Methods of immigration to New Zealand for Russians

Rights, privileges and responsibilities of citizens in New Zealand

If you decide to immigrate to a Pacific island, then learn what rights and privileges you can get along with citizenship:

1. Free entry and exit from New Zealand.
2. Having all the rights of a citizen and voting in elections.
3. Protection from the NZ Government anywhere in the world.
4. Opportunity for employment in government agencies.
5. It is allowed to buy a country house on local terms.
6. You can apply for subsidies, grants, social benefits.

Along with the rights of a resident, the following obligations are imposed:

1. Comply with New Zealand laws.
2. Pay taxes on time.
3. Respond to government requests in a timely manner.
4. Conduct transparent activities.
5. Integrate safely into local society.

Job search

New Zealand, like any other country, applies a system of protection for its own citizens, its principle is that a foreigner by moving does not create competition for local residents in some area. A New Zealand employer who decides to hire a foreigner will have to prove in each case that he was looking for, but did not find, the same specialist in his country. What not everyone is ready to do.

The job seeker's job is to find a job that is suitable for him, for example, seek.co.nz or trademe.co.nz. Next, send your resume, undergo an interview, in person on a guest visa or via Skype, and receive an official job offer. With this offer and all the documents you can already apply for a Skilled Migrant or Work to Residence.

Advantages of New Zealand citizens in the world

As you know, Russians have long chosen Australia, but due to the tightening of Australian rules, they are increasingly considering New Zealand citizenship. And it is apparently not inferior to the neighboring state. Common benefits of becoming a New Zealand citizen include:

1. With a New Zealand passport you can live in Australia and the UK under simplified conditions.
2. Visit 172 countries without a visa, including Europe, the UK, Japan, Canada, and the USA.
3. You can retain Russian citizenship.
4. Free to visit the Pacific Islands at any time.
5. Get a diploma that is rated in the world.

Additionally, the advantages of obtaining citizenship in New Zealand include:

1. The quality of life is one of the highest in the world.
2. The richest nature, beautiful islands, access to the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean.
3. Flexible work schedule and best working conditions.
4. Comfortable place to stay with family.
5. Short period of time to obtain a passport through naturalization.

Who can become a New Zealand citizen

Obtaining citizenship in New Zealand has been considered an advantage for many foreigners since 2010. People came from all continents to the Pacific island to settle down with maximum comfort. The government encouraged immigration and created many resettlement programs. But after the demographic situation of the country improved, the conditions for moving also changed.

Now the following can obtain citizenship in New Zealand:

• children with at least one New Zealander parent;
• born from 1949-2005 to immigrants living in New Zealand;
• persons born in the nearest Pacific Islands;
• Australian citizens wishing to relocate;
• newborns abroad from New Zealand residents;
• foreigners living in New Zealand with a residence permit for 5 years;
• children adopted by New Zealand families;
• people with a request for political asylum;
• abandoned children if their parents could not be found.

Basic conditions for applying for a residence permit

1. Age conditions. Anyone wishing to travel abroad and applying for permanent residence must be an adult, but not older than fifty.
2. Medical indicators. If the future emigrant does not want to leave on his own, then everyone included in the application must provide: a medical report of a special sample with a period of three months before submitting documents; x-rays with description and conclusion. The only exceptions are expectant mothers and children under twelve years of age.
3. Trustworthiness. All family members emigrating to New Zealand must have no criminal record.
4. Excellent knowledge of English. Anyone over 16 is required to demonstrate their knowledge in a test and receive an IELTS certificate, where the average score must be at least 6 points.
5. Payment for all procedures when processing emigration documents.

Who will never be allowed to become a New Zealand citizen?

New Zealanders live very well, they have high salaries, good working conditions, and can receive social benefits. Today the population in New Zealand is 4.848 million people. By creating a favorable social environment in the small state of Oceania, the state has legitimized a sufficient number of rules for living in it. Therefore, the authorities are categorically against new residents who do not meet established requirements, especially when it comes to safety and law-abidingness.

Migration will not grant New Zealand citizenship if the applicant:

• has a criminal record in any state;
• during his stay on the island he could receive a large number of administrative fines;
• involved in criminal matters;
• cannot provide for himself and his family financially, unless of course he is a refugee;
• someone from the immediate family has been convicted of a serious crime;
• serious illnesses or mental disorders have been identified;
• characteristic signs of discrimination.

Ways to obtain New Zealand citizenship in 2021

Immigration control is entrusted to the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, they regulate the process of obtaining citizenship. In 2021, there are two paths - citizenship by grant is suitable for Russians, since in most cases they do not have New Zealand roots.

Obtaining citizenship by birth

Automatic citizenship is possible if the parents are residents of New Zealand. Also, if you were born between 1949-2005. in the families of foreigners who lived on the island. Since 2006, this rule has not been applied due to the large number of immigrants in the country. Newborns are registered in the population register and thereby assigned citizenship.

For children born into an immigrant family during this period, the simplest registration conditions apply. It is important to provide a birth certificate and confirm that the parents were living in New Zealand at the time of the child's birth.

Citizenship by descent

Being born overseas also offers the chance to gain New Zealand citizenship. Since the official website www.govt.nz is accessible almost anywhere in the world, you can download the application and submit it online without being in New Zealand. There are two forms, one for children under 16 years of age, the other for those over 16 years of age. Only those who have both or one parent holding or holding a New Zealand passport at the date of birth of the baby are eligible to apply.

An applicant for citizenship by descent will need to scan the documents and submit them with the application online on the same website. But to go through the process via the Internet, you will need to find a witness who will confirm that you are the person you say you are. The website contains detailed instructions on what requirements a witness must meet.

You can also submit documents in person or send them by mail, but only the originals are needed. When completing the application for New Zealand citizenship, a parent or parent's signature will be required. If the mother is New Zealander, then the signature is placed on her part. If the father, then both father and mother sign the form. For applicants who have lost a parent, it is important to obtain a death certificate and submit it along with other certificates.

To obtain citizenship in New Zealand you will need:

• completed application;
• passport or travel document;
• birth certificate;
• 2 photos taken within the last 6 months.

The fee for registration in the population register is $204.40. The price for registration and obtaining citizenship will be higher and will be $395.40. If the applicant is abroad, then the passport is sent to the place of delivery, only then they pay an additional amount for international courier services. For Australia - NZD $15, UK - NZD $25.00, USA and Canada - NZD $20, Europe - NZD $25, rest of the world - NZD $30.

Obtaining citizenship through family reunification

Immediate relatives can move to New Zealand and first obtain a residence permit, and then citizenship. These include children and elderly people who have no one to care for them in their home state. The process for obtaining a passport will not be different for those applying for citizenship through a grant. Thus, it is necessary to live in the country for at least 8 months a year. After 5 years, you are allowed to obtain citizenship. This option is provided for the relocation of family members of a citizen or new resident of New Zealand. For Russians, the same method applies to legally transport relatives.

But in order to apply for New Zealand citizenship for your relatives, you must:

• submit an application where you need to indicate personal information of family members;
• prove the specified information with documents;
• confirm your official status in New Zealand;
• present certificates of no criminal record;
• prove the financial solvency of the receiving party;
• pay a state fee for each moving family member.

The cost of obtaining New Zealand citizenship is $470.20 for an adult (16 years and older), for children it is half the price of $235.10. After submitting the application, 4-6 months pass when they are informed of a positive outcome or are refused to go through the further stage.

Marriage to a New Zealand national

Citizens of the Russian Federation can count on immigration if they are in official relations with a New Zealander or a resident of a Pacific island. But the New Zealand Government does not make any concessions for foreign spouses in reducing the time frame and reducing the cost of citizenship.

To obtain citizenship, a foreign spouse must live in the country for at least 5 years, of which each year he must reside in New Zealand for 8 months. To apply for citizenship, you will need the following documents:

• Marriage certificate;
• valid passport;
• 2 photos according to the sample;
• information about the resident's spouse.

To check and apply for one, contact the New Zealand citizenship office; they are located in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Manukau. You must make an appointment in advance. At the reception, they will check the application and the suitability of the applicant, also make copies of the originals and issue a letter of acceptance of documents for citizenship. In this case, the state duty will be $470.20.

Labor immigration

Labor migration is one of the important areas of New Zealand. The program is supported at the state and regional level. A large number of areas have been created to attract labor:

1. Getting a job for people aged 18-35.
2. Seasonal employment up to three months.
3. Jobs for graduates of New Zealand universities.
4. Skilled employment.
5. Searching for employees for the most in-demand jobs.
6. For talented people who are ready to offer a salary from NZD $40,000-80,000.
7. Partnership with a New Zealand resident.

By applying for these programs, you can immediately receive a residence permit for 2 years, and then citizenship. On the official website www.govt.nz/browse/immigration-and-visas/get-a-visa-to-work-in-nz/work-that-leads-to-residence/, all conditions are described in detail. Options for checking scores are also available and are required.

Citizens of the Russian Federation with experience and skills can consider the “Skilled Employment” program. It is important to apply and score 160 points; candidates first use indicators to calculate them. But the final word still remains with the immigration officer. Those who have experience working in New Zealand and who speak English at a good level have the best chance of finding employment. The diploma is also taken into account, namely its compliance with New Zealand standards.

Due to skills shortages in some areas of New Zealand, the Government publishes lists of in-demand occupations. Anyone can check them out for themselves. The lists are divided into long-term, regional, and for the search for specialists in the field of construction and infrastructure improvement. The list is downloaded, and then the vacancies for the desired profession are viewed; all requirements are shown in a separate column.

Obtaining citizenship through naturalization

You do not need to have New Zealand ancestors to obtain citizenship in New Zealand. It is enough to live legally in the state for 5 years. Accepted statuses:

• resident card;
• permanent resident visa;
• resident permit;
• Residence permit, permanent residence or Australian citizenship.

In addition, stay abroad should not exceed 4 months per year. The applicant must also rent housing in New Zealand or have his own apartment, confirmation of this is required.

After 5 years of living in New Zealand, and if they wish to stay there for a long time, a foreigner is allowed to apply for citizenship. To do this, documents are collected in the following order:

• passport of current citizenship;
• New Zealand Temporary Resident ID Card;
• Bank statements;
• address certificate;
• certificate of absence of violations;
• the result of a medical examination;
• 2 photos;
• receipt for payment of the registration fee.

The cost of processing an application for citizenship for an adult is $470.20, for a child $235.10. You can get a response from the migration service after 4-6 months.

Citizenship by Investment

The Pacific State issues citizenship to entrepreneurs under the following conditions:

1. When investing in a business or investment project from NZD $100,000 or more.
2. In the case of business development in the field of ICT and science, the investment amount can be reduced.
3. It is important to obtain 120 points in the entrepreneurship program.
4. You need to explain in detail how successful your business project is.
5. You must demonstrate knowledge of the English language, at least at an intermediate level.

Rules for those who plan to obtain local citizenship by investment. This

1. Investment of NZD $500,000.
2. Hiring 3 New Zealanders.

At the beginning, the immigration department issues a work visa for 12 months. It is necessary to resolve all organizational and registration issues. Then it is extended for 2 years. Some investors and businessmen, after starting a business and living in New Zealand for 6 months, can apply for citizenship.

Refugee Protection Program

New Zealand supports a refugee program. Typically, the state allocates an annual number of quotas for obtaining citizenship. But, first of all, refugee policy is considered within the framework of international programs, rather than in individual cases, since the island is too far from the continents. Therefore, not everyone can afford to fly to it and write a request for political asylum at passport control.

Until March 15, 2021, New Zealand was among the safest countries, but after the terrorist attacks in Christchurch mosques, the situation worsened sharply. Today, the Migration Service is reviewing some immigration programs for obtaining residence.

Citizenship by grant

According to the latest amendment to the Citizenship Act in New Zealand, a special procedure has been established.

New Zealand Citizenship Special Grant to Samoans

First of all, simplified citizenship was established for the Polynesian population - the Samoans. They do not need to have a residence permit, speak English or meet other requirements for foreigners. To become New Zealand citizens, the only important characteristics are:

• Samoans who moved to the New Zealand island up to the fifteenth of September 1982;
• or with an indefinite right to live in NZ after that date.

Special New Zealand Citizenship Grant for Children of New Zealand Citizens

The authorities have approved a special grant for obtaining citizenship by children who:

• were born to New Zealand citizens who were not permanently resident in New Zealand;
• were born abroad to New Zealanders in the period from 01/01/49-12/31/77;
• are permanent residents of Australia;
• can prove a close connection with New Zealand.

New Zealand Stateless Citizens Special Grant

For stateless persons, otherwise known as stateless persons, special conditions apply. The Ministry of Internal Affairs allows them to apply for local status, but at the same time carefully checks them. Often these citizens include residents of nearby islands, as well as tribes inhabiting New Zealand itself.

Special New Zealand Citizenship Grant in Exceptional Cases

The fourth type is granted to people in exceptional cases, these include talented people in various fields, outstanding specialists, people applying for citizenship for special merits. People who have asked for political asylum are included in this same category.

Silver Fern program to attract young professionals

The program is designed to attract young and promising specialists from other countries in a number of in-demand specialties, with a recognized diploma or degree. Thus, graduates of foreign universities can gain experience and subsequently apply for residency. In addition to having suitable qualifications, the candidate is also required to have an IELTS level of 6.5 English and meet the age limit of 20–35 years.

Applicants are issued either a job search visa (Silver Fern Job Search Visa) or a visa to gain experience (Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa), if the specialist already has an invitation to the position.

The number of Silver Fern Job Search visas issued is strictly limited by Immigration to a maximum of 300 persons annually. The quotas are so small compared to those who want to receive them that they are used up within a few days from the moment registration opens. At the Silver Fern Practical Experience, on the contrary, there are no restrictions.

New Zealand Consulates in Russia

Useful information about obtaining citizenship is published on the official Government website www.govt.nz. As other sources for applying, you can use the Embassies and Visa Centers at the following addresses:

• 119034, Moscow, Prechistenskaya embankment, 3;
• telephone;
• working hours: from 09-00 to 17-30.

• 121069, Moscow, st. Povarskaya, 44;
• consultation;
• working hours: from 09-00 to 17-30.

• 115230, Moscow, Kashirskoe highway, 3, second building, fourth building;
• consultation p: 8 499 703 4527;
• working hours: from 09-00 to 16-00.

• 690950, Vladivostok, st. Stanyukovicha, 48, second building, tenth building;
• phone: 8 4232 8512 365
• working hours: from 09-00 to 16-00.