You must apply for these visas online. Applying online reduces the need to supply physical copies of documents, such as passports. Once you have applied, you will be able to see the status of your application online.

Checking your visa application status

We will only accept paper applications in special circumstances or if an exception applies.

Applying for a visa online

You must have held your resident visa for at least 2 years to be eligible for permanent residence. If you were outside New Zealand when your resident visa was issued, your first day in New Zealand on your resident visa must have been at least 2 years ago. Check the Permanent Resident Visa page for the full list of criteria.

Permanent Resident Visa

Make sure that you meet all the criteria before you apply. If your application is incomplete or missing supporting documents it can delay your application.

If you submit your application before you are eligible, it is likely that it will be declined, and you will need to re-apply once you have met all of the eligibility criteria. You will also need to pay another processing fee.

Other permanent resident visa types, such as the Global Impact Permanent Resident Visa, and the Afghan Emergency Resettlement Permanent Resident Visa are not being moved online at this time. If you are eligible for these visas you should continue to use the paper form.

You can find out more about the Permanent Resident Visa and other visa options here:

Becoming a permanent resident