[nd293]

... does it simply mean the residence permit issued when you enter NZ with a RV, and each and every time you re-enter under your RRV.

Or do you only have "permanent residence" when you hold an Indefinite RRV?

I ask because application for citizenship is based on time spent in country as a permanent residence (amongst other criteria) - someone on another forum I was reading claimed that this meant time spent in country after obtaining an IRRV.

I am assuming that the poster on the forum in question is incorrect, as one only needs to apply for an IRRV if one plans to leave NZ after the expiry of the RRV. But I wouldn't like to get this wrong...

Thanks,

Nikki

[StevieD]

Working visa has to keep getting renewed, whereas a PR visa is just that, permanent (unless you do something pretty stupid!) That is my understanding of it all.

I think the citizenship rules changed a while ago too, which means you have to wait 5 years now instead of 3 from the date of your PR. Quoting from the NZ citizenship website:-

" 1. You have received your permanent residence before 21 April 2005, and
2. Have been ordinarily resident in New Zealand for the last 3 years.

OR

1. You have received your permanent residence on or after 21 April 2005, and
2. Have had your New Zealand permanent residence for the last 5 years."


HTH

[migratory birds]

A "Resident Visa" (aka Permanant Resident Visa") is (sometimes!) granted at the outcome of the ITA application. If you travel to NZ, leave the country and don't return within a specified time frame you CAN lose your ability to apply for an IRRV once your RRV expires.

When it comes to questions like these, it is always best to go TO THE SOURCE (NZIS or Dept of Internal Affairs)! On this and other forums, it seems different folks have different interpretations of process (perhaps based on the type of visa they're entering on).

Application for CITIZENSHIP is based on time spent living in the country as your primary residence...which can begin on arrival after recieving PR if you remain or arrive back in NZ within a short time of your first trip with PR. It is NOT timed from the issuance of your IRRV but, you're correct, can begin while you still have your initial RRV.

This from the DIA website under heading "General Requirements for a Grant of New Zealand Citizenship"

"Permanent Residence on or after 21 April 2005
If you applied for and received permanent residence after 21 April 2005 you are required to fulfill the following requirements. You are required to have:

Been present in New Zealand for a total of at least 1,350 days during the 5 years immediately before you make your application; and

[AND, AND, AND emphasis mine! not 'or'!]

Been present in New Zealand for a total of at least 240 days in each of those 5 years, with a Permanent Resident Permit issued by the New Zealand Immigration Service; and

Fully met any conditions imposed by the New Zealand Immigration Service in regard to your Permanent Resident Permit.

Please Note: If you can show that there are exceptional circumstances that warrant a reduction, you may be considered as long as you have a minimum presence in New Zealand of 450 days with a Permanent Resident Permit in the 20 months before you make your application. "

Here are a couple links for you to look into to find the exact answers to your questions:

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/alreadyinnz/residents/becomingacitizen/default.htm

http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Citizenship-Index?OpenDocument

And this link REALLY lays out the nitty-gritty details for you:
http://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/wpg_URL/Services-Citizenship-General-Requirements-for-a-Grant-of-New-Zealand-Citizenship?OpenDocument