How to Migrate to New Zealand as a Student, Professional and Entrepreneur

• There are more than 80 work visas available.
• Student visas can be later extended and converted to other types of visas.
• To migrate to New Zealand as an entrepreneur a minimum capital of NZ$100,000 is needed.

Life in New Zealand can be calm for one moment and action-packed in the next. For tourists, New Zealand is a land of great scenic beauty and adventure sports. However, that’s not all this country has to offer.

People migrate to New Zealand for many reasons. While 70% of migrants in New Zealand come here for work, a little over 20% comes to reunite with their families while about 9% come to the country on humanitarian grounds.

New Zealand offers everything a migrant could wish for – beautiful countryside, plenty of opportunities for work, options for good occupation, friendly people and a good work-life balance. If you’re thinking of migrating to New Zealand to study, work or to set up a new business, read on to find out everything you need to know.

Why Migrate to New Zealand?

In 2017, over 40,000 people applied for residency in New Zealand. A majority of these migrants come to New Zealand because it offers better work opportunities. Along with a career, New Zealand also offers a balanced way of life. The people are warm, friendly and easy to get along with.

In terms of education, New Zealand is home to some of the best universities in the world. While the quality of education is high, the fees are quite affordable. Many people even choose to move to New Zealand to retire here.

How to Migrate to New Zealand

People migrate to New Zealand from all over the world. Surprisingly, a majority of migrants are from China. New Zealand has a relatively simple immigration policy. There are a number of different visas that may be used to move here. This includes student visas, work visas, entrepreneurial visas, family reunification visas, etc.

Indian nationals planning to migrate to the country have to submit a police clearance certificate (PCCs) issued by India’s Regional Passport Offices. This rule is introduced to ensure consistency and reduce process time.

Top Ten Immigrant Origin Countries in 2024

Rank	Country	Net Arrivals (2024)
1	India	21,517
2	Philippines	12,504
3	China	6,381
4	Sri Lanka	5,585
5	Fiji	4,040
6	South Africa	3,525
7	Samoa	1,978
8	Nepal	1,700
9	Germany	1,310
10	Pakistan	1,256

Migrate to New Zealand to Study

Fee Paying Student Visa

This visa is designed for students above the age of 18 years who are enrolled in a full-time course for more than 3 months. A student visa is valid for a maximum of 4 years and may be extended to converted to another type of visa later. This visa allows the student to live and study in New Zealand and work for up to 20 hours a week. To migrate to New Zealand with this visa the applicant must meet the below eligibility criteria:

• The applicant must have a confirmation of enrollment in a recognized school or university.
• The applicant must have proof of access to sufficient means of sustenance
• The applicant must be proficient in English.
• The applicant must have a good character
• The applicant must have medical and travel insurance
• The applicant must have good health

Foreign Government Supported Student Visa

Students who want to migrate to New Zealand with a scholarship or foreign government loan as a student for more than 3 months can apply for this visa. This visa allows the students to be enrolled in a full-time course and work part-time for up to 20 hours per week. It is usually valid for up to 4 years and may later be extended or converted to a work visa. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must meet the below criteria:

• The applicant must have a confirmation of enrollment in a recognized school or university.
• The government of the applicant’s native country must have an educational agreement with the New Zealand government.
• The applicant must have proof of a scholarship or government funding for tuition fees.
• The applicant must have proof of access to sufficient means of sustenance
• If the applicant is under the age of 18 years, the accommodation must meet certain criteria.
• The applicant must be proficient in English.
• The applicant must have a good character
• The applicant must have medical and travel insurance
• The applicant must have good health

Pathway Student Visa

This student visa is valid for up to 5 years and can be later extended or converted into a work visa. It allows the visa holder to be enrolled in 3 back-to-back courses on a single student visa. As with other student visas, this visa also allows the students to work for up to 20 hours per week. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must meet the below criteria:

• The applicant must be offered valid study courses by a Pathway education provider.
• If the plan involves more than 1 pathway education provider, a joint cover letter is needed.
• The applicant must have a confirmation of enrollment in a recognized school or university.
• The applicant must have proof of access to sufficient means of sustenance
• The applicant must be proficient in English.
• The applicant must have a good character
• The applicant must have medical and travel insurance
• The applicant must have good health

Migrate to New Zealand for Work

There are over 80 visas different types of work visas available for New Zealand. The most popular amongst them is the Skilled Migrant Visa and the Essential Skills Work Visa.

Skilled Migrant Visa

This visa allows the person to migrate to New Zealand and stay here indefinitely. Family members such as the applicant’s spouse and dependent children can also be included in the same visa. To be eligible for this visa the applicant must:

• Have the requisite educational qualifications, skills, and experience
• Have an employment offer from a firm based in New Zealand
• Have good character
• Have good health
• Be proficient in English
• Be less than 55 years old
• Score at least 160 points in the New Zealand Visa Point System. Points are scored as per the applicant’s age, work experience, job offer, qualifications, partner’s score, and a few bonus points.

Once the criteria are met, the applicant can submit an Expression of Interest to migrate to New Zealand. This is valid for six months. Depending on the score on the point system, the applicant will then be invited to apply for a work visa.

Essential Skills Work Visa

This visa is designed for people who work in certain occupations that fall into the essential skills. This visa is valid for up to 5 years and does not allow the applicant to include dependents on the same visa. The conditions for this visa are:

• The applicant must have a written job offer from a relevant employer
• The position must be included in the essential skills list
• The applicant must have the relevant educational qualifications and experience
• No other New Zealand nationals must be available for the position
• The applicant must be offered remuneration according to the ANZSCO level of the occupation

Migrate to New Zealand as an Entrepreneur

The Entrepreneur Visa is ideal for experienced businessmen who want to set up their own business in New Zealand. This visa allows the individual to stay and set up a business in New Zealand and later apply for residency. Family members such as the applicant’s spouse and dependent children can also be included in the same visa.

This visa is valid for three years and has two stages to it.

Stage 1: The applicant is initially given a 1-year visa to establish or buy a new business.

Stage 2: This refers to the next 2 years when the person may establish the business.

The eligibility criteria for this visa include:

• Ability to invest at least NZ$100,000
• A score of at least 120 points on the New Zealand Visa Point System.
• A clear business plan
• Good financial history
• Good health
• Good character
• Proficiency in English

Also See

• Non Residents Banned from Buying Property in New Zealand
• How to Apply for a New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa?
• How to Apply for New Zealand Investor Visa 
• How to Apply for New Zealand Tourist Visa
• How to Apply for New Zealand Student Visa
• Types Of New Zealand Visa