Residency

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This visa is the final step in the Partnership Visa stream. It allows you to become a New Zealand Resident if you have a partner who is a New Zealand Citizen or Resident visa holder. 

Similar to the temporary partnership-based applications, you will need to meet certain requirements to be granted a residence visa - these are in addition to:

• health requirements
• character requirements
• your partner's immigration status
• the circumstances of any dependent children

The minimum length of time a couple must live together is 12 months, and during that period, you need to be able to provide evidence that you have been living together in a genuine and stable relationship. 

The evidence provided must show:

• how long you have been together
• how long you have been living together 
• that you share financial responsibilities 
• that you share other responsibilities 
• you spend time together, e.g., photos, emails, social media conversations, between you. 
• that other people recognize your relationship
• evidence of the wider community recognising your relationship.

To be eligible for this residence pathway, you must be working for or hold a job offer for an Accredited Employer. 

Aswell as this you must also:

• hold an Accredited Employer work visa or another type of work visa such as an Essential Skills work visa, or post-study work visa.
• Meet acceptable employment requirements as listed for the Tier 2 Green List occupation.
• Have completed at least 24 months of work in New Zealand in this occupation.  

When making the application you must ensure that you submit all required evidence including:

• Police Certificate
• Medical Certificate
• Evidence of English Language Standards
• Acceptable employment 
• that the requirements on the Green List are met

If you are a parent of a New Zealand Citizen or Resident you can apply to live in New Zealand permanently. 

The NZ Citizen or Resident adult child acts as a sponsor for this visa, and is required to meet a specific income threshold, among the general requirements for applying for a visa with Immigration New Zealand. 

There are 2 steps for applications in this category:

1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

2. If chosen from the ballot, apply for a Parent Resident Visa

These are chosen by ballot every 3 months Immigration New Zealand randomly selects EOI's from the pool and if selected, they are then invited to apply for a Parent Resident Visa.