Migration to New Zealand

Dreaming of migrating to New Zealand?

The New Zealand Government has a range of migration policies including:

Working holiday visa

Are you aged 18-30 and want to give New Zealand a go? Did you know that the working holiday visa is now valid for two years? 1st Contact's migration team can help you apply for a real life changing experience.

General skilled migration

The New Zealand Immigration Service (NZIS) currently operate a skilled migrant category. The scheme is based on an applicant's skill base, and points are accumulated for various factors. All applicants are then entered into a pool, where the NZIS will select as many candidates as are required at that particular time. Under this new scheme it is vital that applicants are aware of the selection criteria and that they explore all possible avenues for obtaining points.

Family migration

The purpose of this category is to strengthen families and communities while reinforcing the Government's overall immigration objectives. This includes spouse, de facto partner, family quota and parent migration. Applications under partner policy are determined by an applicants 'genuine and stable' relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident. When making applications of this type it is important that the right evidence is produced, in order to make the application process as smooth as possible.

Work visa or permit

The New Zealand work visa aims for NZ employers to have access to global skills and knowledge. The objective is to allow NZ employers to recruit temporary workers from abroad to meet employment shortages which can not be met in New Zealand whether seasonal or long term. The candidate will need to have arranged employment in New Zealand and should apply for and obtain a work visa prior to arrival in NZ. The work visa processing time is much quicker than the skilled migration category.

Business visa migration

Depending on your circumstances you could also possibly apply for either an investor or long term business visa for migration to New Zealand. The investor scheme allows applicants to invest a certain level of money in New Zealand for a period of two years. It is a points based scheme, that encompasses age, business experience and investment funds to determine your eligibility.