WORK VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

EMPLOYEES OF RELOCATING BUSINESS VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

The Employees of Relocating Business Visa category allows migrants who are crucial staff members of a relocating business, but are not able to meet the criteria for residence under any other category, to obtain permanent residence. The policy aims to encourage businesses to move their operations to New Zealand, without losing key staff members.

NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYEES OF RELOCATING BUSINESS VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To obtain a residence visa under the Employee of Relocating Business category, applicants must meet the basic prerequisites set out by Immigration New Zealand. These include meeting health and good character criteria.

Applicants must show that they are a key employee of a business proposing to relocate to New Zealand and they are not able to qualify for residence under other residence categories. Applicants must also meet a minimum standard of English requirement.

Residence under this category is initially subject to an approval-in-principle process. This means that applicants will first be invited to apply for a work visa to allow them to travel to New Zealand to make relocation arrangements. The business must complete its relocation and meets other New Zealand legal requirements, before applicants can be approved residence.

NEW ZEALAND EMPLOYEES OF RELOCATING BUSINESS VISA ENTITLEMENTS

Approved employees of a relocating business will be granted a residence permit that is subject to conditions for two years (section 18A requirements), meaning that the holder must work in the relocated business for two years. The business must also meet relevant employment and immigration law during that time. Once these conditions are met, the conditions on the residence permit can be removed.

Persons who hold a residence permit have the flexibility to settle and work anywhere in New Zealand indefinitely.

A returning resident's visa (RRV) will also be issued allowing the holder to travel in and out of New Zealand for up to two years as a New Zealand resident. After two years, visa holders may be eligible for an Indefinite RRV subject to meeting the relevant minimum residency requirements.

Permanent residents are entitled to the same rights and benefits as New Zealand citizens, including free access to public schools, subsidised tertiary education and other support, such as student loans, and subsidised public health services. Permanent residents may also apply for citizenship after satisfying the relevant residency requirements.

Another important benefit of (unconditional) permanent residency is the ability to sponsor close family members to New Zealand in the future, subject to other criteria.

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