Residence Visas
Skilled Migrant Category
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) provides a residence pathway for people with skills to fill employment needs and opportunities in New Zealand. SMC is a points system. The New Zealand government will allocate points to your application based on your skilled job, qualification, work experience, age, etc. To start the SMC, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to Immigration New Zealand. The EOI process will assess the points claimed to determine whether you pass the points threshold. Successful candidates will receive an invitation to apply letter from Immigration New Zealand. You must submit your residence visa application within four months from the issue date of invitation.
Traditionally SMC is one of the most popular policies to obtain New Zealand residency. However, there are technical areas surrounding this policy, such as: how to define a skilled job; what qualification is acceptable; whether previous work experience can qualify for points. It is highly recommened that you conduct your eligiblity test through a professaional adviser.
Residence from Work
People who have held the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and have worked in New Zealand for 24 months, they are eligible for residence under this policy. They must maintain their salary threshold (NZD $55,000 or NZD $79,560 ).
This policy was closed in October 2021, however all exsiting Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa holders can continue to pursue this residence policy.
Partnership Residence Visa
Parent Category Residence Visa
Parent Retirement Residence Visa
Dependent Child Residence Visa
For family-related residence visa categories, click below for more information.
Green List
The New Zealand government introduced the Green List roles. If you hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa and your role is on the Green List, you may be eligible for a residence visa under the below pathways:
Straight to Residence
If your job is on Tier 1 of the Green List, and you are employed or hold a job offer from an accredited employer, then you are eligible to apply for a residence visa from 5 September 2022. There are other requirements for this pathway such as qualification and pay rate. Contact a professional to check your eligibility now.
Work to Residence
If your job is on Tier 2 of the Green List, and you are employed or hold a job offer from an accredited employer, then you can apply for a residence visa after working 24 months in the role. Note, there are specific requirements for Work to Residence. You should contact a professional to check your eligibility.
Highly Paid Residence Visa
If you are employed or hold an offer from an accredited employer, and your pay is at least twice the median wage (NZD $55.52 per hour). After working for 24 months in New Zealand you are eligible to apply for a residence visa.