Resident Visa Services

At Arch Immigration, we know that gaining residence in New Zealand is one of the most important steps in securing your future. Residence class visas give you the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. The process can be complex, with different categories and changing requirements — and that’s where we come in.

Why Choose Us

Your Path to Permanent Residency

Dreaming of making New Zealand your permanent home? Our Resident Visa Services simplify the pathway to permanent residency, ensuring every step meets eligibility requirements.

Let us help secure your future in New Zealand.

Services Overview

Eligibility & Permanent Residency Pathway Guidance

We evaluate eligibility and recommend the best residency pathway.
Our experts guide you through skilled, investor, and partner residency options.

Application & Approval Assistance

We simplify PR application procedures for faster approvals.
Our team ensures complete documentation to avoid rejections.

Post-Approval Support

We assist with onboarding and transitioning to permanent residency.
Our experts provide settlement advice for a smooth relocation.
We assist with family reunification, ensuring smooth spouse or dependent visa applications.
Our experts handle all paperwork, compliance, and follow-ups efficiently.
We assist with the onboarding process to ensure a smooth transition for new hires.

Still Have Questions?

1. What is a Residence Class Visa?

A residence class visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. It includes both Resident Visas (with travel conditions) and Permanent Resident Visas (allowing indefinite travel in and out of New Zealand).

2. What are the main residence pathways?

The most common categories include:
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): For skilled workers who meet points-based criteria.
Green List Straight to Residence / Work to Residence: For people working in specific high-demand occupations.
Partnership and Dependent Child Pathways: For family members of New Zealand citizens or residents.
Parent Category: For parents of NZ citizens/residents who meet sponsorship and financial requirements.
Other special visas: e.g., Refugee Family Support Category, Samoan Quota, Pacific Access Category.

3. How long does the residence process take?

Processing times vary by category and demand:
Skilled Migrant Category: usually 6–12 months.
Green List Straight to Residence: often faster (around 3–6 months if documents are complete).
Partnership / Parent visas: may take longer due to more complex assessments.
Tip: Strong, well-prepared applications are usually processed faster.

4. What documents are required for a residence visa?

Requirements differ by category but often include:
Valid passport.
Proof of identity and good character (police certificates).
Medical and chest X-ray certificates.
Employment offer or evidence of skilled work (for SMC or Green List).
Proof of relationship (for family categories).
Financial evidence (for Parent Category).
At Arch Immigration, we provide a tailored checklist for your situation and check every document for INZ compliance before submission.

5. What’s the difference between a Resident Visa and a Permanent Resident Visa?

Resident Visa: Grants residence but usually has travel conditions for 2 years.
Permanent Resident Visa: Removes travel conditions, allowing you to leave and return to New Zealand indefinitely.
To qualify, you usually need to hold a Resident Visa for 2 years and show a commitment to New Zealand (e.g., living here most of the time, tax residence, or strong family ties).

6. Can my family be included in my residence application?

Yes. In most categories, you can include your partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under, if financially dependent). Each family member must also meet health and character requirements.

7. Can Arch Immigration help if my residence application is declined?

Yes. We can:
Review the reasons for refusal.
Strengthen your case and prepare a new application.
Respond to INZ requests or concerns.
Advise on appeal options through the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT) if needed.

Ready to make New Zealand your
permanent home?

Whether you’re applying under the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List, or a family pathway, Arch Immigration will guide you every step of the way. Contact Arch Immigration Today and let’s prepare your residence application with confidence.