In today's interconnected world, the value of a passport goes beyond just facilitating international travel. It symbolises the freedom of movement and reflects a country's openness to the global community.
When you become a New Zealand citizen, you not only join the vibrant social and cultural fabric of the country but also gain a multitude of privileges that make it an ideal place to call home.
The Henley Passport Index, a widely recognized ranking system, has been tracking the travel freedom of different passports, shedding light on the ever-changing landscape of global mobility. New Zealand, with its picturesque landscapes and thriving tourism industry, holds a position of prominence on this index.
Over the years, New Zealand has witnessed a steady climb on the Henley Passport Index. Starting at seventh place, Kiwi passport holders now share the fifth spot with 187 visa-free destinations out of a total of 227. This rise can be attributed to New Zealand's commitment to fostering global relationships and facilitating international travel for its citizens. This recognition places New Zealand in the company of some of the world's most powerful passports. As a comparison Singapore is now the most powerful passport in the world, with its citizens able to visit 192 travel destinations out of 227 around the world visa-free.
As a New Zealand citizen and passport holder, you enjoy the unrestricted freedom to live, work, and travel in and out of the country, without any limitations. Additionally, you gain access to the same government, social, and educational rights and benefits as someone born within its borders.
While obtaining New Zealand permanent residency comes with a host of advantages and privileges, the benefits of New Zealand citizenship are even more extensive. As a New Zealand citizen, you gain access to the full economic and social rights enjoyed by those born in the country, unlocking more opportunities. Here are some of the key benefits that set New Zealand citizenship apart from permanent residency:
New Zealand citizenship opens up a world of unrestricted travel opportunities. Holding a New Zealand passport allows you to travel to numerous countries visa-free or with easy visa-on-arrival options. This freedom of movement enables you to explore diverse cultures, experience new horizons, and enrich your life with international experiences.
As New Zealand citizens, individuals can explore an array of job opportunities and career paths throughout the country. They enjoy the freedom to pursue diverse professions, unlocking their potential for greater income and professional growth.
New Zealand citizens are granted access to comprehensive social benefits, encompassing healthcare, education, housing, and various social services. This safety net ensures the well-being and security of individuals and their families, fostering a strong sense of support within the community.
A significant perks of New Zealand citizenship is the ability to visit, live, and work in Australia at your convenience. Holding a New Zealand passport grants you automatic eligibility for a Special Category Visa upon your arrival in Australia. This means that should you ever consider relocating for work purposes, the process of moving to Australia becomes straightforward and hassle-free.
Becoming a New Zealand citizen grants you the right to participate in the country's democratic processes. You gain the privilege to vote in national elections and have a say in shaping the nation's future through your voice and vote.
While the process of becoming a New Zealand citizen is relatively straightforward, you must first become a resident of New Zealand whilst also meeting specific criteria like time spent in the country, age, language and good character requirements. The length of time it takes a migrant to become eligible for citizenship also depends on the pathway visas they take to gain residency.
In our article on how to apply for citizenship find more in depth information on the process. Otherwise, get in touch with us for a free consultation if you need to understand which work to residence visa pathway could be right for you.
Malcolm Pacific are experienced immigration advisers who provide personalised advice and guidance for your situation. We can answer any questions and help you navigate the stress free immigration system in New Zealand.
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Our highly experienced licensed Immigration team will take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of New Zealand Immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our employer team is on standby, ready to help.
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Today the government announced a pathway to residence for migrant workers who are living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave who are eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else they will miss out on this one off opportunity.
Today the government announced a pathway to residence for people living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave eligible to apply. The second wave can apply from 1 March 2022. The deadline to lodge an application is 31 July 2022 or else you miss the boat.
The government has moved the introduction of the new employer accreditation process across to mid-2022. At the same time, the Minister of Immigration announced new work visa rules for migrant workers who are already in New Zealand and working full time.
The government has increased the median wage to $27 per hour from 19 July. Any Skilled Migrant residence application lodged after this date will need to include a skilled job offer that pays at least $27 per hour. For some lower-skilled occupations, the minimum pay rate increases to $40.50 per hour.
From 19 July 2021
From 30 June 2021
Employers of migrant workers must become accredited from 1 November 2021 before work visa applications can be processed. Most employers are not accredited. Those that are accredited will have to roll into the new system when it goes live in late September.
From mid-2020 (delayed)
Skilled occupation "Dairy Cattle Farmer" spilt into three occupations. New occupations are: "Dairy Farm Manager", "Assistant Dairy Farm Manager" and "Dairy Herd Manager". Each sit at different skill levels, therefore, the award of points will depend on pay rates, job tasks and other requirements.
From 15 February 2021
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool for six months (to be reviewed in April 2021). Invitations to Apply for Residence remain suspended. The last selection from the Skilled Migrant pool took place on 18/03/2020.
From 7 October 2020
The government added four new occupations that are now regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. These are:
Aged or disabled carer, Bicycle mechanic, Driller and Nursing Support worker.
From 27 July 2020
Anyone invited by Immigration NZ to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category where their invitation is dated between 1 November 2019 and 15 April 2020 (inclusive) has now been granted an additional six months to lodge their residence application.
From 27 May 2020
The government has deferred the fortnightly selection of Expressions of Interest from the Skilled Migrant pool. This means Invitations to Apply for Residence are also suspended. Malcolm Pacific Immigration does not anticipate selections to resume until after the general election held on 17 October 2020.
Immigration NZ is now prioritising Skilled Migrant Residence applications where the main (principal) applicant meets the criteria:
From 24 February 2020
From 7 October 2019
The government recently added more occupations that are now to be regarded as skilled employment and may qualify for job offer points under the Skilled Migrant Category. In order to qualify for points, the job must be paying at least the current median wage (or higher for certain occupations) at the time the residence application is lodged.
From 1 November 2021
From 1 November 2021 anyone who is not a NZ citizen must be fully vaccinated (unless exempt) before travelling to New Zealand. Fully vaccinated means your last dose of vaccine was given at least 14 days before travelling and it was an approved vaccine.
Applications for employer accreditation closed at the end of June 2021. Applications lodged before the closure date are still being processed. New applications for accreditation open on 9 May 2022. The process will be quite different to what employers have experienced in the past. Businesses will need to meet minimum standards.
Wednesday, 1 December is fast approaching and it is estimated that around 16,000 individuals and families can apply in the first wave for the 2021 Resident Visa opening next month. It is exciting for the thousands of people who have been waiting patiently to become residents that finally the finish line is in sight.
The first wave of applicants can apply from 1 December 2021. Around 16,000 applications are expected in this first wave. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. In total, the government expects approximately 110,000 applications that will include about 165,000 people.
The second group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 March 2022 are those who hold an eligible work visa and either meet "Settled", "Skilled" or "Scarce" as set out above. In total Immigration NZ estimate around 110,000 people will qualify to apply for this visa.
The first group of workers who can apply online for the 2021 Resident Visa that opens on 1 December 2021 are those that on 29/09/2021:
Is this the only requirement to qualify for residence? No. In addition to the eligible work visa criteria workers also need to be regarded as one of the following:
People who were lawfully in NZ (or in Australia when the travel bubble closed between April and July 2021) on 29/09/2021 need to meet the visa eligibility criteria:
The government has introduced a limited pathway to residence for people who are already living and working in New Zealand. Applications open on 1 December 2021 for the first wave of people eligible to apply. The second wave opens on 1 March 2022. The deadline to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa is 31 July 2022.
A small number of critical health workers (taking up jobs for six months or longer) or specialist workers (taking up jobs that are for longer than six months) who were granted border exemptions may also have eligibility for the 2021 Resident Visa. They will need to have arrived in NZ and lodge a 2021 Resident Visa application.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
*Excludes high-risk countries.
The work visa categories set to close are:
In order to address labour shortages in New Zealand's crucial industries the NZ government has implemented a "Green List" of sought-after high-skill occupations. This list offers a prioritised pathway to residency.
There are qualification and/or occupational registration requirements to meet. Occupations are broken down into two tiers:
The recent additions in May 2023 across many sectors can be found here