Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has transferred the Permanent Resident Visa, Second or Subsequent Resident Visa, and Variation of Travel Conditions resident visa application processes into Immigration Online by the end of January 2024.
This is fantastic news, particularly for the 100,000+ holders of Resident Visas from 2021 who will be able to apply for their PRVs in 2024.
Paperless applications
After January 2024, customers will no longer need to use paper-based forms. They can submit the following applications electronically through Immigration Online.
- Permanent Residency Permit
- visa for second or subsequent residency
- Changes to a resident visa’s travel requirements
Applicants do not need to call the INZ contact center in order to verify the status of their applications; they can do so online via Immigration Online. Moreover, applications no longer require the submission of tangible documents, like passports, which were necessary for paper applications.
Reason for change of Permanent Resident Visa
This shift to a digital platform is being made in preparation for a significant increase in PRV applications that are expected to occur in the upcoming year. This rise is explained by the fact that many applicants for 2021 resident visas are qualified to submit applications for permanent residence.
Processing Time and Cost
Ninety percent of applications are processed within 28 working days. The cost of the New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa starts at NZD $240.
Eligibility for the Permanent Resident Visa
- Only after holding a resident visa for at least two years is a person eligible for a permanent residence visa.
- The commencement of the two-year period is determined by the date of the client’s arrival in New Zealand using their resident visa. This applies specifically if they were not in the country when their visa was issued.
- If an application is not submitted within the allotted two years for any reason, it may be rejected. And if so applicants will have to reapply and pay the new application fee.
Also read: The Skilled Migration Category (SMC) Expands Path To Residency
A Resident Visa and a Permanent Resident Visa are not the same thing. After receiving a resident visa, the next step is often to apply for a permanent resident visa.
Whereas a Resident Visa has travel restrictions that limit the holder’s ability to return to New Zealand until a specific date, a Permanent Resident Visa permits unlimited returns to the country.
Residents often miss their chance for permanent residency in New Zealand! Many forget or delay applying for their Permanent Resident Visa (PRV). And end up stuck with temporary visitor visas upon returning.
These visas only allow 3 months to apply for the PRV, meaning no work during that time. Missing the deadline completely can even cost you your residency status. So, residents: don’t wait, plan ahead for your PRV application!
Incorporating additional applicants into the PRV application process
A technical glitch in the application system led some 2021 residency visas to be issued without including the partner and children of the main applicant. This caused delays for these secondary applicants in getting their own visas.
To fix this, New Zealand Immigration encourages affected families to reapply together when the main applicant becomes eligible again. They should explain the situation and provide proof of the earlier issue, and Immigration might grant them visas even if it doesn’t normally fit the rules.
Note that certain permanent resident visa applications will not be transferred to the upgraded Immigration Online system, such as the Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa and the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Permanent Resident Visa. You may keep applying for these visas by utilizing the appropriate paper forms.
Please be aware that any criminal convictions or charges will likely interfere with your PRV application and, depending on the seriousness of the offense, may result in the cancellation of your residency permit in New Zealand. It is critical that professional guidance be sought in this case.