New Zealand Citizenship: All You Need To Know

Embarking on the journey to become a New Zealand citizen can feel like stepping into a scene from ‘The Lord of the Rings’ – exciting, a bit daunting, but ultimately rewarding. Ready to call this slice of paradise ‘home’? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered!

This land, famous for its breathtaking landscapes and the legendary All Blacks, offers more than just scenic beauty and rugby prowess. In this guide, we’ll navigate the winding paths of legal procedures and paperwork, transforming the daunting task of acquiring New Zealand citizenship into a manageable adventure.

Let’s dive in!

Understanding New Zealand Citizenship

Rights

New Zealand citizenship is a status that confers on individuals the right to permanent residence and employment in New Zealand.

You are entitled to vote, access government services, obtain a New Zealand passport, and enjoy the travel advantages of someone born in New Zealand if you have become a citizen of New Zealand.

Timeline

The processing time for granting a New Zealand residence permit is between 12 and 24 months in all categories.

Application Process

As is the case with all migration routes, an experienced immigration lawyer, such as the team in NZIL (New Zealand Immigration Law) can assist you.

The lawyers may help to remove any confusion from your application process should you wish to become a resident or citizen of New Zealand.

What Is The Eligibility Criteria For New Zealand Citizenship?

To become eligible for citizenship in New Zealand, you have to be a resident of New Zealand who holds an Immigration Visa under the Immigration Act before being able to apply.
Before applying for New Zealand citizenship, you may choose a pathway that meets your circumstances if you have the relevant skills and financial means to invest or maintain existing family connections in this country.
To be eligible for New Zealand citizenship, one must remain permanently on a residential visa for at least five years.
Residence should be without prolonged absences and maintain an intention of continuing his or her stay in New Zealand before applying for citizenship.
You still need to meet specific citizenship requirements if you are a resident who wishes to become a New Zealand citizen. In addition to time spent in New Zealand as a resident, language skills and good character are required.
To be eligible for New Zealand citizenship, you must be 16.
Applicants must have a good knowledge of English to be eligible for New Zealand citizenship.
You must be a resident of New Zealand for five years, calculated from the date on which you applied for citizenship, to be eligible for New Zealand citizenship.

This includes the expenditure in New Zealand of at least 240 days per year over five years and 1,350 days.

Exceptions may be provided for children with no specific time requirements if their parents are citizens or where they meet the criteria.

How Do You Meet The Eligibility Criteria For New Zealand Citizenship?

How To Become A Resident?

Residency in New Zealand can be pursued through four primary avenues:

Skilled Migrant Category

The category of skilled migrants, which requires appropriate skills in line with the Government’s requirements, is a favored route to New Zealand residence.

Eligible candidates are determined by a points-based system, emphasizing the need for jobseekers to secure work before taking part in this path.

Green List Visa

The New Zealand Government has introduced a Green List visa for people in high-demand professions, such as healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, engineers, and technology experts.

With this visa, they can live and work in New Zealand, with the possibility of an expedited residence permit.

You will need a work offer from an approved employer to apply, and the eligibility and criteria of the Green List visa are set out in detail. You may apply during your stay in New Zealand based on an employment visa or directly abroad.

Investment In The New Zealand Economy

Investing in a country’s economy via an Active Investor Plus visa is another way to gain residency in New Zealand. This path has been set up to attract high-value investors who will bring growth to New Zealand businesses.

To do this, you need to be willing to invest a minimum of $5 million in New Zealand businesses, but only if you are prepared to make direct investments.

If you want to invest $15 million, that’ll be possible.

Apart from investing in the New Zealand economy, you must also meet certain other criteria, such as good character, good health, no outstanding debts, and English language requirements, to become a resident in New Zealand.

Established Family Connections

Residency in New Zealand through family ties is possible for parents of resident children, dependent children of residents or visa holders, and dependent children of citizens.

Two parent categories exist: One requiring sponsorship and the other allowing direct application, provided applicants have $1.5 million in assets, a $60,000 income, and a child in New Zealand.

Get A New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa

The average processing time for a New Zealand Permanent Residence visa in each of these categories is 12 to 24 months.

The involvement of a skilled immigration lawyer, such as the NZIL team, in the application process with clarity and experience should be sought for persons wishing to obtain permanent residence or citizenship.

What Documents Are Required For New Zealand Citizenship?

For a smooth New Zealand citizenship application, ensure you have the following before filling out the form:

Full Birth Certificate Or Birth Record: This is the most common document, and it is necessary, especially regarding the documents you need for New Zealand citizenship; this is an important document that shows official birth details.
Current Passport Or Travel Document (Renewed If Expired): If you already have a passport, provide a copy of the current one. If it’s expired, you’ll need to renew it before applying.
Recent Passport Photo: Include a recent and clear photo of yourself. Make sure it meets the specified size and background requirements.
Identity referee or witness (for postal or in-person applications): Depending on the application method (postal or in-person), you may need someone to vouch for your identity. This person, often called a referee, should be someone of good standing who has known you for a certain period.
Application fee: There is usually a fee associated with processing your application. Ensure you include the required amount with your application. Check the acceptable payment methods and make the payment accordingly.

Additional documents may be required in certain situations, such as if English isn’t your first language, if you’ve changed your name or gender identity, or if you lack a passport or birth certificate.

How Much Does It Cost To Become A New Zealand Citizen?

Starting March 2023, the New Zealand citizenship application fees are as follows:

$470.20 for each adult aged 16 and above.
$235.10 for each child aged 15 and under.

Is It Necessary To Be In New Zealand’s Citizenship Ceremony?

It’s a two-step process to become a citizen. It’s not just about completing paperwork and requirements; the central moment comes during the citizenship ceremony.

You will not be formally recognized as a citizen until you promise or swear an oath of allegiance at this ceremony.

This act represents your commitment to the values and duties of being a member of the Community, which constitutes an important step in our journey toward citizenship.

You are not a citizen until you have made your oath or affirmation at a citizenship ceremony. The following are the simple and easy steps to understand why New Zealand citizenship

Ceremony is necessary:

Before Your Ceremony

After your New Zealand citizenship is approved, your local council will organize a ceremony for you within 2 to 5 months. Around 4 weeks before the ceremony, you’ll receive an invitation.

This invitation will have important details like the ceremony’s date, time, and location, along with information about the number of guests you can bring and the statement you’ll read out.

Attending the ceremony within 1 year of your citizenship approval is essential.

During The Ceremony

The ceremony can take a couple of hours. There might be speeches or performances, and the national anthem is usually played.

You will make an oath or affirmation statement to say you are loyal to New Zealand. You are told what to say on the day.

You choose which statement you want to make in your application:

An oath of allegiance — which is a religious statement, or
An affirmation of allegiance.

You can make your oath or affirmation in English or te reo Māori.

Citizenship Certificates

You will receive your certificate at the ceremony. Children aged 13 and under will receive their certificate without having to attend a citizenship ceremony.

If you are a family applying for citizenship together, you can all attend the ceremony and get your citizenship certificates at the same time.

Apply For The New Zealand Passport

After you have received your citizenship certificate, you can apply for a New Zealand passport. This is a separate process.

Is There A Way Of Funding My Citizenship Application In New Zealand?

Evidence And Information About Funds

When they assess your visa application, they must:

Be able to verify that the evidence you provide about your funds is genuine.
Be confident that these funds will be available to you in New Zealand.

Verifying Evidence Of Your Funds

Your funds must be in your name or the name of your financial guarantor or sponsor.

If we cannot properly verify the source of your funds, we cannot accept them as evidence that you have enough money to support yourself while you are in New Zealand.

We find it difficult to verify some evidence of funds, including gold loans and Kisan Credit Card (KCC) loan funds held by the post office or cooperative societies volatility or mutual funds, bonds property sales, and agricultural income.

Using A Financial Guarantor

You can use a financial guarantor, but we can only accept them if they’re the immediate family members of your family, whether they’re a partner or spouse, a parent, a kid, a grandparent, or an adult.

You’ll be able to show them that you have a relationship.

Evidence You Can Provide

To support your application, you can provide a range of financial information.

Banking Information

You can provide:

Bank/transaction statements for the past 3 months (we may ask for more than 3 months in some cases).
Copies of relevant bank deposit statements or certificates.
Statements or certificates showing fixed-term deposits at least 6 months old.

What Is Going To Happen If I Am Rejected For New Zealand Citizenship?

If your application for New Zealand citizenship is not approved, here’s what typically happens:

Notification: You will receive a letter explaining the decision and the reasons for the rejection.
Understanding Reasons: Take time to understand the specific reasons for the rejection outlined in the letter. It could be due to incomplete documentation, not meeting residency requirements, or other factors.
Appeal Option: In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision. The rejection letter will provide information on the appeal process, including necessary forms and deadlines.

How NZIL Can Help?

We at NZIL pride ourselves on being able to assist many, like you, in becoming permanent residents and, eventually, citizens of New Zealand.

With a team of lawyers who are readily available and skilled in identifying the appropriate visa categories for your needs, we can assist you.

In addition, they shall assist you in preparing the required documents and evidence supporting your application.

What Are The Benefits Of New Zealand Citizenship?

New Zealand stands out as an exceptional place to live, boasting unspoiled landscapes, beautiful beaches, welcoming communities, ample work opportunities, and a high ranking on the OECD Better Life Index.

Gaining New Zealand citizenship comes with a host of lifestyle benefits, placing individuals on equal footing with those born there.

Here are the key advantages of New Zealand citizenship:

✅Right To Vote: Citizens can actively participate in national and local elections, influencing the democratic process.

✅Access To Government Services: Enjoy comprehensive access to government services, including education and healthcare.

✅Permanent Living And Working Rights: Citizenship grants the privilege to live and work in New Zealand permanently, free from residency restrictions.

✅Unrestricted Travel: Travel to and from New Zealand becomes more convenient without the need to adhere to strict immigration policies or carry proof of permanent residency.

✅Family Sponsorship: Citizens have the legal authority to sponsor family members, facilitating their relocation to New Zealand.

✅Eligibility For A New Zealand Passport: Holders of New Zealand citizenship are eligible to obtain a passport, enhancing international travel opportunities.

✅Global Travel Benefits: A New Zealand passport allows visa-free travel to various countries, including Australia and the United Kingdom, for specified durations.

✅Political Engagement: Enrolled voters can cast their votes and have the opportunity to stand for parliament or local council.

Furthermore, the benefits extend to future generations, as citizens can pass their citizenship to their children, even if born outside New Zealand.

New Zealand citizenship is a significant step beyond residency, providing a fulfilling and enriching living experience.

Conclusion

As we wrap up our expedition through the terrain of New Zealand citizenship, remember that this journey, much like a haka, demands passion, commitment, and a bit of legwork.

The path may have its twists and turns, but the reward at the end – becoming a part of the diverse and vibrant Kiwi community – is worth every step.

Kiwiland Awaits!

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