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.
Residence Visa
Our Pathway to New Zealand Residency
If you’re aiming to become a resident of New Zealand, the journey begins with obtaining a residence-class visa. At present, there are five skill-based residence pathways available, each tailored to individuals with specific job profiles, qualifications, and experience. In addition, family-based residence categories are open for partners, parents, and dependent children.
New Zealand remains one of the top destinations for skilled migrants—and for good reason. The country currently offers the following five skill-based residency options:
- Skilled Migrant Category (requires 6 points)
- Straight to Residence Visa – Green List Tier 1
- Work to Residence Visa – Green List Tier 2
- Work to Residence Visa – Care Workforce
- Work to Residence Visa – Transport Sector
Each pathway has distinct criteria based on factors such as your occupation, income, education, and work history.
Besides these skill-based options, New Zealand also offers family residence visas, such as:
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- Parent Resident Visa
- And more
Moving From Resident to Permanent Resident
Once you’ve secured a Resident Visa, the next milestone is often a Permanent Resident Visa. While a Resident Visa has time-limited travel conditions—meaning you can only re-enter New Zealand as a resident until a specified date—a Permanent Resident Visa grants unrestricted, lifelong re-entry to the country.
To qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa, you’ll need to meet certain criteria—these may include time spent living in New Zealand, compliance with visa conditions, and demonstrating a commitment to the country.
Want to know if you qualify for residency?
Explore detailed information about each pathway
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Frequently asked Questions
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Skilled Migrant Category: 6 points
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Work to Residence: Care Workforce
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. -
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.
Free visa assessment
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- Roshan@nzimmigrationvisa.co.nz
- +64 22 177 1309
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- shabbir@nzimmigrationvisa.co.nz
- 80 1943269055
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