New Zealand Skilled Migrant Visa Options
Explore Skilled Migrant, Green List and Work to Residence visas for New Zealand. Intergate offers expert support for moving to New Zealand as a skilled professional.
- Licensed advice
- Evidence and timing
- Next step
The New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the points-based residence pathway for skilled professionals and tradespeople with a qualifying job offer from an accredited employer. The Green List provides accelerated routes: Tier 1 occupations qualify for Straight to Residence, while Tier 2 occupations require 24 months of qualifying employment before a residence application. Both routes lead to New Zealand residence, with citizenship eligibility after five years.
Eligibility
- 01
Skilled job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer
The Skilled Migrant Category requires a skilled job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The role must be at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 and pay at or above the median wage. Working for a non-accredited employer is grounds for refusal.
- 02
Minimum points score under the SMC framework
The Skilled Migrant Category uses a points-based system assessing New Zealand work experience, qualifications, occupational registration, and income. A minimum of six points is required to file an Expression of Interest.
- 03
Recognised qualifications or equivalent work experience
Qualifications must be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or a recognised professional body. Overseas qualifications that are not assessed or that do not meet New Zealand standards contribute fewer points and may not satisfy the occupational requirements.
- 04
English language proficiency at the required level
Applicants must demonstrate English ability meeting INZ requirements: generally IELTS Academic or General 6.5 overall (or equivalent) for SMC applications. Green List occupations may have specific English requirements tied to professional registration standards.
- 05
Occupation on the Green List or within an accredited employer's workforce
Green List Tier 1 occupations allow straight-to-residence applications. Tier 2 occupations require 24 months of employment before residence. Applicants not on the Green List must apply through the SMC points system with a qualifying job offer.
- 06
Health and character requirements
Standard medicals and police clearances apply. Applicants must have no serious criminal convictions and must not pose a health risk to New Zealand. Conditions identified at medical examination may require specialist reports and in some cases a waiver.
Mistakes that cost a refusal
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Submitting an SMC Expression of Interest without verified evidence to support the points claimed; unverified points are adjusted downward at the assessment stage, and an EOI that was competitive on paper becomes non-competitive.
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Working for a non-accredited employer during the qualifying period for a Green List Work to Residence pathway; this disqualifies the entire qualifying period, requiring the applicant to restart with a new accredited employer.
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Misidentifying an occupation as Green List Tier 1 when it is actually Tier 2 or is not listed at all; the resulting application is lodged under an unsuitable category with the wrong evidence.
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Failing to maintain valid and appropriate visa status throughout the 24-month qualifying period for Work to Residence; a gap in visa status or a change in employer without transferring the AEWV can break the continuity requirement.
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Submitting NZQA qualification assessment applications too late; processing can take three to six months, and a late assessment delays the entire residence application.
From first call to grant
01 · 1-2 wk
Strategy
Pathway identification: SMC points, Green List Tier 1 straight-to-residence, Green List Tier 2 work-to-residence, or sector-specific pathway. Points modelling and AEWV requirement check.
02 · 3-12 wk
Qualification and registration
NZQA qualification assessment and, where required, professional body registration in New Zealand. These must be in place before residence is applied for.
03 · 4-8 wk
EOI or AEWV
Expression of Interest lodged for the SMC, or AEWV obtained from an accredited employer (Green List/sector pathways). Qualifying employment period begins.
04 · 2-4 wk
Residence application
Invitation to Apply received (SMC) or qualifying period completed (Green List). Full residence application lodged with complete evidence.
05 · 3-6 mo
Decision and grant
INZ assesses the application. Requests for further information responded to. Resident visa granted with or without conditions.
What that buys you
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Licensed Immigration Advisers under the IAA code carry regulatory liability for points claims; advisers verify every claim against INZ evidence standards before the EOI is submitted.
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Occupation and Green List verification: advisers confirm the correct tier and pathway for the specific job title and role description before the applicant commits to a qualifying period.
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Visa continuity management: advisers track employer accreditation status and visa validity throughout the 24-month qualifying period, alerting clients to any compliance risks before they become disqualifying events.
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Honest no-go assessment: if the applicant's profile does not yet reach a competitive score or the occupation does not qualify, advisers say so before fees are committed to an application unlikely to succeed.
We work on a transparent flat fee, quoted at the consultation. We do not publish prices because the right number is the case-specific one.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The SMC is New Zealand's points-based residence visa. It requires a skilled job offer or current employment from an accredited employer in a role at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3, at or above the median wage. Points are earned for New Zealand work experience, income, qualifications, and occupational registration. A minimum of six points is required to submit an Expression of Interest. Qualifications must be assessed by NZQA before residence can be applied for.
Green List Pathways
The Green List is a curated list of high-demand occupations. Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) covers occupations including most medical professionals, engineers, and ICT specialists; applicants in these roles can apply for residence directly if they hold a qualifying job offer with an accredited employer. Tier 2 (Work to Residence) covers roles such as construction supervisors and certain trades; applicants must complete 24 months of continuous qualifying employment in New Zealand under an appropriate visa before a residence application can be lodged.
Sector-Specific Work to Residence Pathways
In addition to the Green List, New Zealand has created Work to Residence pathways for the care workforce and the transport sector. Care workers paid at or above the Level 4 Care and Support Workers Pay Equity rate and transport workers including heavy vehicle and bus drivers can apply for residence after 24 months of qualifying employment. Both sectors require continuous valid visa status throughout the qualifying period; any gap or employer change without an AEWV transfer restarts the clock.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the difference between the Green List Tier 1 and Tier 2 pathways?
Green List Tier 1 occupations, such as most medical professionals, engineers, and ICT specialists, qualify for a straight-to-residence application if the applicant has an eligible job offer and meets the Green List requirements. Tier 2 occupations require 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand before a residence application can be lodged.
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Can I include my family in my skilled migrant residence application?
Yes. Partners and dependent children can be included as secondary applicants in a skilled migrant residence application. Partners receive the same residence visa with open work rights. Children are included on the same visa with study rights. Family members must each meet health and character requirements.
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Does New Zealand income earned before my AEWV count toward the SMC points score?
Only New Zealand income earned on a work-authorised visa and with an accredited employer counts toward the SMC income threshold. Income earned offshore, income from self-employment, or income from a non-accredited employer does not contribute to the points score.
Next step
Speak with a licensed advisor about your visa options.
A focused consultation routed to the right licensed advisor. Continue independently after the call, or proceed with us and have the consultation fee deducted from the service fee.