How to get PR (Permanent Residency) in New Zealand after Study?

A New Zealand PR visa is a document issued by Immigration New Zealand. The NZ PR visa is a legal document that allows you and your family members (Your spouse and kids) to settle in the country. There is no doubt that every year many Indian students reach New Zealand for higher studies. Due to available job opportunities and modern infrastructure, many of them want to settle in NZ. Now, the question is how to get New Zealand PR after studies. Please note that there is a difference between the terms Resident Visa and Permanent Resident Visa.

 As we all know a student visa in New Zealand is the most common visa that Indian students beyond 18 years of age apply for. Other than this, candidates, who have completed two years of studies in the country and wish to get PR in New Zealand have to note that it is quite difficult to define the period for visa validation. In this blog, we will help you learn about New Zealand PR, how to apply it, its benefits, and more.

New Zealand PR Process

After the successful completion of a degree from any of the acclaimed universities of New Zealand, the next step is to apply for the correct type of visa, depending on the job opportunity in hand. The New Zealand PR process is not complicated at all. All you need to do is understand your needs and eligibility. Majorly, there are two types of Permanent residency in New Zealand. Below, we have mentioned the details:

• Post-Study Work VISA (Open): This visa has flexible options for students who have completed their course but are still looking for a job. This visa guarantees your stay in the country for 3 years to give you an opportunity to find a job related to your field of study or research. In the meantime, you are allowed to work in any field to support your livelihood in New Zealand.
• Post-Study Work VISA (Employer Assisted): This visa, on the other hand, is not flexible with the type of job you opt for after study. Providing a window of two years, this visa gives you a chance to find a specific job role with a specific employer. Please keep in mind that you should apply for this visa within three months of the expiration date of your student visa.

Related Readings

• Popular Job Sectors in New Zealand
• Job Prospects for Indians
• Part-time Work Options in New Zealand

How to Apply for New Zealand PR From India

Before applying for New Zealand PR from India, make sure you are eligibile for it. Check out every requirement and be prepared for it. Now follow steps mentioned below to complete application process:

• Login to RealMe account or create a RealMe account for yourself
• Fill up correct details in application form
• Upload all required documents at portal
• Pay NZ PR visa application fees online

NZ visa authority will email you to share update.

About New Zealand Permanent Residence VISA

Ultimate goal of pursuing a professional career is to get a job of your choice. Hence, you apply for a permanent residence visa. It allows you to stay in New Zealand for a long  period of time and attend public-funded services at same time. 

A New Zealand PR is definitely beneficial to get good job offers, based on numerous factors such as your years of experience, age, and educational qualification to name a few. This visa also allows you to travel to and from New Zealand to any part of world, without conditions.

Benefits of a NZ Permanent Residence VISA

Getting a New Zealand PR Visa helps a world of opportunities and long-term security for you and your loved ones. Here’s what you gain:

• Live, Work & Study Without Limits: Enjoy the freedom to stay, work in any sector or location in New Zealand. Also, allows you to enroll in educational courses anywhere in New Zealand. No restrictions at all.
• Unlimited Travel: Enter and exit New Zealand as often as you like. There will be no re-entry requirements during the travel conditions period. It is just like you can do in India.
• Pathway to Citizenship: After meeting residency and good character requirements, you can apply for New Zealand citizenship.
• Family Inclusion: Add your partner and dependent children (aged 24 or under) right from your PR application. This will help you to settle in New Zealand with your family.
• Social Benefits: Access public healthcare, schooling, and most social security benefits (once you meet the relevant criteria).
• Equal Rights: Enjoy nearly all the rights and protections available to New Zealand citizens. However, you can not vote like the citizens of the country.

New Zealand PR Visa: Basic Requirements (2025)

Here are basic eligibility to qualify for a PR Visa:

• Age should be under 55 years
• Show score cared of English proficiency tests like IELTS and TOEFL
• Medical and police clearance certificate
• A job or job offer is mandatory to apply for PR visa
• Prove genuine intent to stay in New Zealand long term

New Zealand PR Points System

You can apply for New Zealand visas by directly applying to the New Zealand Government. This is comparatively cheaper than getting in touch with agents or the visa bureau. In order to judge your eligibility, the government has formed a PR points system in which points are allotted under the following heads:

• Employability: 60 points for current skilled employees for over a year, 50 for people looking for a job/working for less than a year
• Work Experience: Ranges from 10 points for 2 years up to 30 points for 10 years, plus bonus points for benefits and growth appraisals in your work experience
• Qualifications: 50 points for a Bachelor’s Degree or any other major Diploma qualification, and 55 for a Master’s or Doctorate Degree
• Family Ties: 10 points for close family members in New Zealand
• Age: Maximum of 30 points for 20-29 years up to a minimum of 5 points for 50-55 years of age

Securing 160 points gets you selected for ITA (Invitation To Apply) for a visa. The minimum submission criteria would be 100-135. However, it is not certain that this shall guarantee an ITA.

How to Get PR in New Zealand?

PR VISA, the application for which costs 190 NZD, can be obtained in New Zealand based on the following categories:

• Skilled Migrant Category: Submit EOI and await selection. If approved, submit your documents. Application process will take only 10 days.
• Family Category: PR is available for spouses, parents, or dependents sponsored by NZ citizens or residents for living together.
• Business/Investor Category: Apply under Investor or Entrepreneur. Approval totally depends on NZ Immigration's discretion.

Before applying for permanent residency in New Zealand, you need to have this information handy to understand your requirements and apply for the appropriate VISA. Good luck with your application!