Work & Settle in New Zealand

About New Zealand

New Zealand offers an ideal environment for children to grow up and expand their world experiences, boasting a stunning natural landscape and a relaxed atmosphere. With all the comforts of home but in a more serene setting, New Zealand features bustling cities and towns, yet none are as densely populated as other major urban centers.

Moving to New Zealand presents a wealth of opportunities in a beautiful country blessed with a coastline stretching 6,000 kilometers. Despite its vast land, New Zealand’s population stands at just 4 million, alongside 39.5 million sheep and 9 million cattle. With its low population density, the country enjoys a less crowded, less humid, and warm climate. Additionally, New Zealanders prioritize a work-life balance that is the envy of the world.

New Zealand Permanent Residence

New Zealand is a wonderful country to live, work or raise family. It ranks top on many international parameters of human living and development index. It is considered as one the most peaceful, safe and clean countries in the world to settle. New Zealand is also one of the most favorite immigration destinations for the Indians. The people from all parts of India move in thousands every year to live, work, study, tourism, or settle in New Zealand. The New Zealand Permanent Residency from India is in fact, the most popular choice in the sub-continent. So, let’s take look what exactly New Zealand PR means for an immigrant and what are its benefits and process requirements.

Benefits of a Permanent Residence VISA

A few of the innumerable benefits that follow a PR in New Zealand are:

  • You can live, work, travel and study in New Zealand indefinitely without any restrictions
  • You can avail medical facilities at subsidised rates as well as social security benefits
  • Your children shall be eligible for free education at state-run schools and universities
  • You can sponsor your relatives to apply for permanent resident visas, provided they meet the residency and assurance of support requirements
  • You can apply for New Zealand citizenship after staying in the country for several years, needless to say that you fulfil all their other criteria such as basic usage of English language, communicative skills, good character, and a clear intent to continue staying in the country
  • Children born in New Zealand shall automatically gain citizenship of the country by birth

How to become a Permanent Resident in New Zealand

There is a difference between a residence and permanent residence. A Permanent Resident Visa is usually the natural consequence of a Resident Visa. Resident Visas have travel conditions that only allow a person to re-enter New Zealand as a resident until a certain date, while a Permanent Resident Visa allows indefinite re-entry to New Zealand (providing the passport is valid).

The date your resident visa expired is either:

  • the date you left New Zealand, if your travel conditions had already expired when you left, or
  • the day after the date your travel conditions expired, if you were outside New Zealand when your travel conditions expired.

Consequently, if you have been outside New Zealand after your travel conditions have expired, your resident visa has expired too.

If you intend to travel out of New Zealand after your resident visa travel conditions have expired, you need to apply for a permanent resident visa or a subsequent resident visa to regain your resident status.

Eligibility for Permanent Residence?

To be eligible you must have held your resident visa for at least two years, have met any conditions of your Resident Visa, and have shown a commitment to New Zealand by meeting one of the following criteria:

  • You have spent enough time in New Zealand
  • You have New Zealand tax residence status
  • You have invested in New Zealand
  • You have a business in New Zealand
  • You have established a base in New Zealand

If you do not meet one of these conditions, you may still be eligible to extend the travel conditions on your Resident Visa. This would allow you a longer time to return to New Zealand as a resident.

If you are outside New Zealand without valid travel conditions allowing you to re-enter as a resident, your Resident Visa has expired. In some cases, however, it is possible to seek a Permanent Resident Visa or a new Resident Visa, providing you haven’t been outside of New Zealand long.

How can you apply for the NZ PR visa from India?

There are three basic methods you can opt to apply for New Zealand Visa from India:

  1. SMC (Skilled Migrant Category)

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) allows you to live and work in New Zealand on a permanent basis. However, you need to go through a point based system to find out whether you are eligible to apply for this visa. The points are basically allocated for your key profile details, i.e. Age, Education, work experience, etc.

» Eligibility Requirement for SMC

You can become eligible to apply for PR in New Zealand under SMC category provided you:

  • Are 55 years or below
  • Speak English.
  • Are Healthy
  • Are of good character

2. Family Category Visa

There are various categories of family visas are available under which you can apply for PR in New Zealand, if you are a spouse/partner, parent or dependent child of a New Zealand permanent resident or citizen. However, you need to be sponsored by your relative in New Zealand to come to and live in NZ as permanent resident.

3. Business and Investment

This particular category is designed for the individuals who are interested in business and investment in New Zealand to contribute in the growth and development of the NZ economy. There are two basic categories, which come under this stream:

»  Investor Category

The Investor category  is basically designed for those individuals, who are willing to willing to live and apply for residence in New Zealand by investing in a NZ business. The Investor/Investor Plus categories are basically you need to opt to apply for this stream.

»  Entrepreneur Category

This Entrepreneur Work Visa is for the individuals, who are willing to establish their own business in New Zealand. Once you have run your own business for 2 years (6 months in special cases) in NZ under this visa, you can apply for the Entrepreneur residence visa.

Work in New Zealand

The thought of going through a whole job application and interview process is often daunting. After all, a gap year is all about you, so you may want to take it easy on the job search and go for the jobs easy to get in New Zealand. Sometimes, the best place to work in New Zealand is the place where the job will be handed out to you.

Professional Registration to Work in New Zealand 

In New Zealand, a number of occupations need employees (skilled employees) to register themselves by law in order to work. Here is a list of all the professions for which you’ll be asked to register yourself and then explore the work opportunities in New Zealand: 

  • Architect
  • Immigration adviser
  • Barrister
  • Line mechanic
  • Barrister and solicitor
  • Medical laboratory scientist/ technologist
  • Cable jointer
  • Medical laboratory technician
  • Chiropractor
  • Medical practitioner
  • Clinical dental technician
  • Medical radiation technologist
  • Clinical dental therapist
  • Nurses and midwives
  • Dental hygienist
  • Occupational therapist
  • Dental technician
  • Optometrist
  • Dental Therapist
  • Osteopath
  • Dentist
  • Pharmacist
  • Dietitian
  • Physiotherapist
  • Dispensing optician
  • Plumber, gasfitter and drain layer
  • Electrician
  • Podiatrist
  • Psychologist
  • Electrical engineer
  • Real estate agent
  • Electrical inspector 
  • Cadastral surveyor
  • Electrical installer
  • Teacher 
  • Veterinarian
  • Financial adviser

Skills in Demand in New Zealand 

In New Zealand, the majority of new employment and job opportunities will be in high-skilled fields. There will, however, be possibilities for employees with a wide range of talents, notably in the fastest expanding job sectors of accommodation and food services, business services, construction, and retail commerce. It constantly updates ‘Essential Skills in Demand (ESID)’ to make individuals aware of the skills that are in high demand. If you discover your desired work on this list, it implies there is a strong possibility you will be able to compensate since there will be a scarcity of local individuals who can fill the open jobs. The following are the key industries that are experiencing shortages:

IndustryLong-term ShortagesRegional ShortagesConstruction and Infrastructure Shortages
Agriculture and forestryYes
ConstructionYesYes
EducationYes
EngineeringYesYesYes
Finance/businessYesYes
Health and social servicesYesYes
ICT and electronicsYes
Recreation, hospitality & tourismYesYes
ScienceYes
TradesYesYesYes
TransportYes

 

Top Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Being a developing country, New Zealand has many exciting job prospects in its kitty. These jobs are spread out across various work sectors, offering something or the other to all those who come seeking a job in their domain. Here are some of the most sought-after job opportunities in New Zealand, classified by the work sector they belong to:

Engineering

Software Engineer

Likely to be the most popular job profile in New Zealand’s corporate world, Software Engineers are sought after even in New Zealand. For working in New Zealand, employees do not require any special qualifications. They just need specialization, in Computing, Software Engineering, and related subjects.

Civil Engineer

With a fast-growing economy, every country faces a rise in its residential and industrial infrastructure. To fulfil the rising demand, there are plenty of Job Opportunities in New Zealand for Civil Engineers. To be qualified for this job, students only need to have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Software Architect

Similar to Software Engineers, Software Architects are mainly employed in the IT sector. They are more specialized in their work, delivering better performance while working on higher job profiles. One can easily find a job opportunity in New Zealand for this profile!

Medicine

Medical Doctor

Medical Doctors are in high demand in New Zealand, and a very long academic procedure followed in New Zealand is one of the primary reasons for it. Their formal training and education last 11 years before students can become General Practitioners (GP).

Physiotherapist

Currently, New Zealand is foreseeing a dearth of Physiotherapists in the country. These professionals are required to maintain the health and vitality of individuals, and they can practice independently after gaining sufficient experience in the Industry. The Bachelor’s course duration is generally 4 years leading to various Job opportunities in New Zealand.

Nurses/Midwife

New Zealand faces a lack of graduates choosing nursing as a career, especially in the Public Sector. The present workforce is nearing retirement, creating a huge demand for nurses, with a requirement of a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or substitute courses.

Commerce and Finance

Investment Banker

Although New Zealand may not be a prime destination for Investment Banking, it does offer lucrative opportunities through its leading banks and financial institutes. Individuals adept at Investment Banking need no further qualifications from New Zealand.

Accountant

Accountants are required in nonprofit and for-profit organizations alike, to maintain and update their books of accounts. The status of Chartered Accountants in most countries is accepted by New Zealand, however, General Accountants must study a program that is approved by the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (NZICA).

Finance Analyst

Finance Analysts are professionals who read the current financial situation of the market and individual firms, helping client organizations choose the best financing and investment option, as well as overseeing its implementation. There is a multitude of Job opportunities in New Zealand, especially with big organizations, requiring no special education or training.

Professional Courses

Lawyer

Law is deemed to be a specialized profession, with different Laws in different Nations and each one having its own regulations. Law practitioners from abroad need to be admitted to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand, as well as hold a current practicing certificate from the New Zealand Law Society.

Teacher

One of the noblest professions in the world, there is immense scope for individuals pursuing careers in the world of teaching at all academic levels. Individuals who want to be a teacher in New Zealand can apply for jobs after completing their Bachelor’s course, while individuals who are versed in educational courses are preferred. They can also pursue higher education while teaching in public schools.

Actuarial

Actuaries are statistical studies of the market, providing quantitative data to aid growth and expansion. New Zealand recognizes actuaries who are fellow members of approved international bodies. If a person is fully qualified, it is easier to be associated with the New Zealand Society of Actuaries.

Other Professions

Builder

Complementing the Civil Engineers, Builders are required in New Zealand for infrastructural development and maintenance. Although it is not mandatory to have formal education in Building, a National Certificate in Carpentry or such builder programs generally increases customer trust in the professional.

Electrician

There is a lack of electricians in New Zealand, who can provide domestic assistance as well as can be employed with the power supply. This makes it one of the best New Zealand jobs for Indians, where a large number of students pursue Electrical engineering and Diploma. To be a practicing electrician, students need to complete an apprenticeship and gain a National Certificate in Electrical Engineering for Registration.

Farm Worker

Although farming is often looked upon as an outdated profession, modern equipment and practices have made it a highly demanded profession. There are immense job opportunities in New Zealand that come from the agriculture sector. People hire workers who have education in agriculture or biomedical sciences, to maintain and increase their yield.

Like any other country in the world, New Zealand has its own working rules and regulations for foreign immigrants. For someone who is looking for job opportunities in New Zealand, the government has laid down deliberate laws. Here are some of the key points to keep in mind for people seeking job opportunities in New Zealand:

  • The individual must have the correct work visa to work in New Zealand. The type of Visa depends on a lot of factors like work permanency, skill level, job profile, age and other factors.
  • Foreign residents should carry proof of their job qualifications with themselves, as well as the employer’s offer letter.
  • It is important for foreign nationals to have a minimum balance for sustenance in their bank account at all times. Also, individuals must have a return ticket or the means to afford one with themselves while on a temporary Visa.

Types of Work Visa

As a part of its immigration policies, no one has a permanent work permit in New Zealand. All working visas are temporary in nature, with different time spans. In case students Aspirants should browse through the different kinds of Visas to find the one which fits their requirements the best. Here are some of the prominent work Visas that are availed by professionals in New Zealand:

Essential Skills Work Visa

Although this may be a temporary work visa, it is offered to select individuals only. People who provide their services in domains that are sought after in New Zealand can avail Essential Skills work Visa. As there are many job opportunities in New Zealand that are not tapped by the locals, it has special provisions in its immigration policy to bring in professionals who are adept at taking up these jobs. Here are some of these job profiles:

  • Agriculture and forestry Construction
  • Education
  • Engineering
  • Finance
  • Business
  • Health and social services
  • ICT and electronics 
  • Oil and Gas Engineering
  • Recreation
  • Hospitality & Tourism
  • Science
  • Trades 
  • Transport

Work to Residence Visa

These Visas are the gateway to permanent employment in New Zealand. With a duration of 30 months, Work to Residence Visas is used at the beginning of a career in New Zealand. During this duration, individuals must ensure that they work for at least 24 months (including holidays). Along with that, they must accumulate points on various evaluation points, like character and work quality, and skill development among others.  

Skilled Migrant Residence Visa 

For Individuals who look to become permanent residents of New Zealand, this Visa is a must. They should provide all the required proofs of work and residence in New Zealand, showing good character and their utility to the country. They are evaluated on a points scale, awarded points depending upon various characteristics. Presently, the points bar is set at 160. 

Coraledu, a leading overseas immigration consultancy, offers tailored services to assist clients with their immigration needs.

Services include:

  • Expert guidance and counseling for New Zealand Immigration.
  • Free career counseling sessions available, schedule your appointment today.
  • Comprehensive support for New Zealand PR visa applications.
  • Job search assistance to help find relevant employment opportunities in New Zealand.
 

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