The Straight to Residence Visa

The Straight to Residence Visa is an opportunity for professionals to apply for a residence visa and obtain the right to stay in New Zealand indefinitely.

If you currently work in New Zealand or have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you might qualify for a Straight to Residence Visa.

The Straight to Residence Visa will allow you, your partner and your children to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

To be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa

  • You must be working for or have a job offer from an accredited employer
  • The role must be Tier 1 on the Green List;
  • The role must meet the requirements for that role, as set out in the Green List (qualification, registration and wage requirements);
  • You must be 55 years or younger;
  • You must meet health and character requirements.

Worth noting: 80% of all Straight to Residence Visa applications currently have a processing time of just three months.



Our Licensed Immigration Adviser says:

"If you find your profession on Tier 1 on the Green List, it is definitely worth checking whether you meet the further requirements of this visa policy.

You will have to have a job or find a job with an accredited employer. That role then needs to meet the policy requirements, i.e. do you have the necessary qualifications, does the role require you to be registered in New Zealand, and do you earn the required income?

As with most visas, there is an age limit, and you must pass a medical check and fulfil character requirements."

Read Carsten's full article: "Green List roles explained and what this actually means for your job search in New Zealand."


Do you not have a job in New Zealand yet?

Is your role in New Zealand not on either Tier 1 or Tier 2 of the Green List?

What if you do not fulfil any of the other requirements of the Straight to Residence policy?


We know that you have many questions, and invite you to join our Q&A session to find out more.
Ask us for a Free Assessment of your options.

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