Visa Types
New Zealand Permanent Residency Path
How you can immigrate to New Zealand, how to protect yourself from Fraud and what to expect after you arrive in New Zealand.
Key Points for New Zealand Permanent Residence Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to New Zealand
New Zealand visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a New Zealand visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a New Zealand visa, but it may vary. The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a PR visa?
You can live indefinitely on a permanent resident (PR) visa.
What kind of visa will we acquire from New Zealand?
The embassy will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport. You will receive an E-Visa from the Embassy, which you can access through your Account.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Permanent Resident Visa: NZD $240
• The application fee is non-refundable.
• It includes an immigration levy.
• Payment is accepted online via Visa, Mastercard, or UnionPay.
• Each person must also pay a NZD $35 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL), included in the cost.
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Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
- To identify the appropriate visa type for New Zealand, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or joining family, as each category has specific visa requirements.
- Visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for comprehensive information on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
- Carefully review the documentation, financial, and health requirements for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application process for New Zealand.
To begin your visa application process, you can visit the Immigration New Zealand website and apply online. Alternatively, you can download the visa application form from the website, complete it, and print it out. Then, you can bring the completed form along with the required supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission. You can also submit your application by post/mail if you prefer. The Visa Application Centre accepts submissions in person, through an authorized representative, or by post during business hours.
To apply for a visa, you will need to choose a Visa Application Centre and schedule an appointment to submit your application in person. Alternatively, you can send your application by courier or mail to the NZVAC address. After booking your appointment, you will receive an appointment confirmation email and letter if you are applying in person. It's important to note that walk-ins are not allowed, and individual appointments must be booked for each family or group member. This is done to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the application process.
After deciding on the visa you need to apply for, you must pay the visa application fee. If you apply online, payment will be made during the application process. If you download the application form, payment can be made at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Check the links provided for information on the visa fees and VFS Global service fees.
Submitting your visa application involves visiting the Visa Application Centre in person or sending an authorized representative to submit it on your behalf. You will need to bring all the required documents, the visa application form, and the payment of the visa application fee. The staff at the Visa Application Centre will verify that all the required documents are present, accept payment of the visa application fee, and will help you with any queries related to your visa application. Once your application is accepted, you will be given a receipt, which you should keep safe as it will be required later in the process.
After submitting your visa application, you will receive a decision from Immigration New Zealand via email. If you want to keep track of the progress of your application or get detailed tracking information for your return courier, you may also be able to sign up for SMS updates directly to your phone. Check with the Visa Application Centre you applied at to see if this service is available.
After we have completed the processing of your visa application and verified that all the necessary documents are submitted, we will return your documents to you either in-person or by courier. In some Visa Application Centres, documents are only returned via courier. Please note that the return of your documents may take a few business days depending on your location. We advise you to track your return courier to ensure its safe and timely delivery.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a detailed document checklist for each of the specified New Zealand residence visa categories, along with an explanation of each category:
The Skilled Migrant Category is designed for individuals who have skills, qualifications, and experience that are in demand in New Zealand. To apply under this category, you need to submit the following documents:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) form: This form expresses your interest in applying for the Skilled Migrant Category and provides information about your skills, qualifications, and work experience.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Proof of English language proficiency: You may need to provide the results of an English language test such as IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE Academic.
- Academic and professional qualifications: You need to submit your educational certificates, degrees, diplomas, or trade qualifications.
- Curriculum vitae (CV) or resume: This should outline your work experience, skills, and achievements.
- Employment history and reference letters: These documents provide evidence of your work experience and may include references from previous employers.
- Job offer or evidence of skilled employment prospects: You may need to provide a job offer or demonstrate that you have job prospects in New Zealand.
- Partner's documents (if applicable): If you are applying with your partner, you will need to provide evidence of your relationship and your partner's qualifications.
The Family Category allows New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their family members for residence in New Zealand. The specific requirements and documents vary depending on the relationship with the sponsor. Generally, the documents required include:
- Completed application form: You need to fill out the appropriate application form for the Family Category.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Relationship evidence: You need to provide documentation to prove your relationship with the New Zealand citizen or resident sponsoring you, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, or adoption papers.
- Financial documents: You may need to show proof of financial support, including bank statements or employment contracts.
- Sponsor's documents: The New Zealand citizen or resident sponsoring you will need to provide documents proving their citizenship or residency status.
The Investor Category is for individuals who wish to make a significant investment in New Zealand. The requirements and documents vary depending on the specific investor category. Generally, the documents required include:
- Completed application form: You need to fill out the appropriate application form for the Investor Category.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Proof of sufficient investment funds: You need to provide evidence of having the required funds for investment in New Zealand, such as bank statements, investment portfolio, or business ownership documents.
- Business and investment experience: You may need to provide documentation demonstrating your business or investment experience.
- Evidence of business or investment intentions in New Zealand: This may include a business plan, investment proposals, or letters of support from relevant institutions.
The Residence from Work category is for individuals who are already working in New Zealand on a work visa and wish to transition to a residence visa. To apply under this category, you need to submit the following documents:
- Completed application form: You need to fill out the appropriate application form for the Residence from Work category.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Evidence of your work visa and employment in New Zealand: You need to provide documentation proving your current work visa and your employment history in New Zealand.
- Employment contract or offer of employment: You may need to submit your employment contract or an offer of employment from your current New Zealand employer.
- Proof of your contributions to New Zealand and/or exceptional circumstances: This may include evidence of your involvement in the community, recognition for your work, or any other exceptional circumstances that support your application.
- Financial documents: You may need to provide proof of your financial stability and ability to support yourself and any dependents.
The Parent Category allows New Zealand citizens and residents to sponsor their parents for residence in New Zealand. The specific requirements and documents vary depending on the relationship with the sponsor. Generally, the documents required include:
- Completed application form: You need to fill out the appropriate application form for the Parent Category.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Relationship evidence: You need to provide documentation to prove your relationship with the New Zealand citizen or resident sponsoring you, such as birth certificates or adoption papers.
- Financial documents: You may need to show proof of financial support, including bank statements or employment contracts.
- Sponsor's documents: The New Zealand citizen or resident sponsoring you will need to provide documents proving their citizenship or residency status and their ability to financially support you.
The Talent (Accredited Employer) Category is for individuals who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. To apply under this category, you need to submit the following documents:
- Completed application form: You need to fill out the appropriate application form for the Talent (Accredited Employer) Category.
- Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for the duration of your intended stay in New Zealand.
- Proof of health insurance coverage: You need to provide evidence of having health insurance that covers your stay in New Zealand.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements: This may include medical certificates and police clearance certificates.
- Offer of employment from an accredited New Zealand employer: You need to provide a job offer letter or employment contract from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
- Employment contract or agreement: You may need to submit your employment contract or agreement with your New Zealand employer.
- Evidence of your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job: This may include educational certificates, work experience letters, or professional memberships.
- Financial documents: You may need to provide proof of your financial stability and ability to support yourself and any dependents
It is important to note that the specific requirements and document checklist may vary depending on individual circumstances and any updates to New Zealand immigration policies. It is advisable to consult the official website of the New Zealand immigration authorities or seek professional advice for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
You need a RealMe account to apply for a visa online. RealMe is designed to protect yourprivacy and is a service used by many New Zealand businesses and government departments.
RealMe Account: Login or create account
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
After receiving Permanent Residency (PR) approval in New Zealand, the visa process involves the following steps:
- Confirmation of PR Approval: Once your PR application is approved, you will receive a formal notification or letter confirming your PR status.
- Apply for PR Visa: With the PR approval, you will need to apply for the PR visa to obtain the physical visa label or confirmation of your PR status.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents as per the instructions provided by Immigration New Zealand. This may include a valid passport, PR approval letter, proof of identity, photographs, medical certificates, police clearance certificates, and other supporting documents.
- Visa Application Form: Complete the relevant visa application form provided by Immigration New Zealand accurately and honestly.
- Pay Visa Application Fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee through the designated payment methods specified by Immigration New Zealand.
- Submit Application: Submit your visa application along with the required documents to the nearest Immigration New Zealand office or online through their official website.
- Application Processing: Your visa application will be processed by Immigration New Zealand. The processing time may vary, so it’s important to check the official processing times on their website.
- Medical Examination and Character Checks: If required, undergo a medical examination and provide character certificates as instructed by Immigration New Zealand.
- Additional Information or Interviews: Immigration New Zealand may request additional information or conduct interviews to verify your eligibility for PR status.
- Visa Decision: You will receive a notification about the decision on your PR visa application. If approved, you will be issued the PR visa, either as a physical visa label in your passport or as an electronic confirmation.
- Travel and Settlement: Once you have obtained your PR visa, you can plan your travel to New Zealand and make necessary arrangements for your settlement, such as finding accommodation, securing employment, and familiarizing yourself with the local processes and requirements.
It is essential to refer to the official website of Immigration New Zealand for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the PR visa process, as requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies
Skilled Migrant Category: This pathway is for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.
Family Category: If you have close family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents, you may be eligible to apply for residency under this category.
Investor Category: This pathway is designed for individuals who are willing to invest a significant amount of money in New Zealand and meet specific investment and business criteria.
Entrepreneur Category: This category is for individuals who have a business idea or an existing business and wish to establish or buy a business in New Zealand.
Residence from Work: If you have been working in New Zealand on a temporary work visa and meet certain criteria, you may be eligible to apply for residency under this category.
Refugee or Protected Person Category: Individuals who have been granted refugee or protected person status in New Zealand may be eligible to apply for residency.
Parent Category: This category allows parents who have adult New Zealand citizen or resident children to apply for residency.
Talent (Accredited Employer) Category: This pathway is for individuals who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer and meet the specific requirements of this category.
It's important to note that each residency category has its own eligibility criteria, requirements, and application processes. It is recommended to consult the official website of Immigration New Zealand for detailed information and to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.