Where do I start if I want New Zealand PR after studying there as an Indian student?
New Zealand PR takes two stages. First earn a Resident Visa by claiming 6 points under the Skilled Migrant Category, then land a qualifying skilled job, and after 24 months on that visa, upgrade to an unrestricted Permanent Resident Visa by living in New Zealand 184 days in each year.
You get New Zealand PR in two stages. First you earn a Resident Visa through the 6-point Skilled Migrant Category, and after 24 months you upgrade to an unrestricted Permanent Resident Visa. The steps below show how it works for a Master's graduate.
The Three Steps
| Step | What you need |
|---|---|
| 1. Secure 6 points under SMC | A New Zealand Master's degree (Level 9) with at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand and a bachelor's degree gives 6 points; otherwise it gives 5 points and skilled NZ work can add 1 to 3 points. PhD graduates (Level 10) claim all 6 points from the degree. |
| 2. Land a qualifying skilled job | Pay at or above NZD 35.00 (approx INR 1,898) per hour for ANZSCO 1 to 3 (1.5 times for ANZSCO 4 to 5), an Accredited Employer, and a full-time role of 30+ hours per week for at least 12 months at ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 (Level 4 to 5 jobs count only if paid at least 1.5 times the SMC wage threshold). |
| 3. Complete the 2-year residency rule | Live in New Zealand at least 184 days in each of the two years on your Resident Visa to unlock the Permanent Resident Visa. |
What the Permanent Resident Visa Gives You
- Indefinite, non-expiring re-entry rights once you hold the Permanent Resident Visa.
- Immigration rules and wage thresholds can change, so check the Immigration New Zealand page for the latest requirements.
My Advice
Work backwards from the job requirement. Look for employers with Accredited Employer status early, and track your days in New Zealand carefully once you hold a Resident Visa. Confirm each threshold on the official Immigration New Zealand page before you plan.
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