Types of visa in Auckland
As a small country in a far-off corner of the world, New Zealand welcomes immigrants to boost their population and workforce. However, New Zealand Immigration officials are choosy about the type of immigrants they allow in. Preference is given to those who are English-speaking, educated, and have work experience or qualifications in areas where there is a national shortage. A premium is also placed on youth, as New Zealand prefers immigrants who will contribute to the economy rather than take from it.
There are several visa types to choose from that will allow you to visit short term, long term or stay permanently in New Zealand:
Working
- Temporary Work Visas – Last from 1 to 3 years. A great visa to get if you’re not sure about making NZ your permanent home yet and want to ‘try out’ living in New Zealand.
- Work to Residency Visas – You start to qualify for residency from day 1 of your visa being issued, and after a pre-defined period can apply for permanent residency. If you are not sure you will qualify for a full resident visa straight away, then this can be a useful stepping stone.
- Resident Visas – If you have decided you want to make NZ your permanent home, this is the visa to apply for.
- Working Holiday Visa – The length of visa you can apply for depends upon your country of origin, but generally this visa allows people between the ages of 18 and 30 to work and travel in NZ for up to 12 months. UK Nationals can stay in NZ for up to 23 months on this visa.
Investing
- Long Term Business Visa – This is similar to the work to residency visa; it offers a 3 year work to residency allowing you to be self employed.
- Entrepreneur Visa – If you are running a successful business in New Zealand, that you started, then you can apply for residency.
- Entrepreneur Plus Visa – If you have at least NZ$0.5million to invest in setting up and running a new business in New Zealand.
- Investor and Investor Plus Visas – If you can invest more than NZ$1.5 million in New Zealand.
Studying
- Student Visa – These allow you to stay in New Zealand whilst studying full time.
- Working Holiday Visa – The length of visa you can apply for depends upon your country of origin, but generally this visa allows people between the ages of 18 and 30 to work and travel in NZ for up to 12 months. UK Nationals can stay in NZ for up to 23 months on this visa.
Holidaying
- Visitor Visa – If you are from a visa waiver country, no visa is required in advance of your arrival, otherwise you can apply online. Visitor visas allow you to stay in NZ for up to 6 months.
For detailed information and help obtaining the visa that is right for you, visit http://www.immigration.govt.nz. New Zealand immigration agents are extremely helpful when it comes to navigating the system. Once you begin the process, you will be assigned a caseworker who will guide you through the process of obtaining the visa that’s right for you.
Immigration and visa rules change fairly often, so it is a good idea to check the NZ Immigration website prior to travelling to New Zealand.
