How Do I Qualify for New Zealand PR?
A complete guide to New Zealand permanent residency requirements — points breakdown, skills assessment, processing times, and the step-by-step path to PR.
Key Takeaways
- →New Zealand PR requires meeting specific criteria — typically points-based (age, education, experience, language) or employer-sponsorship.
- →A positive skills assessment from an accredited authority is mandatory for most New Zealand skilled PR pathways.
- →Your score determines your ranking in immigration intake rounds — a higher score means faster invitation.
New Zealand PR Pathways
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
9–14 monthsPoints-tested pathway to permanent residence. Points are awarded for age, skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and partner qualifications. Currently requires 160 points for invitation.
How to Apply — Step by Step
Check your eligibility
Use our free 10-question assessment to see your score across all New Zealand visa pathways.
Prepare your documents
Gather qualifications, work references, language test results, and passport.
Get a skills assessment
Obtain a positive skills assessment from the relevant New Zealand assessing authority for your occupation.
Submit your profile or EOI
Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) with Immigration NZ.
Receive invitation and apply
Once invited, submit your complete PR application with all supporting documents.
Await decision and land
Processing takes 6–18 months depending on the pathway. Once approved, you receive your PR.