keep in mind that finding work in New Zealand is the first step in your relocation since you will normally require a job offer to apply for a visa.
When it comes to how to acquire work in New Zealand as a foreigner, knowing what sort of visa you want is crucial. This will determine what types of benefits you are eligible for and how you should approach the job market.
Online applications with a CV and cover letter are common. In New Zealand, CVs are different in that they seldom mention all of your previous positions; instead, they explain your talents and offer instances of how you’ve employed them.
You may be contacted for a phone interview if your application passes the first round. Face-to-face interviews are usually casual and might involve up to four participants. Before your interview, make sure you’ve done your homework about the position and the organization.
Because many jobs aren’t posted, developing connections, networking, and applying on the spur of the moment might be beneficial.
Work visa requirements in New Zealand
Eligibility restrictions, application forms, expenses, and processes for different types of work visas may vary. In general, you’ll need the following documents to apply for a work visa in New Zealand:
- Proof of identity (passport or identity certificate, with two approved visa photos);
- Proof of excellent health (health questionnaire and chest x-ray performed before to arrival, as well as a medical examination);
- Proof of excellent character (character questionnaire completed, police certificates from your home country and any other nation where you’ve resided for at least five years after turning 17);
- Proof of valid identity
Every document you submit must be either the original or a certified copy.
Obtaining a New Zealand Visa can be difficult
In general, obtaining a work visa in New Zealand may be challenging owing to restricted spaces or application deadlines. If your nation has a fixed quota, applications will be accepted on a certain day. Typically, you will have 59 days to apply from the date of your application, although this duration may vary depending on your nationality and where you are presently residing. However, even with this time frame, you should anticipate vacancies to go swiftly. Be specific and adhere to the deadlines that apply to you.
Once each country’s quota has been filled, you can only apply the following year. The limitation for certain nations is as low as 50 persons each year, while for others it is infinite (Canada, the UK, Japan, etc.). For the criteria that apply to your nation, you may look for a comprehensive list of work visas.
Applying for a Work Visa
The Immigration website in New Zealand facilitates most of the visa application procedure. This online process is simple and quick, and it should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. Alternatively, you can go to the relevant reception center and submit the application form that matches the kind of visa you want, together with any necessary supporting papers.
You will be told whether you need to submit your passport or whether you will obtain an eVisa, depending on the visa type you filed for. This is an electronic visa that replaces the physical stamp on your passport and is stored in the immigration computer system. The following visa categories are covered by this eVisa:
- Business Visitor Visa
- Dependent Child Resident Visa
- Group Visitor Visa
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Student Visa
- Visitor Visa
- Work Visa
To apply for an eVisa, you must first make an account on New Zealand immigration website and then proceed with the application there. The eVisa letter should be printed and kept with you while in the country.
Who can be considered skilled or highly skilled worker in New Zealand
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) classifies your credentials, abilities, and experience into one of five categories.
If you can do the following, you are called a skilled worker:
- Your occupation is classified as level 1, 2, or 3 in ANZSCO, it meets the job description, and you are paid at least 25 NZD (16 USD) per hour (or the equivalent annually).
- Your occupation is classified as level 4 or 5, it corresponds to the job description, and you are paid at least 50 NZD (24 USD) per hour (or the equivalent annually).
- Your job title doesn’t have a description, yet you make at least 50 NZD (24 USD) or more per hour (or the equivalent annually).
Cost of Work Visa in New Zealand
Work permits usually come with two sorts of fees: a visa fee and an immigration levy. However, some nations charge larger costs than others, and others may have a fee-waiver arrangement with New Zealand, so be sure to verify your unique needs. The visa can be paid using a credit card online (Visa or MasterCard).
If you are traveling from one of the Pacific countries, the visa charge will be different. The immigration charge is equal to 55 NZD (37 USD) regardless of the visa category you apply for.
Conclusion
The work-life balance and overall good quality of life are likely to entice anyone considering relocating here. In this regard, New Zealand is a rather simple country to relocate to, particularly if you know English.
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