How to get the NZ citizenship after a PhD?

To obtain New Zealand citizenship after completing a PhD there, you will need to go through the standard process for acquiring New Zealand citizenship, which typically requires you to first become a resident. Completing a PhD can provide a pathway to residency, and then you can apply for citizenship. Here's a step-by-step guide to how you can achieve that:

1. Study in New Zealand (PhD)

• Student Visa: As an international student, you will need a student visa to study in New Zealand. While studying, you will be allowed to work part-time during your PhD, but your main focus will be completing your degree.

• PhD Duration: PhDs in New Zealand generally take 3 to 4 years to complete, and during this time, you'll build ties to the country that may help your future residency application.

2. Work Visa After Completing PhD (Post-Study Work Visa)

After completing your PhD, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa (open or employer-assisted). This is a key step in transitioning from being a student to being a resident.

• Post-Study Work Visa: You can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa for up to 3 years after completing a PhD in New Zealand. This visa allows you to stay in New Zealand and work in any field (even if it is unrelated to your field of study) or in a job related to your qualification. This gives you time to gain work experience and look for a pathway to residency.

3. Applying for New Zealand Residency

The most common pathway to residency after a PhD is through New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), though there are other pathways such as the Work to Residence visa.

• Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): If you have a job offer in a skilled occupation or have gained work experience in New Zealand, you may apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category. Factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and a job offer from a New Zealand employer are important in determining eligibility. If your PhD is in a field that is in demand in New Zealand, this could strengthen your application.

• Work to Residence: If you have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand, you might qualify for a Work to Residence visa. After working for a few years with this visa, you may apply for residency.

• Post-Study Work Visa Transition: If you are working in a skilled job related to your PhD under the Post-Study Work Visa, you can apply for a residency visa through the Skilled Migrant Category or the Work to Residence pathway once you meet the eligibility requirements.

4. Permanent Residency (PR)

Once you have held a resident visa for at least 2 years and have been living in New Zealand for a significant portion of that time, you can apply for permanent residency.

• Resident Visa for Skilled Workers: After applying under the Skilled Migrant Category and being granted a resident visa, you will need to live in New Zealand for at least 2 years before applying for permanent residency. This gives you the right to live, work, and study anywhere in New Zealand.

5. Apply for New Zealand Citizenship

After obtaining permanent residency, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship. To be eligible for citizenship, you must:

• Have lived in New Zealand for at least 5 years as a permanent resident.

• Have been physically present in New Zealand for at least 240 days in the 5 years before you apply, and at least 1,350 days in total during the 5 years.

• Be of good character and meet other residency requirements (e.g., tax compliance).

6. Additional Pathways (if applicable)

• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: If you find an accredited employer in New Zealand who is willing to offer you a job after your PhD, and you meet other criteria, you may apply for a Talent Work Visa. After a certain period of work, you can then transition into permanent residency.

• Investor or Entrepreneur Pathways: If you decide to start a business in New Zealand or invest, there are Investor and Entrepreneur visa categories that could lead to residency and ultimately citizenship. However, this is less relevant if your focus is on staying in New Zealand after a PhD.

Important Points to Consider:

• PhD graduates are highly valued in New Zealand’s immigration system, and completing a PhD can improve your chances of qualifying for residency. However, you will still need to meet the residency requirements (e.g., skilled work experience or a job offer).

• Language Requirements: New Zealand does not require a language proficiency test for citizenship if you are already a permanent resident, but if you need a visa for residency, demonstrating your English proficiency may be required.

• Health and Character Requirements: You will need to meet health and character standards during your visa and citizenship applications.

Summary of Steps:

1. Complete your PhD in New Zealand on a student visa.

2. Apply for a Post-Study Work Visa after your PhD.

3. Apply for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category or Work to Residence (depending on your work situation).

4. Live in New Zealand as a resident for 2 years.

5. Apply for permanent residency.

6. After 5 years of permanent residency, apply for New Zealand citizenship.

As always, it’s advisable to check with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) or consult an immigration advisor for the most up-to-date and specific advice related to your situation.