What are the main immigration visa categories currently available in New Zealand? (e.g., Skilled Migrant, Investor, Family Reunification)

Okay, no problem! Regarding immigration to New Zealand, while policies may be adjusted from time to time, the general direction and categories have always been quite clear. I'll break it down into a few categories and explain it in plain language, making it easy to understand.

New Zealand's Main Immigration Visa Categories: A Clear Explanation!

Hello, I see you're interested in New Zealand immigration pathways. This topic, you could say, is both complex and simple. Immigration New Zealand frequently adjusts its policies, but overall, the core principles remain the same – there are a few main paths. I’ll go through them for you, trying to keep it as straightforward as possible.

1. Skilled Migrant Category - Based on Your Skills

This is the most common and popular pathway. Simply put, New Zealand needs your professional skills, and you apply for a permanent resident (PR) visa based on your qualifications, work experience, and a job offer in New Zealand.

Core Logic: It's no longer the complex points system of the past. Now it's a more direct "6-point system". As long as you can accumulate 6 points, you can apply.
How to Get These 6 Points? Points mainly come from the following aspects and can be combined:
- New Zealand Occupational Registration (3 to 6 points): For example, registered nurses, engineers, teachers. This is a big one; some occupational registrations alone are enough for 6 points.
- Qualifications (3 to 6 points): Bachelor's, Master's, or Doctoral degrees, with higher degrees earning more points.
- Income (3 to 6 points): Earning 1.5 times, 2 times, or 3 times the New Zealand median wage per hour can also earn points.
The Most Crucial Point: You must first secure a Skilled Job in New Zealand, and your employer must be an Accredited Employer recognized by Immigration New Zealand. So, this path usually involves "getting a work visa to come and work -> meeting the 6-point criteria -> applying for immigration."
Fast Track: You can keep an eye on Immigration New Zealand's "Green List". If your occupation is on this list, the immigration pathway will be more direct and faster.

2. Investment Immigration (Active Investor Plus Visa) - The "Money Power" Channel

This path is quite straightforward and suitable for individuals with substantial financial resources. Essentially, you bring money to New Zealand for investment, contributing to the local economy, and New Zealand grants you resident status.

New Policy: It's now called "Active Investor Plus", replacing the previous Investor 1 and 2 categories.
Threshold: The investment amount ranges between NZD 5 million and NZD 15 million. The precise amount depends on what you invest in.
- Direct investment into companies (higher risk, requires a lower investment amount, minimum NZD 5 million).
- Investment into funds (relatively lower risk, requires a higher investment amount).
Characteristics: Unlike simply buying government bonds or speculating in real estate in the past, the current policy encourages you to invest your money in "active investments" that genuinely contribute to New Zealand's development. The assessment is also stricter, looking not only at the money but also at your business background.

3. Family Category - Moving for Love

If you have immediate family members in New Zealand who are citizens or PR holders, you can immigrate through the family reunification pathway. This mainly includes:

Partnership Visa:
- This is the most common. Whether you are a married couple or de facto partners living together stably without being legally married, as long as you can prove the genuine and stable nature of your relationship, you can apply. Immigration New Zealand scrutinizes this very carefully and requires extensive evidence of shared life (joint accounts, photos, letters from mutual friends, etc.).
Parent Category:
- This category is quite "complicated." It has opened and closed several times. Currently, it's a ballot system, and it requires your New Zealand-based children to have a higher income to sponsor you. The quotas are very limited, and waiting times are long, making it a "matter of luck."
Dependent Child Visa:
- If parents are New Zealand PR or citizens, minor children (usually under 17) can also immigrate. Adult children (18-24) may also be eligible if they are still studying, single, and financially dependent on their parents.

4. Entrepreneur Work Visa - Becoming a Boss in New Zealand

This path is suitable for those with business experience who want to start their own business in New Zealand.

Basic Process:
1. First, submit a detailed business plan outlining what business you intend to start and what benefits it can bring to New Zealand (e.g., job creation, introduction of new technology).
2. Once approved by Immigration New Zealand, you will first receive an Entrepreneur Work Visa, allowing you to come and set up your business.
3. After the business has been successfully operating for a period (e.g., 2 years) and has met the commitments in the business plan, you can apply to transition to an Entrepreneur Resident Visa (to get PR).
Difficulty: The requirements for the business plan are very high, and entrepreneurship itself carries risks, so there's no 100% guarantee of successfully transitioning to PR.

Summary

Skilled Professionals: Primarily consider Skilled Migrant Category. The key is to first find a good job; your occupation is crucial.
High Net Worth Individuals: Consider Investment Immigration, but be prepared for "active investment" rather than just "passive wealth management."
Those with Family in New Zealand: Go via Family Category, with an emphasis on proving the genuine and stable nature of the relationship.
Those Wanting to Start a Business: Consider Entrepreneur Immigration, but prepare a thorough business plan and be ready for risks.

I hope this information is helpful to you! New Zealand's immigration policies are constantly changing, so before you proceed, I strongly recommend checking the latest official information on the Immigration New Zealand website, as that will be the most accurate. Good luck!