The Straight to Residence Visa and Work to Residence Visa are two pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand for skilled workers.
Straight to Residence Visa
The Straight to Residence Visa is a one-off visa that allows eligible skilled workers to live and work permanently in New Zealand. To be eligible, you must have a job offer for a skilled occupation that is on Tier 1 of the Green List. The Green List is a list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand.
You must also meet the following requirements:
- Have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job offer
- Meet the English language requirements
- Have a good health and character record
If you are eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa, you can apply from either inside or outside of New Zealand.
Work to Residence Visa
The Work to Residence Visa is a two-step pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand.
- Step 1: You must first apply for and obtain a work visa for a skilled occupation that is on Tier 2 of the Green List.
- Step 2: After working in New Zealand for 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List role, you can apply for the Work to Residence Visa.
To be eligible for the Work to Residence Visa, you must also meet the following requirements:
- Have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job offer
- Meet the English language requirements
- Have a good health and character record
If you are eligible for the Work to Residence Visa, you can apply from inside New Zealand.
Which visa is right for you?
The best visa for you will depend on your individual circumstances. If you have a job offer for a skilled occupation that is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you may be eligible for the Straight to Residence Visa. This is the fastest way to get permanent residency in New Zealand.
If you do not have a job offer for a Tier 1 Green List occupation, or if you are not sure if you meet the eligibility requirements for the Straight to Residence Visa, you may want to consider the Work to Residence Visa. This visa gives you the opportunity to work in New Zealand for two years and then apply for permanent residency.
How to apply
To apply for either the Straight to Residence Visa or the Work to Residence Visa, you must submit an online application to Immigration New Zealand. You will need to provide supporting documentation, such as your passport, CV, and job offer.
The processing time for visa applications varies, but you can expect to wait several months for a decision.
Benefits of living and working in New Zealand
New Zealand is a great place to live and work. It has a strong economy, a high standard of living, and a beautiful natural environment. New Zealanders are also known for being friendly and welcoming.
If you are granted a Straight to Residence Visa or a Work to Residence Visa, you will be able to live and work in New Zealand permanently. You will also be able to access the New Zealand public healthcare system and education system.
Conclusion
The Straight to Residence Visa and Work to Residence Visa are two great pathways to permanent residency in New Zealand. If you are a skilled worker and you are interested in living and working in New Zealand, I encourage you to research these visas and see if you are eligible.