How to become permanent resident of New Zealand?

Many Indians want to become permanent resident of developed countries such as New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the USA, etc. However, they lack the knowledge of different methods to acquire the status of Permanent Resident.

With the USA increasing the restriction on Green Card and H1B visas, Indians are exploring prospects in other countries.

Although, Canada is the next most sought option after the USA, immigrating to the country is also becoming difficult due to the rise in the cutoff CRS score needed for Skilled Immigrants.

Due to the fact that New Zealand is one of the developed countries, skilled persons can migrate and become permanent residents of the country.

Criteria for Permanent Resident of New Zealand?

In order to migrate to New Zealand on Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, one should satisfy the following criteria

  1. Age should be less than or equal to 55 years
  2. Should score a minimum of 160 points.

How to calculate points?

Aspirants can calculate their points by using the tool available on immigration website.

The person who satisfies the eligibility criteria can send Expression of Interest (EOI) to become a permanent resident of New Zealand.

After New Zealand immigration accepts EOI, application can be sent within four months.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa holders can stay in the country indefinitely. Visa holders, their spouse and dependent children can live, work and study.

There are other visas too to become the permanent resident of the country such as Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

Geography of New Zealand

New Zealand that can be termed as one of the developed countries is located east of Australia. The country has two major islands viz., North Island and South Island. Apart from major islands, it has around 600 smaller islands.

The famous cities of the country are Wellington, capital and Auckland, most populous city.

International relations

The country has good relations with numerous countries. It is a member of the various organization including

  1. The United Nations
  2. Commonwealth of Nations
  3. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation
  4. The Pacific Community
  5. The Pacific Islands Forum
  6. Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
  7. ANZUS
  8. ASEAN Plus Six

Polity

Apart from constitutional monarchy (Head of the State is Hereditary Monarch and not an elected one), the country has parliamentary democracy.

New Zealand parliament consists of House of Representative and Queen of New Zealand.

The Queen of the UK is also the Queen of New Zealand. In order to represent her, she appoints Governor-General on the advice of Prime Minister of New Zealand.

Although Governor General is just a Head of the State, power lies with the Prime Minister and Ministers. New Zealand Parliament is supreme over Crown.

Language and religion

In the country, the most predominant language and religion are English and Christianity respectively. However, the society of the country is most secular in the world.

Among the ethnic groups, the country has highest percentage of European (71.8 percent) followed by Maori (16.5 percent) and Asian (15.3 percent).