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 New Zealand employment in place.
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."
Partnering with a local job search professional and starting your job hunt well before your arrival in New Zealand will make you a strong candidate for the New Zealand job market.
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers will ensure that your job search goes in the right direction and is aligned with visa-specific requirements.
Together both services will help you overcome the Catch-22 dilemma: You need a job to get a visa and a visa to get a job.
Read more about our Job Seeker Service.
Find out how our Licensed Immigration Advisers will help you make your move a smoother journey.
"NZIC guided me all the way through from getting my first work visa to permanent residency. Their job-seeker support was key when I first arrived in NZ, communication was always easy and clear. I'm very thankful for their help and definitely recommend their services."
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A.F (Canada)
Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.
“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”
At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!
NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.
Ask us for a Free Assessment of your chances and join our Immigration and Job Hunt Webinar.
