If you do not know how to immigrate to New Zealand from Pakistan, this guide will be your crisis whisperer. New Zealand’s point-based system makes one sweat to their teeth.
If you can navigate the New Zealand immigration requirements for Pakistan, you will significantly improve quality of life.
The stability, education, medical, and job security are the leading reasons for moving to New Zealand from Pakistan.
So, let’s dive in and crack the case of how to immigrate to New Zealand from Pakistan.
New Zealand Immigration Options and Process for Pakistanis
New Zealand has a diverse culture and values. The same goes for the options of a work visa for New Zealand from Pakistan.
The diverse pathways cater to Pakistanis from different circumstances, qualifications, and cases.
Whether you are a teacher, IT expert, or a medical professional – there is a visa category that specifically caters to your case.
Each visa category has a different processing time. The volume of applications received also impacts the processing time.
Step-by-Step Immigration Process for New Zealand
Here is the part where it sweats to your teeth. If you do not know How to Immigrate to New Zealand from Pakistan, an expert consultant will help you navigate Pakistani immigration to New Zealand:
Step 1: Eligibility Check
The New Zealand immigration website has provided a tool to check whether you are eligible to apply for the visa in the chosen category.
You can check if your credentials and skills land in other categories. Wherever you land with a better score, that’s your cue to pursue.
Step 2: Skills In-demand
The skills in-demand are categorized in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) and Immigration Skill Selection (ISS). These are critically in-demand skills identified in shortage by the labor market.
If your occupation is listed in the list, the chances of receiving an invitation to apply (ITA) are quite high.
Language Accessibility
For most applications, English language proficiency matters. IELTS and OET are recognized tests when applying for skilled migration to New Zealand from Pakistan.
If you get better scores, the chances of your case being successful significantly improve. It is recommended to enroll in an IELTS preparation course to get 7+ bands.
Medical and Character Certificate
It is an unavoidable step of the application. Medical and character certificates are required from all the candidates.
The requirements are listed on the New Zealand immigration website. Check the labs and departments that are mandated to conduct these tests on behalf of the Pakistani embassy for New Zealand immigration.
Document Verification
This step is vital to prove the Genuity of the documents. Collect all the documents that are needed such as educational documents, work experience letters, financial statements, certificates, and English proficiency test.
If any document is in the native language, get the translated version of the document. All the documents are then verified/attested by the authorized person.
Submit the Visa Application
This is the easiest part. Gather all the documents and submit them on the online New Zealand immigration portal.
Be thorough and meticulous with each step, pay the application fee, and submit your visa application.
It is recommended to seek guidance from expert immigration consultants. They are through with the process and have experience. Their insight and experience will add value to your case.
Visa Categories for Pakistani Immigrants
Here is a quick overview of the options when moving to New Zealand from Pakistan:
Skilled Migrant Category Visa (SMC)
The category spans the skills in-demand in the country according to the labor market. If your skills land in the category, it is best to pursue skilled migration to New Zealand from Pakistan. For this category, a job offer is not a necessity.
Work Visa
It is a great opportunity to start from some point. If you can secure a job offer, this employer-assisted work visa is a smooth way to start your journey of immigration to New Zealand from Pakistan.
Study Visa
Another most used pathway is to study in New Zealand and immigrate. Students from Pakistan who aim to study abroad apply to the universities in the courses preferred.
After getting an acceptance letter, students can then apply for the study visa from the Pakistani embassy.
Tip: Expert education consultants can make this process easier with insights and scholarship opportunities. They can guide you in producing extra documents, to increase the chances of success.
Investor and Entrepreneur Visa
Individuals who plan to invest and have business ideas that can be pursued in New Zealand – may benefit from Entrepreneur Visa.
Family Visa
You can join a family member who has acquired permanent residence or is a New Zealand citizen. Family sponsorship to New Zealand is a straight-forward method, and doesn’t require elaborate paperwork.
If you have family in Canada, look into the option of immigration to Canada.
Costs and Processing Times for Immigration
The cost and processing time vary when applying for Immigration to New Zealand from Pakistan as per the visa category selected.
| Category | Processing Time | Cost |
| Skilled Migration Visa | Approx 12 months | 5000 NZD |
| Work Visa | Four to six weeks | 700 – 1500 NZD |
| Student Visa | Three to six weeks | Approx 400 NZD |
| Family Visa | Six months to 2 years | 200 to 400 NZD |
Disclaimer: The family visa varies in case of visa type. Dependent child on a work visa is expensive compared to a dependent child on a study visa.
Challenges for Pakistani Immigrants to New Zealand
The initial challenge any Pakistani faces is the visa process. The paperwork and timelines are close to traumatizing. Rejection after such a tardy process is quite painful.
If accepted, there are new sets of challenges. For instance, culture is different from the one we have here in Pakistan.
Cities like Wellington and Auckland offer amazing quality of life. However, they are extremely expensive too. Here is a complete guide on the cost of living in New Zealand. This will give you complete insight on what to expect.
New Zealand is a sparsely populated country. Another challenge faced by Pakistanis is the inability to find communities as one does in Canada and America.
Immigration to USA is not as complex but the waiting times are quite tricky. If you apply for a student visa, you have better chances of success.
Life in the New Zealand for Pakistani Immigrants
New Zealand is home to first-class healthcare and education. The country practices work-life balance in all sectors, whether it be public or corporate.
There is a limited Pakistani community, but they are very supportive and forthcoming. Besides, New Zealand is an inclusive society. You will find various opportunities to grow.
Alternative Pathways to New Zealand Immigration
Immigration to New Zealand from Pakistan is highly competitive. You can try these other pathways to avoid rejection.
Regional Migration: If you work outside Wellington and Auckland, the job offers from other regional parts of New Zealand get additional points.
Applying for Residency: If you secure a job, and live in the country for a specific period of time – you can apply for permanent residency. New Zealand PR for Pakistanis is not difficult if you secure a job.
Immigration to Australia is quite fast-track if your skill is listed in in-demand skills.
Post-Immigration Benefits in New Zealand
After immigration to New Zealand from Pakistan, you will enjoy various benefits like healthcare system, education, social welfare, and great quality of life.
New Zealand has one of the world’s best healthcare systems in terms of accessibility and equality. The welfare system is also quite modest and accommodating in trying times.
The education system is assessed via PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). New Zealand’s education system ranks high for math, science and reading globally.
New Zealand labor laws are very stern for the employees. There are robust laws against discrimination of genders, minimum wage, and health and safety standards. Under the Employment Relations Act, employees get paid holidays and sick leaves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest way to immigrate to New Zealand from Pakistan?
The easiest way is to apply for Skill Migrant Visa with in-demand skills. Another easier way is to transition the work visa to residency.
What are the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category visa?
For Skilled migration to New Zealand from Pakistan, you would need the minimum score based on job offer, age (under 55), English language proficiency, health and character certificates.
What are the costs associated with immigrating to New Zealand?
You will spend somewhere close to 7500 NZD. This includes document verification, visa fees, language proficiency tests, translation services, and health and character certificates.
How long does the immigration process take for New Zealand?
Depending on visa type, it takes from three months to a year. Student visa and employer work visa have comparatively less processing time.
Which New Zealand visas are available for Pakistanis?
For Immigration to New Zealand from Pakistan, you can explore work visa, Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), student visa, and family visa.
Do I need a job offer to immigrate to New Zealand?
For the Skilled Migrant Category, you would need a job offer to migrate to New Zealand.
What language tests are required for New Zealand immigration?
You can take one of these tests: IELTS (minimum 6.5 bands), TOEFL (79 score), and PTE (58 score).
Conclusion
This guide explains how to Immigrate to New Zealand from Pakistan in great detail. Hoping it benefitted you in some way.
Discussing your case with a consultant always puts you at an advantage. Their experience and insight on the process would help you secure the immigration.