The RMB 70,000 Myth: Where it Might Stem From and Why it's False

Important Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is intended solely for general reading and research purposes. Please be aware that the author is not a legal professional and does not hold a license as an immigration advisor. Therefore, the author cannot be held responsible for any actions or decisions you make based on the content of this research note. For accurate and official guidance on New Zealand immigration matters, we strongly recommend that you consult directly with the New Zealand government or a qualified and licensed immigration professional 

28th May, 2025

The idea that New Zealand permanent residency can be easily "bought" with a relatively small sum like RMB 70,000, without the need for English proficiency, recognized degrees, or significant experience, is a dangerous misconception. This notion is far from realistic or true for 2025 and beyond. New Zealand's immigration policies are designed to attract skilled migrants who can contribute to its economy and society, not to be a transactional purchase.

Here's a breakdown of the realities:

English Language Proficiency

• Essential for most pathways: For most skilled and resident visa categories, demonstrating English language proficiency is a mandatory requirement. This typically involves providing results from an approved English language test like IELTS. For the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, a minimum overall IELTS score of 6.5 is generally required for the primary applicant. Lower scores may be accepted for partners and dependent children.
• Waivers are rare: While some very specific circumstances might allow for waivers (e.g., extensive education in an English-speaking country), these are exceptions and not the norm. Simply not having English skills is a significant barrier.
• Active Investor Plus Visa exception (with caveats): While the Active Investor Plus Visa (which requires a substantial investment) has removed English language requirements, this pathway is designed for high-net-worth individuals, not for those looking for a low-cost entry.

Recognized Degrees and Qualifications

• International Qualification Assessment (IQA): For most visa applications that require a qualification, you will need to get an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). This assessment determines if your international qualification is equivalent to a New Zealand one.
• Skilled Migrant Category: To be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category, your qualifications are a key factor in accumulating the required "skilled resident points." A bachelor's qualification or higher is often expected, and it may need to be assessed by NZQA.
• Green List Occupations: If you're applying under a Green List pathway (for in-demand jobs), specific qualifications are usually required for those roles, and these also need to be recognized.

Work Experience

• Crucial for skilled migration: Relevant skilled work experience is a fundamental component for most residence pathways, particularly the Skilled Migrant Category and Work to Residence visas.
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Many migrants initially come to New Zealand on an AEWV, which requires a job offer from an accredited employer. The skilled work experience gained on this visa can then be used to claim points for a resident visa. The work experience requirement for certain roles has been reduced to two years in 2025.
• Specific job requirements: The type and duration of work experience needed vary depending on the visa category and the specific occupation. For example, the Work to Residence Visa for Green List Tier 2 jobs requires 24 months of work experience in that role in New Zealand.

The RMB 70,000 Myth: Where it Might Stem From and Why it's False

The idea of "buying" residency for RMB 70,000 is likely a dangerous misinterpretation or a reflection of scam tactics. Here's why it's false:

• No direct purchase of residency: New Zealand does not have a "citizenship by investment" or "residency by investment" program where a fixed, low sum of money directly grants permanent residency. The Active Investor Plus Visa exists for significant investors (NZ$5 million or NZ$10 million, effective April 1, 2025), but this is a completely different league from RMB 70,000 (which is approximately NZD 15,500 at current exchange rates).
• Visa fees vs. immigration costs: While visa application fees exist (and might be in the range of RMB 70,000 for some complex applications or for a family group over time), these are administrative costs and not the "price" of residency. They do not waive any of the fundamental requirements for skills, language, or experience.
• Scams and misrepresentation: Unfortunately, there are numerous immigration scams targeting hopeful migrants, particularly from China. These scams often promise easy residency for a fee, exploiting a lack of understanding of genuine immigration processes. Recent reports highlight cases where Chinese migrant workers were victims of job scams, paying significant sums for non-existent jobs and visas, often facilitated by unlicensed or negligent immigration advisers.

Reality of New Zealand Immigration in 2025

New Zealand's immigration system in 2025 is focused on attracting individuals who:

• Have skills in demand: Through pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category and the Green List, New Zealand prioritizes migrants who can fill critical labor shortages.
• Meet specific criteria: Each visa category has detailed requirements regarding age, health, character, English language proficiency, qualifications, and work experience.
• Are genuinely committed to New Zealand: Immigration New Zealand looks for evidence of a commitment to live and contribute to New Zealand permanently.

Conclusion

Spending RMB 70,000 alone will not grant you New Zealand permanent residency in 2025. The notion is entirely unrealistic and likely based on misinformation or fraudulent promises. Genuine pathways to New Zealand residency require meeting specific criteria related to English language proficiency, recognized qualifications, relevant work experience, and often, a skilled job offer. Potential migrants should always rely on official information from Immigration New Zealand and be extremely cautious of any offers that seem too good to be true, as they are very likely scams.