Residence Objective

At a glance

New Zealand's residence programme is designed to contribute to economic growth by enhancing human capability, encouraging enterprise and innovation, and fostering international links, while maintaining social cohesion [R1]. Some residence categories also require a New Zealand sponsor to improve settlement outcomes and protect the Crown from potential support costs [R4.1].

Definition

The residence objective has two components:

1. Economic and social purpose: The programme aims to lift overall human capability, promote enterprise and innovation, and build international relationships, all while preserving a high level of social cohesion [R1].
2. Selection basis: Migrants are selected through either a skills/experience pathway or a family link pathway, ensuring a diverse intake [R1].

Additionally, for residence categories that require a sponsor, the objective of the sponsorship requirement is to:

• improve settlement outcomes for the applicant; and
• ensure that the applicant has a means of support in New Zealand; and
• protect the Crown from the potential cost of the applicant seeking government assistance [R4.1].

Application in decisions

The objective provides the foundational rationale for all residence instructions. It underpins policy settings across all residence categories, from skilled migrant and business/investor streams to family-sponsored categories. Immigration officers assess residence applications against specific criteria that give effect to this dual economic and family focus [R1].

For residence categories that require a sponsor, officers assess whether the sponsorship meets the specified criteria, ensuring that the objectives of settlement support and financial protection are fulfilled [R4.1].

Interpretation & edge cases

Balance between skills and family: The objective permits a portfolio approach, meaning that residence policy may shift emphasis between skills-based and family-based streams over time, as long as the overall mix continues to serve economic growth and social cohesion [R1].

Role in individual decisions: While the objective sets the programme's purpose, it does not override specific eligibility requirements. An applicant cannot rely on the objective alone to overcome a failure to meet prescribed criteria; it simply explains why those criteria exist [R1].

Reference in policy interpretation: When interpreting ambiguous instructions, decision-makers may refer back to the residence objective to ensure their reading aligns with the statutory purpose. However, such interpretive weight is secondary to the plain text of the instructions and any relevant legislation [R1].

Scope of sponsorship objective: The sponsorship requirement applies only where a residence instruction explicitly requires a sponsor. The objective itself does not create a sponsorship requirement where none exists, nor does it allow an applicant to substitute other forms of support unless the instructions permit [R4.1].

Citations

• R1 — Objective
• R4.1 — Objective