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Some of the visas on these pathways allow migrants to apply for residence straight away, such as the Straight to Residence Visa. Other pathways may require migrants to work in New Zealand before they can apply for residence, such as the Work to Residence Visa.
All these pathways require the migrant to have relevant employment in New Zealand.
Under the new Skilled Migrant Category, which came into effect in October 2023, applicants for the SMC must have:
The new Skilled Migrant Category is based on a simplified points system.
You need 6 points to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. These can be made up from:
All applicants need a skilled job offer in New Zealand, and most applicants will have to spend time working in New Zealand before becoming eligible for residence.
Read more about the Skilled Migrant Category and do a quick self-assessment of your chances.
The Green List helps to address ongoing skill shortages by making it easier for highly skilled and in-demand professionals to move to New Zealand.
The main requirement for both Green List pathways is a job or job offer in one of the Green List occupations. Specific requirements detailed on the list for the said occupation have to be met by the applicant.
If you have a job offer for an occupation on the Tier 1 list and you meet the specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements, you can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa.
If you have a job or job offer for an occupation on the Tier 2 list and you meet the specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements, you will need 2 years of relevant work in New Zealand on a specified visa. After this, you can apply for a Work to Residence Visa.
Read more about The Green List and Skill Shortages in New Zealand.
If you have a job or job offer for an occupation in a specified sector agreement, and you meet the specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements, you need 2 years of relevant work in New Zealand on a specified visa.
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa allows care workers who earn NZD 28.25 an hour to gain residence after 24 months.
In December 2022, the Immigration Minister announced a Transport Sector Agreement with a 2-year work to residence pathway for truck drivers and bus drivers.
Bus and truck drivers are able to apply for residence through this pathway if they have completed 2 years of work experience.
Obtaining a job offer in New Zealand will be a vital component of your immigration process, no matter which of the 3 pathways you will choose.
But job hunting in a new country is challenging. As a newcomer to New Zealand, you will most probably experience that it can be difficult to get a job offer as long as you do not have a visa yet.
Some job listings even state: "Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand may apply."
Working with us will boost your job search success.
- Read more about our Job Seeker Service.
- Find out how our Licensed Immigration Advisers will help you make your move a smoother journey.
Ask us for an Assessment of your chances and join our Immigration and Job Seeker Webinar.
