New Zealand and Australian citizens (subject to good character requirements) do not need to apply for Residence in New Zealand as they have the automatic right to reside in New Zealand.

Your application for residence in New Zealand may be under one of the following Categories:

• The Skilled Migrant Category
• Work to Residence Category
• Business Category
• Family Category 
• International / Humanitarian
• Other

Under the first category, a job offer is not required, however, a job offer or a job will help you obtain more points under this category.  Under the second category a job offer in a qualifying occupation is required.

Please click on Site Links if you would like a list of Job /  Recruitment Agencies to assist you with your job search.

If a family wishes to obtain residence a “Principal Applicant” needs to apply under one of the categories above. The spouse or de facto partner and any dependant children can be included in the residence application of the Principal Applicant. If applying as a spouse or de facto partner it is necessary to meet the minimum requirements of partnership.

Necessary Documents

(a) Identity: Passport photos (x 2), passports, full birth certificates.

(b) Health: Recent medical and chest x-ray certificates.

(c) Good Character: Recent Police certificates for persons over 17 for every country you have lived in for more than 12 months within the past 10 years.

(d) English Language: Evidence of English language ability is required under some categories. If an applicants English language is poor he/she may be permitted to pre-purchase English language tutoring to satisfy the English language requirements.

(e) Partnership: Marriage certificates if married.  If in a de facto relationship then you will need to provide enough evidence to satisfy a visa or immigration officer that you are living together in a genuine and stable relationship and have been for 12 months or more.