Apply for entry to Work to Residence in New Zealand
New Zealand is experiencing an exciting and enticing period of growth right now, and it couldn't be easier for you to move down here and be a part of this friendly, beautiful country. Under the New Zealand Work-to-Residence Programme, gaining residency is practically as easy as finding a job. And just like a job, there are a few basic requirements you will have to meet before applying for a Work-to-Residence Visa or Permit.
Criteria to work to residence in New Zealand
Firstly, your desire to work in New Zealand must be genuine – a work permit is not simply a way to extend a pleasure trip. Secondly, your passport must be valid for at least three months past the end of your stay in New Zealand. And finally, you must be of good health and good character to enter the country. This means that you must be free of communicable diseases and have a clean criminal record that contains no major convictions. You must also be sure to obtain the proper and valid visa for your trip.
You may apply before or after arrival in New Zealand
It is possible to apply for a work permit after you have entered the country, but you must have a valid, current visa for your entire stay. If applying from inside New Zealand, you cannot already be employed, but must be genuine in your desire to seek employment. If you are not already in New Zealand, there are several policies pertaining to several different circumstances which would enable you to apply for Work-to-Residence Visa.
Alternatively consider starting your own business
The Long-Term Business Visa/Permit will allow you to enter the country for the purpose of starting your own business and eventually establishing residency. Acceptance of this application will result in the issue of a nine-month work permit, after which additional permits may be applied for. A job offer from an employer in New Zealand or the relocation of your current job to New Zealand, along with meeting the other basic requirements, will also most often result in the granting of a work permit/visa. This process is especially streamlined if your occupation is on the semi-annually updated Long-Term Skill Shortage List. A less widely-available but still valid way of working towards residence in New Zealand is through an exceptional and recognised ability in the arts, culture, or sports. Obtaining a work visa/permit for this reason requires sponsorship from a nationally reputed organisation.
Once two years are over you can become a permanent resident
After working for two years through any of these programmes, you may continue to apply for additional work permits and visa, or you may apply for residency if you meet certain salary requirements. You must be under the age of 56 in order to become a resident of New Zealand, however if you are planning on a long-term relocation, you need to start working in the country no later than your 53rd year (allowing you to work for the required two years before applying for residency). If you meet all of the requirements, however, the odds are very good that your application for residency will be approved, and New Zealand will become your official new home.