residency or Permanent residency?

[rv1103]

I have been reading few threads here over the time & getting confused on the meaning of residency application, for which we all are applying for under SMC.

Is the residency visa we are referring to our SMC application different from Permanent residency? If so, what is the difference and the process to get NZ PR?

-Thanks.

[hemanshumistry]

I have been reading few threads here over the time & getting confused on the meaning of residency application, for which we all are applying for under SMC.

Is the residency visa we are referring to our SMC application different from Permanent residency? If so, what is the difference and the process to get NZ PR?

-Thanks.

Yes these both are different - here is how.
Earlier the Visa provided to the SMC applicants were directly PR. With the new process, currently used - all applicants have Residence Visa or Job Search Visa. The Residence Visa is 2 yr visa - which gets converted to Permanent Residence Visa after 2 years provided you show commitments to NZ. There are details on the immigration website around these.

[Mamee & Co]

But in effect what is now known as residence is what was called Permanent Residence in the past. With PR you used to apply for an indefinite returning residents visa at the end of two years. That stage is now called Permanent Residence.

[JandM]

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migra.../residence.htm