Residence Policy, general discussion

This article is about Immigration Policy but it is not a description of policy. In our opinion simplified descriptions of policy are dangerous. If you want to know why we think that, read “Why things go wrong".

“Residence” is sometimes called “Permanent Residence” or “PR”. That is misleading because there are conditions attached to a Residence Visa while the ability to move freely in and out of New Zealand is controlled by a Returning Resident’s Visa (RRV), which is different. (See link below for an article about RRV’s).The fact remains, what ever name is given to it; a Residence Visa is what most migrants want.

Residence status is determined according to a range of categories such as Skilled, Family, Investor, Partner, and so on. Each is discussed separately, with a directory at the foot of this page. Once an application is approved, however, no matter what category was used, all Residence Visas are the same (although some will have special conditions attached.)

No one has a right to Residence; even if they meet all the rules. Each applicant has to demonstrate compliance with all the requirements of the chosen category.

Deciding a residence application can take anything from weeks to years. Some categories get priority while others have quotas that cause long delays. Staffing at Immigration New Zealand can influence processing times. Depending on their nationality, some applicants may be subject to special security checks or document verification that increases delays.

When the decision-maker is finally satisfied that all criteria have been met, an Approval in Principle is given. The applicant then has limited time to pay migrant levies, produce passports, receive visas and settle in New Zealand. Even minor change of circumstance by the applicant or any family member, right up to the last minute, can cause the Approval in Principle to be revoked.

Residence can be reviewed or revoked if the applicant is convicted of a serious crime, if conditions attached to the visa are breached, or if Immigration New Zealand comes to believe that any information on which they relied was not correct. Movement in and out of New Zealand and the right to re-enter after leaving are subject to Returning Resident’s Visa rules.

If a Residence application is declined, there is a right of appeal to the Residence Review Board. This requires payment of further fees, and the presentation of arguments and further delays.

It is in the nature of the system that applicants – even strong ones - are placed somewhat on the back foot. That is true of all modern western democracies, particularly post 9/11. While the New Zealand system is different, it is not significantly worse than Australia, UK, USA or Canada.

space
Read about: Skills Based Policy. Family Policies Partnership Policy	Investor / Business Policies Pacific Policies Returning Resident’s Visa Special Cases


	Contact Malcolm Pacific
	You can contact us from anywhere in the world.
	Free Assessment
	A Malcolm Pacific Assessment will accurately test your eligibility and is recommended for anyone seriously considering applying for residence status.
	Our Services
	Malcolm Pacific is a full service provider. We manage your case in its entirety and can also provide specialist services like Appeals, representation at Tribunals and to the Minister.
	The true cost of migration
	The real cost of immigration, both in cash and emotional terms can be higher than you expect. Make a realistic inventory, to avoid nasty surprises.
	Useful Information
	Plain English information about New Zealand designed to be useful to intending migrants