Migrate to New Zealand

Skilled Migration to New Zealand

If your occupation is on New Zealand’s Long Term Skills Shortage list, you may be eligible for a skilled visa. The New Zealand immigration Department has developed the Skilled Migration Category (SMC which gives priority to meeting both the needs of migrants and of New Zealand.

The key selection criteria for a skilled visa to New Zealand are age, job, work experience, English skills, having family in New Zealand, spouse skills and having a job offer in New Zealand. You may be bonus points if you have studied in New Zealand; your skill is in “absolute shortage” or you are going to work in an area flagged for future growth.

The cut off age for skilled migration is 55, rather than 45 in Australia.

Business Visa to New Zealand

Migrants who intend to move to New Zealand to establish or grow a business may be eligible for this visa. A short term work permit is initially granted, allowing the migrant to commence the business. After this time, the migrant can apply for a further three year visa. Eligibility for a business visa depends on relevant business experience, providing a sound business plan, having English skills, showing sufficient capital and funds and being able to demonstrate the the growth and potential of the established business.

Partner Migration to New Zealand

If you are living with, or married to, a New Zealand citizen or resident, and can show 12 months of evidence of cohabitation, you can migrate to New Zealand. Evidence must be shown over a range of areas to demonstrate a genuine and ongoing commitment.

Family Visa to New Zealand

You may be able to come to New Zealand if you are sponsored by a family member who is already a New Zealand citizen or resident. The relative may be your partner (as above), your parent, your child, or your sibling. You will need to show that you have the “centre of gravity” of family living in New Zealand. You must also show evidence of the relationship and length of time your relative has lived in New Zealand, as well as the financial and accommodation assistance they can provide. If you are sponsored by a sibling or adult child, you need to have no other siblings or children living in your home country and have an offer of employment.

Working Holiday Visa to New Zealand

This visa gives young people aged between 18 and 30 the opportunity to travel to New Zealand and work during their stay. You can live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, extendable to 23 months if you are from the UK. If you work in the horticulture or viticulture industries for at least three months, you are eligible to obtain an extra three month stay in New Zealand. Eligibility depends on your country of origin, age, sufficient funds to support yourself.

See yourself living in New Zealand under one of the above categories? Complete our free online assessment form as we will provide information on your options.