There are a variety of different visas available for visiting and living in New Zealand. Like Australia, New Zealand works on a points system for its many different visas.
Student Visas
If you want to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you will need a student visa. You must show the New Zealand government that you’ve been accepted for an approved course, and, you have enough money to support yourself while you’re studying.
All prospective international students need to undergo a medical to show they are fit and healthy. If students intend to come to New Zealand for over two years, they will also need to have a police check and have character references.
Students are allowed to work for up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during the holidays. If you work more than this, your visa will be revoked. If you want to stay in New Zealand after you have finished your studies, you can apply for a Post-Study Work Visa.
Partner of a New Zealand Resident Visa
If your partner is a New Zealand resident or citizen, you are allowed to apply for a visa which will give you the opportunity to live and work indefinitely in New Zealand. You can include any dependent children, aged 24 or under, in your visa application.
Child of a Worker Visitor Visa
If you have been granted a work visa, any children 19 and under can join you in New Zealand. Your children will not be allowed to work but they can attend school for a period of 3 months. Note that this visa doesn’t apply to children of people on a Working Holiday Visa.
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
Parents and grandparents can apply for a visa which gives them the opportunity to visit their family many times on the same visa. Each visit has a maximum time limit of 6 months and a total stay time of 18 months in a three year period.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
If your partner is studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a work visa which will allow you to work and live in the country for the duration of your partner’s visa. You are also allowed to study for up to 3 months during that time.
Parent Retirement Resident Visa
If you wish to join your adult children who are resident in New Zealand, you will need to have an annual income of NZ $60,000, plus NZ $1 million to invest for 4 years and NZ $500,000 to live on. On completion of the 4 years, you will be able to apply for permanent residence. This will allow you to live, work and study in New Zealand. There are a variety of visas available covering various family scenarios.
Business and Investment
Investor visas are an excellent route to permanent residency and citizenship. Full details can be found here. There are two different visas: –
Investor Visa (Investor 2 Category) requires you to invest NZ $3 million over a 4 year period.
Investor Plus Visa (Investor 1 category) requires you to invest NZ $10 million over a 3 year period.
To find out more about international removals to New Zealand check out our ultimate guide to moving to New Zealand.
John Mason International provide all services for international removals to New Zealand.
