RV2.5 How do resident visa holders or former holders qualify for a permanent resident visa?
Upon application principal applicants will be granted a permanent resident visa if:
a.they either: i.hold a resident visa, and have held that resident visa continuously for at least 24 months at the time of application; or
ii.have held a resident visa in the three months before the application is made, and had held that resident visa continuously for at least 24 months before it expired; and
b.their first day in New Zealand as a resident (R5.66.1(b)) was at least 24 months before the application is made; and
c.they can demonstrate a commitment to New Zealand by meeting the requirements set out in any one of the five subsections below (RV2.5.1 to RV2.5.20); and
d.they have met any conditions imposed under section 49(1),of the Immigration Act 2009;
unless RV2.10 (Permanent resident visas for holders of resident visas with section 49(1) investment conditions) applies.
RV2.5.1 Significant period of time spent in New Zealand
A principal applicant has demonstrated a commitment to New Zealand if they have been in New Zealand as a resident for a total of 184 days or more in each of the two 12-month portions of the 24 months immediately preceding the date the date their application for a permanent resident visa was made (ie, in each of the two 12-month portions, a period or periods that amount to 184 days or more).