New Zealand runs a simplified 6-points Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), a fast-track Green List for shortage occupations, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) as the main employer-sponsored route. Residence typically comes within 3–24 months of arrival for Green List roles, and citizenship is available after 5 years of residence.
How the immigration system works
Immigration New Zealand (INZ), part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), runs all visas. Employers must first gain 'accredited employer' status and pass a job check before hiring a migrant on the AEWV. The Skilled Migrant Category is now a straight 6-point threshold based on qualifications, occupational registration, income, or Kiwi work experience.
Who New Zealand is best for
Skilled workers in Green List occupations (healthcare, engineering, trades, tech)
International students at NZQA level 7+ eligible for post-study work
Partners and dependants of NZ citizens, residents and work-visa holders
Entrepreneurs and investors (Active Investor Plus)
Working holidaymakers from 45+ eligible countries
Visa pathways
6 pathways into New Zealand
Every pathway below is a complete guide — eligibility, step-by-step process, documents, timelines, costs, risks and common mistakes. Nothing is hidden behind extra clicks.
Pathway 1 · pr
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Medium
Points-based residence for skilled workers scoring at least 6 points across qualifications, occupational registration, income, or NZ work experience.
6–12 months
NZD 4,290 (visa) + medical/police/IELTS costs
6 required documents
Who qualifies
Skilled workers with a job offer paid at or above the median wage, plus qualifications, registration or high income evidence.
Eligibility requirements
Skilled job offer at or above the median wage (NZD 33.56/hr from Feb 2025, indexed)
6 SMC points (from qualifications, occupational registration, income or NZ experience)
Age under 56
Meet health, character and English (IELTS 6.5) requirements
Step-by-step process
1Confirm 6-point eligibility and job offer
2Apply for residence directly (no EOI stage)
3Provide medical, police, English evidence
4Receive decision within INZ's published timeframes
Documents you'll need
Passport
Job offer/contract
Qualifications + NZQA assessment if required
Occupational registration
IELTS
Medical + police
Common mistakes
Assuming pay just above minimum meets 'skilled' — must be median wage
Missing NZQA International Qualifications Assessment for non-listed degrees
Tier 1 Green List occupations (doctors, ICU nurses, senior engineers, ICT architects, etc.) can apply for residence immediately with a qualifying job offer.
3–6 months typical
NZD 4,290 residence fee
5 required documents
Who qualifies
Workers in Tier 1 Green List occupations with a job offer from an accredited employer.
Eligibility requirements
Tier 1 Green List occupation
Accredited employer job offer
Registration if required (e.g. NZ Medical Council)
Health, character and English
Step-by-step process
1Employer confirms accreditation
2Submit residence application
3Provide qualifications, registration, medicals
Documents you'll need
Passport
Job offer
Registration
Qualifications
Medicals + police
Common mistakes
Applying under Tier 1 for a role that is actually Tier 2 (work-to-residence 24 months)
Study visa for a full-time course at an NZQA-approved provider, with 20 hours/week part-time work rights and up to 3 years' post-study open work visa for bachelor's+ graduates.
4–8 weeks
NZD 375 (visa); tuition NZD 22,000–45,000/year
5 required documents
Who qualifies
International students accepted into an NZQA-approved course.
Eligibility requirements
Offer of place
Proof of funds NZD 20,000/year (tertiary)
Tuition paid
Health and travel insurance
Medical + police (long courses)
Step-by-step process
1Receive offer of place
2Apply online with financial evidence
3Provide medicals + police (12+ months)
4Receive visa aligned to course length
Documents you'll need
Passport
Offer of place
Financial evidence
Insurance
Medicals if 6+ months
Common mistakes
Working more than 20 hours/week during term
Missing chest X-ray for stays over 6 months from higher-risk countries
Residence-by-investment visa (relaunched 2025) with two categories: Growth (NZD 5M+ in direct investment) and Balanced (NZD 10M+ in a mixed portfolio).
6–12 months
NZD 27,470+ application fees
4 required documents
Who qualifies
High-net-worth investors deploying capital into approved NZ investments.
Eligibility requirements
NZD 5M+ (Growth) or NZD 10M+ (Balanced) investment
Business/investment experience
English (Balanced only)
Physical presence in NZ during investment period
Step-by-step process
1Submit EOI and get invited
2Transfer and invest funds in approved vehicles
3Meet presence requirements
4Receive residence
Documents you'll need
Passport
Source of funds
Investment agreements
Business CV
Common mistakes
Investing before receiving approval-in-principle
Failing to satisfy the physical presence requirement
Work, resident and visitor visa options for partners of NZ citizens, residents, or work-visa holders in a genuine and stable relationship for 12+ months.
3–9 months
NZD 2,710 – 4,290
4 required documents
Who qualifies
De facto or married partners of eligible NZ sponsors.
Eligibility requirements
12+ months living together in a genuine relationship
Sponsor eligibility
Health and character
Step-by-step process
1Sponsor completes support form
2Partner applies for work, visitor or resident visa
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You need 6 points, earned from a recognised qualification (3–6 points depending on level), occupational registration, income at 1.5× or 3× the median wage, or 3 years of skilled NZ work. Combined with a job at or above the median wage, you can apply directly for residence.
Can I bring my family to New Zealand?
Yes. AEWV and resident visa holders can bring their partner (who can also work) and dependent children, who can attend school as domestic students.
How long until I can get citizenship?
5 years as a resident, with 240 days present in NZ each year and 1,350 days across the 5 years. Good character and English proficiency are required.
What is the median wage for visa purposes?
As of February 2025 the median wage used for immigration is NZD 33.56/hour. It is updated annually.
Do I need a job offer for the Active Investor Plus?
No — it is an investor category based on approved NZ investments, physical presence, and (for the Balanced tier) English.
How long can I stay on the AEWV?
Up to 5 years continuously if your role is paid at or above the median wage. Lower-paid roles have shorter maximum durations and a stand-down period after the visa ends.
Can I switch employers on the AEWV?
Yes, but the new employer must also be accredited and go through a fresh job check. You need a variation of conditions or a new AEWV grant.
Official government resources
Verify before you apply
Immigration rules change frequently. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official portal.
