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A New Zealand Residence Visa allows individuals to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. It provides a pathway to permanent residency and eventually citizenship, offering long-term security and access to most of the rights and benefits enjoyed by New Zealand citizens.
Disclaimer: INZ rules and eligibility criteria change frequently. Please carry out the necessary residence evaluation to confirm your eligibility.
The Green List is a priority list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand, Jobs on this list are considered critical to the country’s economic and social needs, which allows eligible applicants to have faster pathways to residence.
This pathway to New Zealand residence is for people who have a Tier 1 or Tier 2 job on the Green List of in-demand jobs.
This pathway allows applicants who have received a job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation to apply directly for residence, provided the applicant must meet qualification, experience, and job requirements as specified for each role by Immigration New Zealand.
Applicants must have worked in New Zealand for at least 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List occupation. After fulfilling work experience requirements and meeting other eligibility criteria, they can apply for residence.
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) uses a six-point system. You must meet all six points to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Points are awarded based on skill category, income level, qualifications, or New Zealand registration.
Applicants must meet a minimum point threshold set by INZ to be eligible. Thresholds are reviewed and updated periodically, so staying current is essential. Points are calculated based on a combination of qualifications, work experience, and the relevance of the job offer.
Applicants can estimate their points using INZ’s official online tool. This helps determine eligibility and guides strategic planning before applying.
Licensed Advisers review academic qualifications, skilled work experience, and job offers to ensure applicants meet SMC or Green List requirements. They provide guidance on improving point scores and preparing compliant documentation.
Processing times for residence visas in New Zealand vary by visa category and individual circumstances. Some visas may be processed within weeks, while others can take several months.
Many applicants follow a pathway from:
This sequential approach allows applicants to gain New Zealand work experience, accumulate points, and transition smoothly to residence.