xj25vm

This might be a slightly strange question - and possibly the opposite of what is normally asked. If one is to apply for the Skilled Migrant category for permanent residence while outside NZ, go through EOI, invitation to apply - and then receive the permanent residence from NZ immigration (or do they use some transitional visa before actually entering the country?) - how long would one be allowed to keep hold of the permanent residence (or permanent residence offer) before it expires? In other words, if the whole process is complete - how long does the applicant have before they actually have to move to NZ - or else the PR would expire if not used. I'm assuming there is a time limit - as most other countries seem to operate in a similar fashion.

I've sifted through the wiki and other sources - and can't seem to find the answer. I guess most people would want to know how quickly, not how slowly, they can get there

janiejones

If you get full PR straight away, then it's a year from when you get the blue stickers in your passport to get there. However, they may give you work to residency PR, which gives you three months to arrive, then a certain time in which to get a job before you get full PR. Some occupations, due to registration reasons, can only get WTR PR. Have a search on "pharmacist" on this board, as I think they fall under this category.

xj25vm

Thank you janiejones. That's exactly the info I was after

simonsi

The only thing I would add is that if PR is issued on the basis of a job offer and that offer gets withdrawn because you don't show (or any other reason), then the wheels fall off.

Persephone

You also have 6 months to get the blue stickers in your passport once residency is approved. You could delay your move to NZ to just under 18months if you do everything as close to the expiry date as possible.