Visa Categories
The following information provides a brief overview of the visa categories which our clients require advice and assistance with. If you require more specific and detailed advice, please contact our Immigration Consultant simon@sis.org.nz
Student Visa PolicyThe purpose of this policy is to grant temporary residence to persons who wish to study in New Zealand. To apply for a student visa/permit to attend a tertiary course of study of three months or more a person must:
have an offer of placement in an approved course with a tertiary education provider that satisfies policy requirements, and
have paid course fees or received exemption on fees, and
have a guarantee of accommodation (home stay, rental house, etc), and
if studying for more than 12 months, submit a medical and chest x-ray certificate, and
if studying for more than 24 months, and over 17 years of age, provide a police certificate.
Graduate Job Search Work Visa/Permit
International students who have successfully completed a course of study (level 5 or higher) may apply under this category. Currently, international students are entitled to apply for a three months visitor's visa when their student visa expires. Before that visa expires they may apply for a Graduate Job Search Work Visa/Permit, which is valid for one year. During this nine month period international students are entitled to look for work.
General Work Visa PolicyAll New Zealand employers seeking to employ non-New Zealand workers or students must comply with all employment and immigration laws. Therefore, you can feel confident in the knowledge that you are fully protected by the laws of New Zealand when you are an employee.
For an application under this category an applicant must:
have an offer of employment in an occupation which is identified under the current Immediate Skills Shortage List or the current Long Term Skill Shortage List; or
have an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer who has received approval in principle from Immigration NZ to recruit overseas workers; or
have an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer who can provide evidence to Immigration NZ that there is no suitable (qualified or experienced) New Zealand citizen or resident available for that position; or
meet alternative criteria specified in Immigration NZ policy.
Skilled Migrant Category Policy
The object of this policy is to grant residence to persons who can demonstrate that they have identified skills and abilities to benefit and contribute to the New Zealand economy. Those persons must also show that they will be able to successfully settle in New Zealand. Before applying for residence under this category a person should first assess their points to establish their ranking. Persons with a point score of 100 points or more should consider making an Expression of Interest application. No supporting documentation is required when completing this application. This application is entered into a pool which contains four different classes. These classes of skilled migrants are categorised as follows:
Class one — those claiming 140 points which includes an offer of skilled employment.
Class two — those claiming 140 points with no offer of skilled employment.
Class three — those claiming 100 – 135 points which includes an offer of employment.
Class four — those claiming 100 – 135 with no offer of skilled employment.
When a persons Expression of Interest application is chosen and assessed by Immigration NZ, and they conclude that the application is good, then Immigration NZ will invite that person to apply for residence. It is at this stage that a person's claim to points will be further examined in light of all supporting documentation which will be included in that application.
When a person is issued a residence visa, they must still satisfy some requirements to ensure they remain a New Zealand resident.
For example if a person claimed points for an offer of skilled employment, that person must take that job up within three months of being granted that permit. In addition, the person must also stay in that job for at least three months and provide Immigration NZ with evidence to that effect within seven months of being granted the first residence permit.
If a person received points for already having a skilled job that they have held for less than three months, then they must stay in that job until the three month period is up.
Thinking about emigrating to New Zealand?
Click here to take our free assessment questionnaire http://www.sis.org.nz/freeassessment.php