NEW ZEALAND RESIDENT VISA PATHWAYS

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Your comprehensive guide to residency options in New Zealand

Skilled Migrant Resident Visa

A total of 6 points is required in a combination of Category 1 and Category 2 as specified below.

Applicants should note that a genuine job offer from an accredited employer or genuine employment with an accredited employer in New Zealand is still required to apply for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category even if the applicant can claim 6 points through one of the categories.

Category 1

Points are awarded for:

Professional Registration:

Up to 6 points based on years of training/work experience in a field requiring New Zealand registration (e.g., teacher, doctor, nurse, architect, lawyer, etc.). Also, check if your occupation is present in the Green List Tier 1 or Tier 2 roles and eligibility criteria.

  • 6 years = 6 points
  • 5 years = 5 points
  • 4 years = 4 points
  • 3 years = 3 points

Qualification:

Up to 6 points based on level of qualification.

  • Level 10 (PhD/Doctorate) = 6 points
  • Level 9 (master's degree) = 5 points
  • Level 8 (honors degree/postgraduate diploma) = 4 points
  • Level 7 (bachelor's degree/postgraduate certificate) = 3 points

High Wage:

Up to 6 points based on the pay rate for a New Zealand job or offer. You can refer to the median wage rate here.

  • 3x median wage (currently NZD 88.98/hour) = 6 points
  • 2x median wage (currently NZD 59.32/hour) = 4 points
  • 1.5x median wage (currently NZD 44.49/hour) = 3 points

Category 2

Points are awarded for:

Skilled work experience in New Zealand:

  • 3 years = 3 points
  • 2 years = 2 points
  • 1 year = 1 point

Applicants must also:

  • Have a New Zealand job offer from an accredited employer.
  • Meet health and character requirements.
  • Meet English language requirements.

New Zealand Occupations Green List

The Green List provides a pathway to residence for highly skilled migrants in hard-to-fill jobs through two tiers: Tier 1 (straight to residence) and Tier 2 (work to residence).

The Green List features a limited number of highly skilled roles that are globally in demand and in short supply in New Zealand.

This list simplifies the process for employers to hire and attract migrants for high-skilled, hard-to-fill positions, particularly in construction, engineering, trades.

The Green List is regularly updated with roles being added, removed, or shifted between Tier 1 and Tier 2.

View the full Green List

Care Workforce Sector Agreement Pathway

You can apply under the Care Workforce Sector if you work for an accredited employer and have completed 24 months in a care role, meeting wage and qualification requirements (e.g., Level 4 certificate).

You must also meet employment, health, character, and language requirements.

For more information, visit here.

Resident Visa - Partnership Residence

Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents can apply for residence under partnership

Requirements

  • They have lived together for 12 months or more.
  • The relationship is genuine and stable.

At Kiwi Fern Immigration, we:

  • Understand that every relationship is unique, including cultural aspects that shape it.
  • Handle challenging cases with respect and sensitivity.
  • Use problem-solving strategies and think outside the box to achieve successful outcomes.
  • Our clients feel comfortable discussing their situations with us.
Watch our tips on partnership applications here.

Resident Visa - Parent Category

A maximum of 2,500 visas are issued annually.

Expression of Interest (EOI)

  • Submitted to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and placed in a ballot.
  • EOIs are selected randomly every 3 months and expire after 2 years.

Sponsorship Requirements

Income criteria:

  • The sponsoring child (NZ citizen or resident) must meet income requirements for two 12-month periods within the last 3 years before EOI selection.
  • Requirements vary for self-employed sponsors.
  • Proof of income (e.g., IRD records) is required.

Next Steps

  • Once selected, INZ issues an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
  • Applicants must meet:
    • Health requirements: Many parents face challenges meeting INZ's acceptable standards.
    • English language requirements: This can be a common issue.

At Kiwi Fern Immigration, we assist families in navigating these complexities with tailored solutions. Please book a consultation with one of our advisers. We can meet over Google Meet or in person.