The path to becoming a resident in New Zealand starts from a 'residency' category visa. There are currently 5 skill-based residence categories open. Family residence categories for partners, parents and dependents are also open.
New Zealand has consistently been among the most popular migrant destinations. The country offers 5 skill-based residency pathways that depend on factors like the applicant's job profile, wage, work experience, and academic qualifications, among other things. These are:
Skilled Migrant Category: 6 points (starts on 9 October 2023)
Straight to Residence: Tier 1 of Green List
Work to Residence: Tier 2 of Green List
Work to Residence: Care Workforce
Work to Residence: Transport Sector
Take a look at more detailed information about each of these 5 residency pathways here.
In addition to these, there are other residency schemes like the Parent Resident Visa and the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa, among others. You can explore other visa options here.
A Permanent Resident Visa is usually the next step after being granted a Resident Visa. While Resident Visas have travel conditions that only allow a person to re-enter New Zealand as a resident until a certain date, a Permanent Resident Visa allows indefinite re-entry to New Zealand. Various criteria can be met to fulfill the eligibility requirements for Permanent Resident Visa.
Skilled Migrant Category: 6 points
This system for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa starts on 9 October 2023 and will replace the 180-point system.
Under this system, you need to collect a total of 6 points based on:
- Your NZ Professional Registration, or
- Your qualification, or
- Your income
If you fall short of 6 points based on either of the parameters above, you can then claim a maximum of 3 points for 'skilled' work experience in New Zealand. 'Skilled' work means ANZSCO 1-3 occupations paid at the median wage or ANZSCO 4-5 occupations paid at 1.5x the median wage.
Straight to Residence: Tier 1 of Green List
Migrant workers in specific roles in health and social services; construction; primary industries; science; engineering and ICT; and electronics and telecommunications may now apply for residency under the Green List Straight to Residence Visa.
To be eligible for this residence visa, the applicant must be working for an accredited employer or hold a job offer from one, and:
- The role must be on Tier 1 of the Green List.
- They must meet the requirements set out on the list for their role.
- The role must be full-time (at least 30 hours a week), genuine, and permanent, or be at least a 12-month fixed term contract. Under certain circumstances, independent contractors are also eligible.
Work to Residence: Tier 2 of Green List
From September 2023, people who have been working in certain roles for at least 24 months are eligible for residence.
To be eligible for this residence pathway, the applicant must be working for an accredited employer or hold a job offer from one, and:
- Hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or another work visa (Essential Skills Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa, etc.) applied for before 4 July 2022 at the time the residence application is made.
- Meet acceptable employment requirements in a Tier 2 Green List occupation.
- Have completed 24 months of work in New Zealand in a Tier 2 Green List occupation.
Work to Residence: Care Workforce
From 29 September 2023, people who are working in certain roles for an accredited employer and are paid at the Level 4 rate (currently NZD 28.25/hr) or more will be eligible for a 2-year work to residence pathway.
These roles are:
- Kaiāwhina (Hauora) (Māori Health Assistant)
- Disabilities Services Officer
- Residential Care Officer
- Aged and Disabled Carers
- Nursing Support Worker
- Personal Care Assistant
- Therapy Aide
- Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant
- Diversional Therapist
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or another work visa (Essential Skills Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa, etc.) applied for before 4 July 2022 at the time the residence application is made.
- Be paid at or above the Level 4 rate per hour in a Care Workforce sector occupation list.
- Have completed 24 months in a Care Workforce sector occupation list.
Work to Residence: Transport Sector
The following professions will have a time limited, 2-year work to residence pathway through a Transport Sector Agreement:
- Bus Driver
- Truck Driver
- Aircraft Refueller
- Furniture Removalist
- Tanker Driver
- Tow Truck Driver
- Ship’s Master
- Deck Hand
Eligible people can apply from 29 September 2023 if they have completed the 2-year work requirement.
The agreement is uncapped and will be reviewed after 12 months. Any changes made to the sector agreement after this review will not affect migrants already on their 2-year work to residence pathway.
Parent Resident Visa
Parents can apply to live in New Zealand permanently if they have a child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident. The child must earn enough money (meet certain income thresholds) and agree to sponsor the parent(s), in addition to a host of other requirements. To apply for a Parent Resident Visa, you must first submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
If Immigration New Zealand (INZ) selects your EOI, they may invite you to apply for residence. INZ selects EOIs every 3 months from 2 sets:
- The queue contains EOIs received before 12 October 2022. The first selection was 14 November 2022.
- The ballot contains EOIs received from 12 October 2022. The first selection is 8 August 2023.
Selections occur in February, May, August, and November, and generally take place on the second Tuesday of the relevant month.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
This visa allows you to get New Zealand residence if you have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen or resident.
There are certain requirements you and your partner have to fulfil for you to be granted a resident visa. These include health and character requirements, your partner's immigration status, and the circumstances of your dependent children.
You will need to provide evidence that you and your partner are living together in a genuine and stable relationship. The evidence must establish:
- How long you’ve been together.
- How long you’ve been living together.
- That you share finances and other responsibilities.
- That you spend time together, e. g., photos together, emails, and social media conversations between the both of you.
- That other people recognise your relationship.
- Anything else you think shows you and your partner are living together in a genuine and stable relationship.
