Key Takeaways:
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers in shortage fields.
- Eligibility includes good character, health, existing work visa, two years of employment, and English proficiency for applicants and family.
- The application process involves forms, fees, and required documents, with a typical processing time of 13 months.
What is the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa in New Zealand?
If you have expertise in a field that New Zealand is actively looking to fill, the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa could be an excellent pathway to permanent residency. This visa offers a pathway for those already holding a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work visa and have been employed in New Zealand for more than two years.
This visa not only allows you to live and work in New Zealand permanently, but it also permits you to include your partner and dependent children in your application. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding every aspect of obtaining this crucial visa.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa?
Good Character and Health
To qualify, you must meet New Zealand’s character and health standards. Specifically, this means you must:
– Provide a police certificate as proof of good character. The certificate should be no older than six months at the time of application.
– Undergo a medical examination and chest x-ray to ensure you are in good health.
Existing Work Visa and Employment
To apply, you must already hold a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work visa. Additionally, you need to have:
– Held the work visa for at least two years.
– Been employed in a job listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List.
– Earned a salary of at least NZ $45,000 annually in this job.
Presence in New Zealand
You must be physically present in New Zealand at the time of application. Immigration New Zealand checks their records to confirm this.
English Language Proficiency
Your partner and any dependent children included in your application must demonstrate proficiency in English. Acceptable evidence includes:
– Test results from recognized English language tests.
– Proof of an English-speaking background.
What Documents Are Required for a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa?
You’ll need several documents to prove your eligibility for the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa:
Identity Proof
- A valid passport or certificate of identity.
- Your full birth certificate.
- Two recent photos of your head and shoulders adhering to NZ visa photo guidelines.
Employment Evidence
You need to show two specific proofs here:
– An employment contract and a summary letter from your employer detailing your role, salary, working hours, and confirmation that your role is ongoing.
– A Summary of Earnings form from New Zealand’s Inland Revenue to prove you meet the minimum salary requirement.
Proof of New Zealand Registration
For certain professions, New Zealand registration is required. If your occupation is one of these, you must provide evidence of full or provisional registration.
How to Apply for a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa?
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
The application process begins with filling out the INZ 1000 form. This is a paper application form, and it must be completed in English using capital letters. Don’t forget to attach the required photos and write your full name on the back of them.
Step 2: Pay the Application Fee
The application fee for this visa is NZD $4,240. This can be paid via Visa or Mastercard. Make sure you have sufficient funds to cover this fee when Immigration New Zealand receives your application; otherwise, it may be returned to you.
Step 3: Gather and Submit Required Documents
Collect all the necessary documents, including your application form and fee receipt. Make sure every required document is included; otherwise, your application will be returned without being processed. You will need to mail your application to the address provided on the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa webpage.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa?
The processing time for a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident visa is approximately 13 months. During this period, Immigration New Zealand may invite you for an interview or ask for additional information.
What are the Fees Involved in Applying?
You need to pay an application fee of NZD $4,240. Unfortunately, this fee is non-refundable if your application is declined.
What Can You Do with a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa?
Once you are granted this visa, you can enjoy several benefits:
– Permanent residency allows you to live in New Zealand indefinitely.
– You can enter and leave New Zealand as often as you like until your travel conditions expire.
– You have the freedom to work for any employer in any profession.
– You are also free to enroll in any study course or institution you choose.
Can I Bring My Family With Me?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children in your application. Dependent children must be 24 years old or younger. They must also meet the identity, character, health, and English language requirements stipulated by Immigration New Zealand.
Specific Requirements for Family Members
Your family members must also go through certain checks:
– Identity Proof: Similar to your documentation, including passports and birth certificates.
– Character and Health: Police certificates and medical examinations.
– English Language Proficiency: They need to provide acceptable English language test results or other proof of an English-speaking background.
What If My Current Visa Expires While Waiting for a Decision?
If your current visa is about to expire while waiting for your residence visa decision, you should apply for a further temporary visa. It’s important to note that you won’t be granted an interim visa to stay in New Zealand during this time.
Additional Information
For more detailed information, you can visit Immigration New Zealand’s official Long Term Skill Shortage List Visa page.
This guide aims to simplify the complex process of applying for the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident visa, but remember to consult the latest requirements and steps from official resources to ensure you meet all current criteria.
By thoroughly preparing and understanding each step, you can improve your chances of successfully obtaining a Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa, paving the way to enjoy the many opportunities and benefits New Zealand has to offer.
Learn Today:
Glossary
1. Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa
A visa allowing individuals with skills that are in high demand in New Zealand to gain permanent residency. Eligible applicants must already hold a Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa and meet specific employment and residency conditions.
2. Good Character and Health Standards
Requirements that applicants must fulfill to qualify for certain visas, including providing a police certificate to demonstrate good character and undergoing a medical examination to prove good health.
3. English Language Proficiency
A requirement for applicants and their family members that can be proven through acceptable test results from recognized English language tests or other valid forms of evidence indicating an English-speaking background.
4. INZ 1000 Form
The paper application form that must be filled out in English, in capital letters, to apply for the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa in New Zealand.
5. Non-refundable Application Fee
The fee required to apply for the Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa, which is NZD $4,240 and is not returned if the application is declined.
This Article In A Nutshell:
The Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa in New Zealand offers a pathway to permanent residency for skilled workers. Requirements include good character, job on the list for two years, annual salary of NZ $45,000, and English proficiency. The process involves documentation, fees, and a 13-month processing period.
— By VisaVerge.com
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