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Getting Pr in New Zealand is easy and difficult at the same time, the key is right guidance. It usually takes 6 to 9 months in New Zealand to obtain PR status after submitting your application. The length of time may differ depending on your case's complexity, the type of visa you apply for, and how quickly immigration is processed.
The first step in the New Zealand PR procedure is evaluating your eligibility based on your age, employment history, and educational background. You must apply via the New Zealand Immigration website, select the relevant visa category (such as the Skilled Migrant Visa), and submit the required paperwork, which includes employment experience and qualifications verification. An Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted, and if chosen, a PR visa application must be made.
Becoming a permanent resident (PR) in New Zealand offers numerous benefits, from a high standard of living to a multicultural environment. If you’re interested in how to get PR in New Zealand, it’s essential to understand the process and advantages that come with it.
One of the primary benefits of obtaining PR in New Zealand is access to public services, including the country's high-quality healthcare and education systems. As a permanent resident, you can enjoy subsidized medical treatments and schooling for your children, ensuring a comfortable and secure lifestyle.
New Zealand offers a thriving job market with opportunities in sectors like IT, healthcare, agriculture, and construction. PR holders have the legal right to work for any employer and engage in business activities, offering flexibility in choosing your career path. If you’re wondering how to get PR in New Zealand, skilled migration is one of the pathways to securing your spot in the workforce.
With PR in New Zealand, you can travel in and out of the country without visa restrictions. You’ll also gain access to visa-free travel to many countries, making it easier to explore the world while enjoying a stable base in New Zealand.
A PR in New Zealand can be your first step toward full citizenship. After holding PR for a certain number of years, you may be eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship, which provides even more benefits, including the right to vote and hold a New Zealand passport.
Permanent residents may qualify for New Zealand’s social security benefits, such as unemployment benefits and pensions, depending on their duration of stay and contribution to the tax system.
New Zealand is known for its peaceful environment, low crime rates, and political stability. As a PR holder, you can enjoy these aspects of life in one of the world's safest countries, making it an ideal place for raising a family.
New Zealand's diverse and inclusive culture ensures a welcoming environment for people from all walks of life. Whether you're from Asia, Europe, or elsewhere, you’ll find communities that celebrate various cultural heritages.
New Zealand promotes a healthy work-life balance, with most companies offering flexible working hours and policies that allow you to spend quality time with your family. This balance is highly valued and adds to the overall appeal of gaining PR in New Zealand.
New Zealand is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, mountains, and national parks. PR holders can fully immerse themselves in outdoor adventures, from hiking to skiing, with easy access to some of the world's most beautiful environments.
The process of how to get PR in New Zealand is relatively straightforward compared to other countries. The New Zealand government offers various pathways to PR, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, Family Sponsorship, and the Investor Visa, making it accessible for qualified candidates.
New Zealand offers an excellent education system with public and private schooling options. As a permanent resident, your children can access free or subsidized education, ensuring their academic development in a supportive environment.
New Zealand’s stable economy and focus on sustainability and innovation offer a solid foundation for personal and professional growth. PR holders benefit from economic resilience and various employment opportunities.
Obtaining a Permanent Residency (PR) in New Zealand (NZ) requires a few stages as of February 2025. Please be aware, however, that New Zealand's immigration laws are subject to frequent change. For the most recent information, it is therefore recommended that you speak with a qualified New Zealand immigration expert like us. Yes, our overseas education consultants will help you to get your Permanent Residency easily. Best ways to get PR for New Zealand:
Please see below the general steps for applying for a permanent resident visa in New Zealand.
The first stage is to ascertain your eligibility based on your age, language competency, in-demand occupation, points score, etc. You can go to the following step and apply for an Expression of Interest (EOI) if you are certain that you meet the requirements to apply for New Zealand PR from India. Please call our New Zealand visa specialists at +91 78775 12818 if you're still unsure.
To request a follow-up contact from our expert, kindly fill out the complimentary New Zealand PR evaluation form.
The next stage in applying for a residency permit in New Zealand is to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). An initial inquiry form (EOI) requires you to submit information about your education, employment history, and other pertinent factors.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) ranks applicants with scores from the pool based on certain variables including income, qualification, employment, and registration if your EOI is successfully submitted. Six-point applicants will be invited to apply for a residency permit.
You have four months from the time you receive the ITA for a New Zealand residence permit (PR) to submit the full application and pay the NZ$ 4890 application fee. and thorough supporting evidence, including identity, credentials, work history, police clearance, receipt for a medical checkup, and other documents.
Immigration New Zealand will process your application. The processing duration varies, and you may be asked to give further information at this step.
After your application has been reviewed, you will receive a decision on your resident visa application. If your application is successful, you will be awarded a visa that allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
If you are not in New Zealand at the time your application is accepted, you have a certain amount of time to go to New Zealand.
However, if you require any additional information or guidance about particular situations, please contact our immigration New Zealand specialist at +91 78775 12818. It's important to remember that New Zealand's immigration laws are subject to change, so for the most up-to-date advice, always check the most recent information or speak with a qualified immigration counselor.
If you have held a New Zealand residence visa for more than two years, you are eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident visa, which grants you the right to remain in New Zealand indefinitely. You will be able to take advantage of all the advantages that come with having a Permanent Resident visa once you have one. The ability to work, study, and receive sponsored medical care in Australia are among the advantages of the visa.
Only if you fulfill the eligibility standards listed below can you be given a Permanent Resident visa if you are the primary applicant's partner or dependant child, even if they haven't become a permanent resident themselves.
Let’s check what the cost of getting a New Zealand PR. The number of applicants in the family, the location, and the mode of payment can all affect the price of a New Zealand residency visa. However, kindly refer to the January 2025 New Zealand residence permit fee. These costs include application fees and other associated costs such as medical exams and police certificates.
| PR Visa Category | Application Fee (NZD) | Additional Costs (Approx.) |
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | $4,920 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Work to Residence | $2,710 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Family Category (Partner/Child) | $2,050 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Investor 1 Visa | $5,280 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Investor 2 Visa | $5,280 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Entrepreneur Visa | $3,720 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Residence from Work (RFW) | $2,710 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
| Parent Residency Visa | $4,980 | - Medical Exam: $500 - $600 - Police Certificates: $50 - $100 |
A New Zealand residency visa takes 6 to 9 months to process. The completeness of your visa application, the accuracy of the information you submit, and the volume of applications being handled at any given moment are some of the variables that affect how long it takes to process a New Zealand PR visa.
Here is the New Zealand processing time as of right now:
| PR Visa Category | Processing Time |
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | 12 - 18 months |
| Work to Residence | 6 - 9 months |
| Family Category (Partner/Child) | 6 - 12 months |
| Investor 1 Visa | 6 - 9 months |
| Investor 2 Visa | 12 - 24 months |
| Entrepreneur Visa | 12 - 24 months |
| Residence from Work (RFW) | 6 - 9 months |
| Parent Residency Visa | 24 - 36 months (due to limited quota each year) |
To apply for New Zealand Permanent Residency (PR) under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), applicants are assessed based on a points system. This system evaluates a range of factors including age, qualifications, work experience, and whether the applicant has a skilled job offer in New Zealand. An applicant must score at least 160 points to be considered eligible for the Expression of Interest (EOI) pool. Here’s how the points are distributed:
Points decrease with age, with younger applicants receiving the highest points.
Bonus Points can be added if your work experience is in New Zealand or in an area of absolute skills shortage.
Higher qualifications earn more points, with PhD holders getting the maximum.
Competent proficiency in English, as measured by an IELTS score of 6.5 bands overall or an equivalent result on an accepted English language proficiency exam, is a prerequisite for a skilled resident visa to New Zealand. Please be aware that all applicants must demonstrate their English language skills if they are 16 years of age or older. However, whether the applicant is primary or secondary (spouse/partner) determines the score criteria.
You can take the following tests to show that you are proficient in the English language.
How to get PR in New Zealand?
Submit an Expression of Interest, meet eligibility criteria, and gain sufficient points for Skilled Migrant Residency.
How can I get PR in New Zealand?
Obtain PR by securing a skilled job, fulfilling points requirements, and applying through Immigration New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category.
How do I get PR in New Zealand?
Apply for PR by meeting work experience, qualification, and age requirements through the points-based Skilled Migrant Category.
How to get Permanent Residence in New Zealand?
Apply for Skilled Migrant Residency, accumulate points through skills, qualifications, and work experience, and meet eligibility criteria.
In conclusion, acquiring PR in New Zealand opens doors to a high quality of life, job flexibility, and a secure future. By learning how to get PR in New Zealand, you can take the first step toward enjoying these benefits. Whether through skilled migration, family sponsorship, or investment, New Zealand’s friendly immigration policies provide a pathway to a fulfilling life in this beautiful country. WayUp Abroad wishing you good luck and here to help you for your new journey. Yes, our expert will help you to get PR in New Zealand without any hassle, contact now!
