New Zealand immigration India | Your A-Z guide!

New Zealand immigration India | What is permanent residency status? 

The New Zealand PR permits you to stay in the country indefinitely for living, working, or studying and gives you access to most of the same protections as a legal resident of New Zealand. After two straight years on a resident visa, you will be eligible to apply for a permanent residence visa in New Zealand. It is important to know the New Zealand immigration India process if you want to live there. 

Every year, thousands of Indians journey to New Zealand to pursue various opportunities, including permanent residency. From India, New Zealand’s permanent residency is the most sought-after option in the Asian region. Let’s dive deeper into what the New Zealand immigration process from India entails for nationals, including the advantages and procedures available to them. 

New Zealand immigration India | Types of New Zealand visas 

Individuals and groups can choose from various visa alternatives to enter New Zealand, including those mentioned below- 

1. Tourist or visitor visa 

It allows a single traveler or a large group to enter the nation for a limited time for tourism, family visits, or recreational purposes. This non-work visa allows a maximum stay of 9 months and does not let its holder engage in gainful employment during that time. 

2. Sports or artist visa 

This tourist visa subclass is issued to those coming to the nation to participate in sports or artistic events. The visa allows them to work in the country for a specific time, and they are also eligible for compensation. 

3. Student or study visa 

It is made for people who want to attend school or college in New Zealand. A person can enroll in either a short-term or a long-term program. This visa permits them to work if accepted to a specific school. 

4. Work visa 

Individuals who intend to work in the country are eligible for this visa. Possessing the necessary skills and fulfilling the requirements are prerequisites for obtaining them. Officials may want proof of employment before approving the visa. 

5. Investor visa 

It is intended for those who plan to make substantial investments in the country’s economy. It paves the way for business owners to settle in New Zealand, which benefits them and the country as a whole. 

6. Partner or child visa 

Those eligible are the spouse and children of a New Zealand resident. It’s on a case-by-case basis, but it’s available to people who need to be in the country to support their partner. 

New Zealand immigration India | New Zealand visa fees 

The visa application fee is determined by the applicant’s country of origin and the purpose of their travel. The cost of immigration to New Zealand from India is detailed in the table below. 

Visa Category	Visa Fee (NZ$) Immigration Charge (NZ$)
Family	1,670 280
Skilled Migrant	2,505 580
Investor Plus	4,165 580
PR Visa	190 NA
Other Residence Visa	1,670 NA
Visitor Visa	170 14
Student Visa	280 17
Work Visa	375 38
Tourist Visa	85 10

New Zealand immigration India | How to immigrate to New Zealand from India? 

You can submit your application for a New Zealand visa from India in one of three ways-

1. SMC (Skilled Migration Category) 

Permanent residency and employment in New Zealand are available to those who qualify under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). To determine if you meet the requirements for this visa, you must use a point system. The points are based on your most important profile facts like age, education, work experience, etc. 

2. Family category visa 

Suppose you are the spouse, partner, parent, or dependent child of a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen. In that case, you may qualify for permanent residency in New Zealand through one of several family visa categories. You’ll need a relative in New Zealand to sponsor your permanent residency. 

3. Business and investment 

This section is for those who want to positively impact New Zealand’s economic growth and development through business and investment in the country. In this vein, we find two primary classifications: 

1. Investor category: Individuals interested in applying for permanent residency in New Zealand based on their investment in a New Zealand business fall under the investor category. Choose the Investor or Investor Plus application type to proceed with this route. 

2. Entrepreneur category: If you want to start your own business in New Zealand, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Work Visa. After two years (or six months, in certain circumstances) of self-employment under this visa in New Zealand, you will be eligible to apply for permanent residency. 

New Zealand immigration India | New Zealand visa requirements 

You’ll need to meet several criteria to obtain a visa to enter New Zealand- 

1. Character 

An individual applying for this position must have good moral character and no criminal records. This elementary requirement serves to protect the safety of all citizens. 

2. Duration 

The applicant should have a firm grasp on how long they intend to remain in the nation. One must be mindful of the visa’s limited stay term. 

3. Tickets 

The applicant must show that they have returned home. Thus, round-trip tickets may be required as evidence. 

4. Funds 

Applicants need to save enough cash to visit New Zealand for their stay. Evidence of travel funding will be required. You can meet the bare minimum with this sum. 

Key takeaways 

• There is no crime, personal violence, and strife between different populations in New Zealand, making it one of the safest and most secure places. 
• If you want immigration from New Zealand to India permanently under the SMC category, you’ll need to score a certain number of points. 
• New Zealand’s labor market is experiencing a shortfall, and the country actively seeks foreign workers to fill these positions. 

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog. In case of any queries, reach out to us or drop a comment below!

Like this blog? Then read- Countries that offer post-study work visa to Indian students

FAQs 

Q1. Do I have any fee exemptions as an Indian? 

Answer – Unfortunately, India is not one of the nations whose citizens are exempted from paying the application fee. 

Q2. I have an old snapshot of me. Can I include that in my application?

Answer – A photo older than six months old will not be accepted with the application.

Q3. What form should I use to apply for a New Zealand visa? 

Answer – You must complete the form INZ 1017, available for download online or at New Zealand Visa Application Centres.