New Zealand Resident Visa
Migration Associates specialise in providing tailored guidance for individuals aiming to secure a New Zealand Resident Visa. Our team offers personalised assistance throughout the entire application process. With our expertise, you can navigate the complexities of residency applications with confidence, knowing that you have dedicated support every step of the way.
New Zealand offers several types of resident visas for those seeking to live and work in the country permanently.
Here is an overview of the main categories:
Skill-Based Resident Visas
1. Skilled Migrant Category (6-point system)
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- Effective from 9 October 2023, replacing the previous 180-point system.
- You must either hold a full-time permanent position or a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months with an accredited employer, or possess a job offer from one.
- You must meet the remuneration theshold for your specific occuaption.
- Points are awarded based on New Zealand professional registration, qualifications, or high income.
- Up to 3 additional points can be claimed for skilled work experience in New Zealand if 6 points not reached initially.
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2. Green List
Understanding the Green List
In an effort to attract skilled workers, the New Zealand government has established the Green List. This list highlights high-demand, high-skill roles that offer a streamlined pathway to New Zealand residency for qualified individuals. This fast-tracked pathway means workers who have a job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer in one of the Green List occupations can come to New Zealand on a work visa and apply for New Zealand residency if they meet the criteria. Applicants must have a job offer that matches the description and requirements and the listed occupations, which span across various fields such as healthcare, education, plumbing, electrical work, engineering, and IT.
Why it matters?
For skilled migrants aspiring to work in New Zealand, inclusion on the Green List presents a notable advantage, offering an expedited route to residency for high-demand roles. This facilitates the integration of qualified migrants into New Zealand’s workforce, enabling them to pursue their careers and establish themselves in the country more efficiently.
Explore the Green List
Discover the latest Green List roles and see if your occupation qualifies: Green List Roles. The list is regularly updated to reflect evolving workforce needs. Keep in mind that while new roles were added as of 23 September 2023, applicants in such roles will only be eligible to apply for a resident visa in March 2024 (subject to them meeting the relevant policy criteria).
Understanding the Tiers
The Green List operates in two tiers: Tier 1 for the Straight to Residence Visa and Tier 2 for the Work to Residence Visa, each offering distinct pathways to residency.
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Tier 1 – Straight to Residence:
Ideal for those already employed by an accredited employer or with a job offer from one, the Straight to Residence Visa is granted to eligible roles listed on Tier 1 of the Green List. These roles, such as secondary school teachers, auditors, various engineering positions, numerous healthcare roles, and IT roles, must meet specific occupational registration, wage, and qualification criteria. Successful applicants receive a resident visa, granting indefinite stay in New Zealand with access to healthcare and education systems. This visa eliminates the need for temporary visas and can be applied for within or outside New Zealand.
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Tier 2 – Work to Residence:
The Work to Residence visa offers a route to permanent residency for individuals currently employed by an accredited employer. To qualify, applicants must have worked in a Tier 2 Green List role for at least 24 months, meeting the outlined requirements specific to their occupation. Tier 2 roles encompass various teaching, trades, and agricultural positions, each with detailed criteria listed on the Green List.
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4. Work to Residence: Care Workforce
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- Eligibility starts from 29 September 2023.
- For roles like Caregiver, Nursing Support Worker, Therapy Aide or Diversional Therapist, paid at Level 4 rate (currently NZD 28.25/hr) or more.
- You must hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa or another work visa applied for before July 4, 2022.
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5. Work to Residence: Transport Sector
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- Professions like Bus Driver and Ship’s Master eligible for a 2-year work to residence pathway from September 29, 2023.
- Bus and truck drivers who apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa on or after 7 April 2024 and those who start work as a bus or truck driver on an open work visa on or after 7 April 2024 will not be eligible to apply for a Transport Work to Residence visa.
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Family-Based Resident Visas
1. Parent Resident Visa
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- For parents of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Requires sponsorship from the child who must meet certain specific requirements including meeting the minimum required income theshold.
- Involves an Expression of Interest (EOI) and quarterly selections.
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2. Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
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- For partners in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Requires extensive evidence of cohabitation, shared finances, and social recognition of the relationship.
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To obtain a Resident Visa, applicants must also meet general requirements related to health, character, and bona fides. A Resident Visa typically comes with open travel conditions for two years, after which a Permanent Resident Visa should be applied for, allowing indefinite re-entry.