New Zealand PR visa: Eligibilities for Non-Principal Applicants

A welcoming environment, rich lifestyle, lucrative job opportunities have made New Zealand a land of attraction for people from every part of the world. There are various types of visas available for New Zealand immigration. But amongst those, the New Zealand permanent resident visa is the most significant one. Here in this blog we would talk about the eligibility of the applicants who are closely related to the permanent applicants. Along with it, we will also talk about why it needed to take help from New Zealand migration consultants in this case.

Who Are Non-Principal Applicants?

Non-principal applicants refer to individuals who are included in a principal applicant's residence application but are not the main applicant themselves. These typically include the principal applicant’s partner and dependent children. Understanding the criteria for these non-principal applicants is crucial, as their eligibility for PR visas or variations of travel conditions can be influenced by different circumstances.

Eligibility for Partners of Principal Applicants

If you were the partner of a principal applicant and included in their residence application, you may be eligible for a variation of travel conditions or a new resident visa under certain conditions. These conditions ensure that partners are protected and can still seek residency independently if specific situations arise.

Situations Granting Eligibility:

1. Separation or Divorce: If you and the principal applicant have separated or divorced, you may still be eligible for a variation or new visa.
2. Protection Orders: If you have a protection order against the principal applicant due to safety concerns, this can also grant eligibility.
3. Offences: If the principal applicant has been convicted of an offence against you or a dependent child, it affects your eligibility positively.
4. Death of the Principal Applicant: In the unfortunate event that the principal applicant dies, you may still qualify for residency.
5. Principal Applicant Becomes a New Zealand Citizen: If the principal applicant attains New Zealand citizenship, it can influence your eligibility for a permanent resident visa.

Evidence to Support Eligibility:

To support your eligibility, you will need to provide specific evidence, including:

• Certified copies of divorce decrees or dissolution orders.
• Evidence of separation.
• Certified copies of protection orders.
• Evidence of convictions for offences against you or a dependent child.
• Certified copies of death certificates.

To make the entire process smart and easy, you can take help from New Zealand migration consultants on a serious note.

Eligibility for Dependent Children

Dependent children included in a residence application have eligibility criteria similar to those of the principal applicant, adjusted for their age and living situation. This ensures that the children’s rights and residency status are maintained, regardless of changes in family circumstances.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Under 16 and Parents Are No Longer Together: Eligibility is assessed based on the custodial parent.
2. 16 or Over and Living with a Parent: Eligibility is based on the parent you live with.
3. Not Living with Either Parent: Eligibility is based on the parent who was the principal applicant when the residence application was made.
4. Death or Citizenship of Principal Applicant Parent: If the principal applicant parent dies or becomes a New Zealand citizen, eligibility is reassessed based on the other parent.

Assessing Eligibility in Own Right:

Dependent children can be assessed in their own right under certain conditions, such as if the other parent was not included in the application or has died or become a New Zealand citizen.

Evidence to Support Eligibility:

Supporting evidence for dependent children may include custody arrangements and other relevant documents.

Additional Exceptions for Non-Principal Applicants

There are specific exceptions where non-principal applicants can be granted a permanent resident visa, even if the principal applicant does not have one. These exceptions include:

• Residence Before 30 October 1995: If you were granted a resident visa or permit before this date.
• Arrival Before 2 April 1974: If you lawfully arrived in New Zealand to live permanently before this date and held a residence permit under the Immigration Act 1987.
• Christchurch Terrorist Attacks: If the principal applicant in your residence application was killed in the Christchurch terrorist attacks on 15 March 2019.

To gain more information on this, it will be a sensible decision to take help from New Zealand migration consultants. They can find sensible way outs in this case.

Why New Zealand Migration Consultants Are Essential for PR Visa Applications

When applying for a PR visa, navigating New Zealand's intricate immigration laws and regulations can be daunting. This is where New Zealand migration consultants come into play, providing invaluable guidance and expertise. These consultants are well-versed in the latest immigration policies and can help applicants understand the specific criteria and documentation needed, ensuring that applications are thorough and accurate.

Additionally, New Zealand immigration consultants can offer personalised advice tailored to individual circumstances, streamlining the application process and increasing the chances of success. By handling the complex paperwork and communicating with immigration authorities on behalf of the applicants, they save time and reduce stress, allowing applicants to focus on other important aspects of their move. Engaging the services of experienced migration consultants is a strategic decision that can significantly ease the journey towards obtaining a New Zealand PR visa.

End Note

Understanding the eligibility criteria for non-principal applicants seeking New Zealand PR visas is crucial for ensuring a smooth application process. Given the complexities involved, enlisting the expertise of New Zealand migration consultants is highly recommended. They can provide tailored guidance, manage intricate paperwork, and communicate effectively with immigration authorities. For comprehensive assistance in securing your New Zealand permanent residence visa, consider reaching out to Pelican Migration Consultants. Their experienced team is equipped to help you navigate the process efficiently and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who are considered non-principal applicants for a New Zealand PR visa?

Answer: Non-principal applicants are individuals included in a principal applicant's residence application, such as the principal applicant’s partner and dependent children.

2. What are the eligibility criteria for partners of principal applicants seeking a New Zealand PR visa?

Answer: Partners may be eligible if they experience separation, divorce, protection orders, offences by the principal applicant, the death of the principal applicant, or if the principal applicant becomes a New Zealand citizen. Relevant evidence is required.

3. How can dependent children qualify for a New Zealand PR visa?

Answer: Dependent children qualify based on age, living situation, and the status of the principal applicant parent. Custody arrangements and relevant documents are needed as evidence.

4. Are there any exceptions where non-principal applicants can be granted a New Zealand PR visa even if the principal applicant does not have one?

Answer: Exceptions include residence visas granted before 30 October 1995, arrivals before 2 April 1974, and principal applicants killed in the Christchurch attacks on 15 March 2019.

5. Why is it important to seek the assistance of New Zealand migration consultants for PR visa applications?

Answer: Migration consultants provide guidance, handle paperwork, offer personalised advice, and communicate with immigration authorities, increasing the chances of a successful application.