New Zealand Streamlines Visa Applications: Permanent Residency Goes Online!

Exciting news for aspiring New Zealand residents! Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that applications for several popular visa types, including the Permanent Resident Visa (PRV), Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV), and Variation of Travel Conditions (VOTC) for resident visas, are now available online.

This move streamlines the application process, reducing the need for physical documents and offering applicants greater convenience.

What Visas are Going Online?

Currently, the online application system applies to the following visa types:

1. Permanent Resident Visa (PRV): This visa grants permanent residency in New Zealand, allowing holders to live, work, and study freely, travel in and out of the country as they please, and sponsor their partner and dependent children (up to 24 years old) for residency.

2. Second or Subsequent Resident Visa (SSRV): This visa is for individuals who previously held a New Zealand resident visa and wish to re-establish residency.

3. Variation of Travel Conditions (VOTC) of a resident visa: This application allows existing resident visa holders to modify their travel conditions, such as extending their stay or changing their purpose of stay.

Streamlining the Process

While this online system now caters to PRV, SSRV, and VOTC applications, it’s important to note that other permanent resident visa types like the Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa and the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Permanent Resident Visa remain unaffected and are not being migrated online at this juncture.

Benefits of the online application process:

• Reduced paperwork: No need to submit physical copies of documents, simplifying the application process.
• Real-time tracking: Online access to track the status of your application.
• Improved efficiency: Streamlined process aims to expedite application processing.

New Zealand’s Permanent Visa Programme

The permanent visa programme in New Zealand offers many advantages to visa holders. Beyond granting the right to live, work, and study in the country, it also allows unrestricted travel to and from New Zealand.

Moreover, visa holders can bring their partners and dependent children, up to 24 years of age, to New Zealand under their visa application.

Embracing Digitalization for Efficiency

By transitioning the PR Visa application process online, INZ aims to streamline procedures and reduce reliance on physical documentation such as passports.

This shift not only enhances convenience for applicants but also aligns with global trends towards digitalization in immigration services.

What Applicants Can Expect

Upon submission, applicants will have the convenience of tracking their PR Visa application status online. While INZ primarily accepts online applications, exceptions may be made in special circumstances. However, applicants are advised that meeting eligibility criteria is paramount.

Meeting Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for PR in New Zealand, applicants must fulfil specific eligibility criteria, including having held a resident visa for a minimum of two years. For those residing outside New Zealand when their resident visa was issued, the first day in New Zealand on the resident visa must date back at least two years.

• Hold a valid New Zealand resident visa for at least two years.
• Meet good character requirements.
• Demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand (through various pathways such as work experience, investment, or study).

Important Considerations

Submitting an application before meeting eligibility criteria may result in rejection, necessitating a re-application once all criteria are met. Additionally, applicants should be prepared to cover the processing fee, starting at NZD 240, upon submission.

Conclusion

INZ’s digitalization of the PR Visa application process marks a significant step towards enhancing efficiency and accessibility in New Zealand’s immigration services. With streamlined procedures and online tracking capabilities, applicants can now navigate the visa application process with greater ease and convenience.