The Immigration Lawyer 
Immigrating to New Zealand requires careful planning, especially when it comes to choosing the right visa. Depending on the purpose of your trip—whether it’s work, study, or joining family—you’ll need to apply for a visa that suits your specific situation. Let’s break down the main types of New Zealand visas and figure out which one might be the best for you.
1. **Work Visas**
Work visas allow foreigners to legally work in New Zealand. Often, securing a job offer from a New Zealand employer is necessary to obtain these visas. Here are the common types of work visas:
- **Essential Skills Work Visa**. This visa is for those with a job offer in a role that has a skill shortage. Employers must prove that there are no suitable local candidates for the position, opening the opportunity for foreigners.
- **Accredited Employer Work Visa**. Issued to individuals hired by accredited employers, this visa is valid for up to three years and can eventually lead to permanent residency.
- **Working Holiday Visa**. Aimed at young people (usually between 18 and 30 years old), this visa allows short-term work while traveling in New Zealand.
2. **Student Visas**
New Zealand is an attractive destination for students, thanks to its high-quality education system. To get a student visa, you’ll need confirmation of enrolment from a recognized educational institution. The primary student visas include:
- **Student Visa**. This visa is granted for the duration of your studies at a New Zealand university, institute, or college. It also allows you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full-time during holidays.
- **Pathway Student Visa**. This visa allows you to study at three different institutions over five years without needing to reapply for each stage of your studies.
3. **Family Visas**
For those wanting to join family members already living in New Zealand, there are various family visa options:
- **Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa**. This visa is for the partners (spouses or civil partners) of New Zealand citizens or residents. You can apply either from within New Zealand or overseas.
- **Parent Retirement Visa**. If your children are New Zealand citizens or permanent residents, you may apply for this visa, provided you meet the financial requirements for self-sufficiency.
#### 4. **Investor Visas**
Investor visas offer an opportunity to live and work in New Zealand in exchange for significant financial investments into the country’s economy:
- **Investor 1 Category Visa**. Requires an investment of at least NZD 10 million over three years. This option is for high-net-worth individuals.
- **Investor 2 Category Visa**. Requires an investment of NZD 3 million over four years and is available to those with considerable capital.
5. **Residence via Skilled Employment**
This visa category is suitable for individuals with in-demand skills and work experience. One of the most popular visas under this category is the **Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa**, which allows skilled workers to apply for residency.
- To apply, you must accumulate enough points based on factors like age, qualifications, work experience, and job offers in New Zealand.
Conclusion
The type of visa you need depends on your purpose for staying in New Zealand—whether it’s for work, study, or reuniting with family. New Zealand’s immigration system offers a wide range of visas to meet various needs. Before applying, make sure to carefully review the requirements and prepare all necessary documentation.
Which visa is right for you? If you have any questions or would like to share your own visa experience, feel free to comment below!