Residence

Make New Zealand Your Permanent Home

Obtaining New Zealand residence is one of the most significant decisions you will make. It is also one of the most complex processes in the immigration system. Harminder Singh has been helping people achieve New Zealand residence since 2008, and as a resident himself, he understands what it means to make that journey.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category is the primary pathway to permanent residence for people who have the skills New Zealand needs.

How It Works

The SMC uses a points-based system. You claim points based on your:

Points are claimed for

  • Age (must be 55 or under)
  • Qualifications
  • Skilled work experience
  • Current employment in New Zealand
  • Employment outside New Zealand
  • Partner's qualifications or employment (bonus points)

Current selection threshold: INZ is currently inviting applicants with 160 points or above.

The Three-Stage Process

1

Expression of Interest (EOI)

You submit an EOI online claiming your points. EOIs are pooled and selected every two weeks. You need a minimum of 100 points to enter the pool, but currently only EOIs at 160+ points are being selected.

2

Invitation to Apply (ITA)

When your EOI is selected, INZ sends you an Invitation to Apply. You then have 4 months to submit your full residence application with supporting documents: medical certificates, police clearance certificates, IELTS results, employment evidence, and qualifications.

3

Residence Application

Once submitted, INZ assesses your application. Processing typically takes up to 6 months. When approved, you receive your residence visa: the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Who Qualifies

  • Age 55 or under
  • Skilled employment in New Zealand (or a job offer in a skilled role)
  • Relevant qualifications and work experience
  • Meets health and character requirements
  • English language proficiency

Other Residence Pathways

Depending on your situation, there may be other routes to New Zealand residence.

Residence from Work

For workers in certain skilled roles who have been in New Zealand on a work visa.

Partnership Residence

If you are in a genuine, stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident (minimum 12 months together).

Entrepreneur Residence

For business owners who have been operating in New Zealand.

See Business & Investment

Parent Retirement Category

For parents of New Zealand citizens/residents who can invest NZ$1 million for four years.

Why Use a Licensed Adviser for Residence?

Residence applications are scrutinised closely. Documents must be in order, points must be correctly calculated, and any gaps or inconsistencies can cause significant delays or refusals. Harminder Singh has been assessing and submitting residence applications since 2008. His advice is based on real experience with the INZ system, not just the written policy.

"Immigration instructions are ever-changing. A licensed adviser provides up-to-date, individualised advice that generic guidance simply cannot."

Find Out If You Qualify for Residence

Residence applications are too important to get wrong. Contact us for a free assessment of your points and eligibility before you submit.

Get a Free Assessment