My mother is a permanent citizen of New Zealand. I am a sophomore now. How can I immigrate to New Zealand?

Hello, just apply for family immigration directly. Do nothing. Your mother will help you inquire about New Zealand.

Although I don't understand what a permanent citizen is. Only permanent residents and citizens.

Either way, you can apply for immigration. Then submit it to immigration and review it.

If you return to China after applying for PR (permanent residency), nothing will change. It's no good. You are still from China. Why do you have to get extra points for settling in other countries?

If you apply for New Zealand citizenship five years after getting PR. That is, changing nationality. Then you will be an international student when you return to China. For specific questions about international students, you can ask the university you want to attend.

But you can't apply for naturalization directly. You must wait until five years after you get the right of abode before you can apply for citizenship.