At the end of January 2024, customers will be able to submit the following applications electronically using Immigration Online (instead of using a paper-based application):

• Permanent Resident Visa
• Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
• Variation of Travel Conditions of a resident visa

Currently, these applications are submitted using paper forms, limiting an applicant's ability to track the progress of their applications online. Moving to Immigration Online means applicants:

• can check their application status online without having to call the INZ contact centre, and
• no longer have to submit physical documents, such as passports, which was a requirement for paper applications.

Eligibility for the Permanent Resident Visa

• People are only eligible for a Permanent Resident Visa once they have held their resident visa for at least 2 years.
• If a customer was outside of New Zealand when their resident visa was issued, the start of the 2-year period is when they arrived in New Zealand on their resident visa.
• Submitting an application within the 2-year period may result in the application being declined, meaning customers will need to reapply and pay an additional application fee.

Resident to permanent resident