Immigration to New Zealand: We really know How

Tuesday 29 October 2019

To obtain residency in New Zealand, the most likely pathways are:

1. Skilled Migration

If you are in an occupation which is considered a skilled occupation in New Zealand, then you may be able to apply for residency in New Zealand.

You must have a recognised qualification, a reasonable amount of work experience, and above all a job offer in New Zealand.

Obtaining a job offer in New Zealand from outside is not an easy thing to do. However, there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of finding a job in New Zealand. Consider the following:

1. 1. Is your occupation one which is in demand in New Zealand?
   2. Are there job search websites or recruitment agencies relevant to your industry?
   3. Are there employers in your industry which may have registered with Immigration NZ?

We will assess your skills and occupation and advise you ways to increase your chances of obtaining a job offer in New Zealand.

There are also pathways of working towards residency. New Zealand, like many western countries, is restricting immigration. The New Zealand government had announced certain changes which will come in to effect in 2022 which will make it harder for workers to obtain residency after that time. It makes sense to apply sooner rather than later.

2. Investor Category

The other most likely pathway is the Investor category. However, there is the starting point for the Investor 2 category with NZ$3 million. Residency under the Investor category is granted based on a points system. Points are given based on business experience, investment funds, English ability, age, and investment in growth investments.

You must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) which goes into a pool. The EOI process in effects makes the process the competitive process. Only the applications with top scores will be drawn from the pool at any time. It is therefore important to receive advice to maximise the points that you will receive.

Another significant issue which many of our clients face is that once you are invited to submit an application to apply for residency, you must prove that your nominated investment funds were legally earned and accumulated. Proving this and linking your assets to your earnings over the years is not a simple process. Failure to prove that will mean that your residency application will be declined.

3. Business Entrepreneur

If you consider that you are interested in setting up a business or invest in a business in New Zealand which is either high growth, innovative, or has export potential (from New Zealand), then you may wish to consider the Business Entrepreneur category. Applications under this category is similarly based on a points system with points being awarded for business experience, benefits to New Zealand, and age, and business based outside of Auckland. The amount of minimum investment required for this category is $100,000. In certain circumstances, the $100,000 minimum investment may even be waived. However, the ability for you to obtain residency is tied into the success or otherwise of the business and how it performs as compared to the business plan you submit.

It is possible to enter into joint venture with a New Zealand company which meets one of the above criteria. You must also show that you have relevant skills, funds, or experience for the business.

Our experience is that the best way to approach this category is to identify the industries that you may wish to invest in. Often they are the industries that you may have some connection to or experience in, which means that you bring more than just your capital to the business to ensure success.

We have worked with clients in all of the above categories. We appreciate that making a decision to immigrate is a major one. It is important therefore to have good advice as early as possible to ensure that you focus on the things that you need to. Our experience allows us to give you practical advice in the different applications.

Teresa Chan

30 October 2019

This article is for general use only. Advice should be sought for specific circumstances. Please consult Teresa Chan at Teresa Chan Law Limited, Level 3, Westpac Building, 106 George Street, Dunedin 9016, ph. 477 1069, or email teresa@tchanlaw.co.nz

Teresa Chan has been working in the areas of business, property and immigration law in New Zealand for over 25 years. She was born in Hong Kong, was an international student, and immigrated to New Zealand as a skilled migrant over 30 years ago. For further information about Teresa, go to https://www.tchanlaw.co.nz/people

If you wish to consider whether you are eligible, please email us your CV. At the time of writing this article, for NZ$450, we will assess your eligibility and have a Skype or WhatsApp teleconference with you to provide you our honest assessment of your chances and pathways to residency. If you are in NZ, GST is payable in addition to our fee.