Skill-based pathways for Professionals

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa requires applicants to have 6 points, which can be achieved through various combinations of qualifications, occupational registration, income, and New Zealand work experience. This pathway is ideal for professionals who:

• Hold a bachelor's degree or higher qualification
• Have occupational registration in New Zealand
• Earn at least 1.5 times the median wage through their new job in New Zealand
• Have skilled work experience in New Zealand

Points System:

• 3-6 points: Based on New Zealand qualifications, occupational registration, or high income
• 1-3 points: For each year of skilled work experience in New Zealand (up to 3 years maximum)

You must have an acceptable job or job offer in New Zealand and meet the 6-point threshold. Some applicants can qualify immediately without New Zealand work experience, while others may need to work in the country first.

Read more about the Skilled Migrant Category and do a quick self-assessment of your chances.

Please note: Changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa have been announced. Two new residence pathways for professionals will be introduced under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa: The Skilled Work Experience Pathway and the Trades and Technician Pathway.  

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Green List Pathways

The Green List provides two distinct pathways for highly skilled professionals in in-demand occupations:

Tier 1 - Straight to Residence Visa:

• Immediate pathway to residence for specific high-demand occupations
• Requires a job offer from an accredited employer
• Must meet specific qualification, registration, and wage requirements
• No New Zealand work experience required

Tier 2 - Work to Residence Visa:

• Requires 2 years of relevant work in New Zealand in a Tier 2 Green List occupation with an accredited employer
• Must meet occupation-specific requirements during the work period
• Pathway to residence after completing the work requirement

Read more about The Green List and Skill Shortages in New Zealand.

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Sector Agreement Pathways

Specific work-to-residence pathways exist for individuals in the care workforce and transport sectors:

Care Workforce Pathway:

• Requires at least 24 months of work experience in a care role, earning at least NZD $28.25 per hour
• Can use work experience in other in-demand roles to meet the 24-month requirement

Transport Sector Pathway:

• For employees in transport sector roles with accredited employers
• Requires 24 months of work experience in the sector
• Currently, there are only two occupations in the transport sector category:
  • Ship’s Master
  • Deckhand.

Please note: If you are migrating through one of the 3 skilled migrant pathways, obtaining a job offer in New Zealand will be a vital component of your immigration process.

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Family-Based Residence Pathways

Partnership Residence

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, including same-sex and de facto relationships, can apply for residence. Key requirements include:

• Genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident
• Living together as a couple for 12 months or more
• Meeting health and character requirements
• Sponsor must meet character requirements (no domestic violence or sexual crime convictions)

Parent Residence

Parent Category Resident Visa:

• Requires sponsorship by an adult New Zealand citizen or resident child
• Income threshold reduced for sponsor supporting parents
• Annual quota increased from 1,000 to 2,500 visas
• Expression of Interest (EOI) system with quarterly ballot draws

Parent Retirement Category:

• Requires income of at least NZ$60,000 per year, assets of NZ$1.5 million, and ability to invest NZ$1 million in New Zealand for 4 years
• Direct pathway to residence for financially independent parents

Dependent Children

New Zealand citizens and residents living permanently in the country can apply for their dependent children to join them. Children must meet health and character requirements and be declared in the original residence application if born before the parent established residency.

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Business and Investment Pathways

New Zealand offers residence options for investors and entrepreneurs willing to contribute to the country's economic development:

The Active Investor Plus Visa:

• Recent updates include fewer immigration requirements for active investors and faster investment timelines
• Minimum investment thresholds apply
• Business experience and age factors are considered

Read more about the Active Investor Plus Visa

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The Business Investor Visa:

The Business Investor Visa offers new immigration options for investors who invest in existing businesses in New Zealand.

Depending on the level of investment, this policy offers a work-to-residence pathway or a fast-track to residence pathway.

Read more about the Business Investor Visa

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