New Zealand has restarted the Skilled Migrant and Parent Resident visa categories for new applicants looking to move to New Zealand.
The two immigration streams are being reopened for new applications after months of inactivity due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
In addition to restarting the two immigration streams, New Zealand is also planning to launch a new uncapped and simplified points system.
Immigration Minister Michael Wood announced the restart of the Skilled Migrant and Parent Resident visa categories for New Zealand migration.
The New Zealand government will increase the number of available Parent visas from 1,000 to 2,500.
The Parent Resident visa will also have lower income requirements for New Zealand permanent residents and citizens who are willing to sponsor their parent applicants.
Moreover, if there is more than one adult child living in New Zealand and willing to be sponsors, they can combine their incomes to sponsor their parent applicants.
Skilled Migrant visa
The Skilled Migrant visa is for skilled individuals who possess skills considered contributory to New Zealand’s economic growth.
New Zealand is also looking to welcome new skilled migrants to the country due to critical skills shortages across several industries.
Applicants for the Skilled Migrant visa need to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) to New Zealand’s immigration authorities to register their interest in moving to the country.
Skilled Migrant visa holders can live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely and add their partners and dependent children in their applications for residence in New Zealand.
Parent Resident visa
The Parent Resident visa allows parents of New Zealand permanent residents or citizens to join their children in the country.
New Zealand permanent residents and citizens can sponsor their parents living abroad for New Zealand residency.
Holders of this visa can also live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely and add their partners in their application for residence.