If you're looking to move to New Zealand and take advantage of the Highly Paid Residence Visa, there are a few things you need to know:

1. You'll need to have an offer of employment in a role that pays at least twice the median wage.
2. You must have been working in New Zealand for at least 24 months in a position that paid at least twice the median wage.
3. Your employer must be accredited when you apply for this visa.

So what Exactly is the Highly Paid Residence Visa?

This visa is for skilled workers who are paid more than the median wage. The current median wage in New Zealand is NZD 55.52 an hour. To be eligible for this visa, you must have been working in New Zealand for at least 24 months in a role that paid at least twice the median wage. Your employer must also be accredited when you apply for this visa.

If you meet all of the above criteria, you may be eligible for the Highly Paid Residence Visa. This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. If you have any questions about this visa or any other visas for that matter, be sure to contact a licensed immigration adviser at Provisas. They will be able to advise you on which visa is the best for your situation.

Acceptable Work in New Zealand

Acceptable work in New Zealand can be counted towards a Highly Paid Residence Visa if you hold or held:

• An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
• Another work visa or a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa (with work conditions attached)

If you're on a student, working holiday, or refugee visa, your work can't be counted towards the Highly Paid Residence Visa.

You can have small breaks in your employment while you're in New Zealand. However, you must still show that you worked for the required 24 months within the 30 months before your visa application date.

You can combine acceptable work in occupation under the Highly Paid Skill shortages list and also work that meets the salary criteria.

The Highly Paid Skill shortages list is a list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand. If you have experience in one of these occupations, you may be eligible for the Highly Paid Residence.

You can apply for this visa from September 2023. 

Application Fees

The application fee and immigration levy will be between NZD $4,020 and NZD $4,890, depending on whether you are applying from within New Zealand or another part of the world.

Why Opt For It? 

If you are eligible for the Highly Paid Residence Visa, it is a great option because it allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. This visa also has some great benefits, such as being able to bring your family with you and being able to access public healthcare and education.