Study to Work Category

If you are studying in New Zealand and you want to stay and work here after you have completed your studies, you may be eligible for a work visa under the Study to Work category.

Post-Study Work Visa (Open)

If you are a student who has completed a qualification or qualifications in New Zealand, but you do not have a job offer, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa - open for a maximum of 12 months. Then, when you have found a job, you can apply for a further visa for up to two or three years under the Study to Work category.

Post-Study Work Visa (Employer Assisted)

If you are a student with an offer of employment relevant to your qualification, you may be eligible for a work visa and for a maximum period of:

• 2 years; or
• 3years, if you are working towards obtaining a membership or registration from a New Zealand professional association which requires more than two years of relevant practical work experience.

Your application for a work visa must be made no later than 3months (6 months if you have completed a doctoral qualification) after the end date of your student visa for that programme of study or qualification, unless you hold a Post-study work visa (open).

CLICK HERE to check your eligibility for free.

Work

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

This category is designed to attract qualified professionals and tradespeople who can contribute their valuable skills towards the New Zealand economy and society. SMC is a points-based system whereby points are awarded based on several factors including age, experience, employability and qualifications. Additional points can be awarded for skills in an area of shortage, or where a spouse/partners holds suitable qualifications. There are no points for English language ability but you are expected to have competent English language skills in order to meet policy criteria.

If you are aged between 21 and 55, have either a diploma, trade certificate, bachelor’s degree or master’s degree and you have been working in your profession for at least two years, OR if you don’t have a qualification but have extensive experience in your skilled occupation it’s worth checking your eligibility to qualify under SMC category for New Zealand residency.

If your talents are needed by New Zealand employers, or you have exceptional talent in the arts, culture or sports, you can apply to work in New Zealand under the Work to Residence category.

CLICK HERE to check your eligibility for a Work Visa for free.

INVEST

New Zealand’s business migration categories are designed to contribute to economic growth, attracting ‘smart’ capital and business expertise to New Zealand, and enabling experienced business people to buy or establish businesses in New Zealand.

Investor Plus (Investor 1 Category)

If you want to invest at least NZ$10 million in New Zealand, and you would like to apply for New Zealand residence, the Investor Plus category could be the best option for you. Under this category, you can submit a residence application directly.

Investor Category (Investor 2 Category)

If you want to invest at least NZ$1.5 million in New Zealand, and you would like to apply for New Zealand residence, the Investor Category could be an option for you. Immigration New Zealand can approve a maximum of 300 residence applications per year under the Investor Category. 

Entrepreneur Work Visa Category

If you are an experienced business person and you want to be self-employed in your own business in New Zealand, applying for a work visa under the Entrepreneur Work Visa Category may be an option for you.

 An Entrepreneur Work Visa will enable you to move to New Zealand and buy or establish your own business. It could be the first step on your pathway to applying for residence in New Zealand under the Entrepreneur Residence Category.

CLICK HERE to check evaluate your options for free.

LIVE

Family Categories

Immigration New Zealand offers a range of family categories to help partners, dependent children and parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to come to live in New Zealand:

Partner – you are the husband, wife, defacto or civil union partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Dependent child – you are a dependent child with a parent who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Parent – you have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.

CLICK HERE to check your eligibility for free.

APPEALS AGAINST DECLINED DECISIONS

There are occasions when Immigration New Zealand may decline applications. There is scope for declined decisions to be challenged if there are sufficient compelling and substantial reasons to argue the decision.

There are different avenues available to either apply for re-consideration (mainly on temporary visa applications) or to go to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT) as well as requesting special directions from Minister of Immigration. Not all declined applications can be challenged as INZ officers do exercise due diligence when declining an application, therefore you need specialist advice to check whether it’s worth applying for reconsideration or review by IPT.

CONTACT US now for a solution.

EMPLOYER ACCREDITION

If you are a New Zealand employer who is unable to find suitably qualified and/or experienced New Zealand workers can apply for employer accreditation to supplement your workforce. Once accredited, you can recruit non-New Zealand citizen or resident workers. 

CONTACT US now to discuss your needs.