FAQs - Resident Visa & Permanent Resident Visa

Over 200,000 migrants have received their Resident Visa 2021. Many have now become or will soon become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa this year. Here, we've covered all the most important questions that you might have about both of these visas.

[1] What are “travel conditions” on a Resident Visa (RV)?

They are conditions on a visa that allow you to go in and out of New Zealand as many times as you want for as long as they are valid.

[2] Does my RV expire if I don’t leave New Zealand after it is granted?

Your RV will not expire as long as your travel conditions are valid, no matter where you are in the world. Once travel conditions expire and you don’t leave New Zealand, your RV will not expire.

[3] What causes the RV to expire?

The RV expires if you are outside New Zealand with expired travel conditions.

[4] After how many years of being on an RV can I apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (PRV)?

After at least 2 years of being on an RV.

[5] When does my RV start?

After the RV is issued:

• If you are onshore, the start date = issue date.

• If you are offshore, start date = the date you enter New Zealand.

[6] What is the minimum criteria for applying for a PRV?

You must have held your RV for at least 2 years.

[7] Does a PRV have travel conditions like an RV?

PRV has travel conditions that never expire.

[8] How do you prove that you have spent enough time in New Zealand?

You need to have spent at least 184 days in New Zealand on a resident visa in each of the 2 years immediately before you apply for permanent residence.

[9] Does the 2-year timeframe start being counted from the date my RV was issued?

No, this 2-year period is the time immediately before you apply for permanent residence, not the 2 years since your resident visa was issued.

[10] What happens if I am outside New Zealand and travel conditions expire?

Your RV would become invalid. 

[11] Do I need to transfer my RV if my passport changes?

Yes, you would need to.

If you run into any hassles while applying for your resident visa or permanent resident visa, get in touch with us.