Residence Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is designed for individuals who have skilled jobs in New Zealand.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify under this category, your job must be considered skilled based on one or more of the following:

• Occupational registration (if required for your job).

• Recognised qualification (e.g., diploma, bachelor’s, or higher).

• Income level meeting the skilled threshold set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
  
  

Once you have sufficient points or meet the set requirements, you can apply for residence.

The Green List Residence Pathway provides a faster route to residency for people working in high-demand occupations.

There are two main Green List pathways:

Straight to Residence Visa

• For people with a Tier 1 Green List occupation.

• You can apply for residence immediately once you have an eligible job offer or are already working in New Zealand in a Tier 1 role.
  
  

Work to Residence Visa

• For people in Tier 2 Green List occupations.

• You must work in your eligible role in New Zealand for 24 months before applying for residence.
  
  

Example Tier 1 Jobs: Doctors, Engineers, ICT Managers, Construction Project Managers.
Example Tier 2 Jobs: Teachers, Registered Nurses, Electricians, and Social Workers.

This pathway supports people working in essential sectors such as aged care, disability support, healthcare, and transport.

Care Workforce Residence Pathway

• For workers employed in aged care, disability, and healthcare roles.

• You must work in an eligible role for 24 months before applying for residence.
  
  

Transport Sector Residence Pathway

• For qualified and experienced workers in transport-related roles such as bus drivers, truck drivers, and heavy vehicle operators.

• You can apply for residence after two years of continuous employment in an eligible position.