Do you want to live and work in New Zealand? New Zealand needs skilled workers from other countries. The government has made new visa rules to help people like you move and work here. It is now simplest to get long-term Residence (PR) after working on a short-time visa. But the visa methods can be confusing. There are involves visa types like the Accredited Bosses Work Visa (AEWV), the Green List, and the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). Selecting the scam visa can slow down your plans.
This simple guide defines the three main work visa pathways. It shows what you required to apply, how to get a duty offer, and how to make money skilled points for residence.
Let’s start your New Zealand journey!
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — The Foundation
The AEWV is the first visa for most skilled helpers. It lets you duty for a industry that is approved by the New Zealand govt.
AEWV: Securing Your Full-Time Employment
Before you apply for home, you must have a full-time duty (30 hours or extra each week) with an Accredited Employer.
- Employer Accreditation: Your employer must be accept by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
- Job Check: The employer must show that no New Zealander can do the job and that your pay meets or is higher than the median wage.
- Visa Length: The AEWV is commonly real for 3 to 5 years. This gives you time to gain work experience and apply for home later.
Tip: Always ask your bosses for their Accredited Employer number before you approved the duty.
The Green List Fast Track to Residence
The Green List is for duties that New Zealand really needs. If your duty is on this list, you can get home faster. The Green List has two levels — Tier 1 and Tier 2.
Straight to Residence Visa
If your duty is on Tier 1, you can apply for house right away. You only need a real duty offer from an Accredited Bosses.
| Green List Tier | Residence Pathway | Work Requirement | Example Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Straight to Hosing Visa | None (can apply immediately) | Nurses, IT Helpers, Engineers, Doctors |
Work to Residence Visa
If your duty is on Tier 2, you must work in New Zealand for 24 months (2 years) before you can apply for home.
| Green List Tier | Residence Pathway | Work Requirement | Example Duties |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 2 | Work to housing Visa | 24 months of skilled duty | Construction Managers, Electricians, Mechanics, School Teachers |
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — The 6-Point System
If your duty is not on the Green List, you can apply according the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). This visa employs a 6-point system to check your all skills, education, and work experience etc.
How to Calculate Your 6 Skilled Resident Points
You need 6 points to apply for the SMC housing Visa. Points come from your education, duty, or work experience.
| Point Source | Requirement | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Registration | Jobs that need 2–6 years of study or training (for example, doctor or teacher) | 3–6 |
| Tertiary Qualifications | Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD degree (may need NZQA/IQA check) | 3–6 |
| Income (Job Offer) | Job pays 1.5x to 3x the median wage | 3–6 |
| Work Experience Bonus | +1 point per year of skilled work in New Zealand (up to 3 points) | Up to 3 |
Example: A software engineer with a Master’s degree (5 points) only needs 1 year of work experience in New Zealand (1 point) to reach 6 points and apply for residence.
The Gateway Requirements for Residence
No matter which visa you select, you must meet these all main conditions:
- Health and Character: You must clear a medical check and provide a police certificates.
- English Language: You must show that you can speak and understand languages English (for example, through IELTS or TOEFL).
- Age: You must be 55 years or younger when you apply in this job.
Visa Application Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for a New Zealand work visa takes time. Follow these steps to make it easier:
- Get a Job Offer: The job must meet skill and pay requirements and be from an Accredited Employer.
- Employer Job Check: Your employer must finish the Job Check with Immigration New Zealand.
- Apply for AEWV: Send your visa application with your documents and Job Token.
- Apply for Residence:
- Green List Tier 1: Apply right away for residence.
- Green List Tier 2: Work for 24 months, then apply.
- SMC: Get 6 points and apply for the SMC Resident Visa.
- Include Your Family: You can bring your partner (Partner of a Worker Visa) and dependent children.
FAQ: Quick Answers for Skilled Candidates
What is the AEWV?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the main work visa before applying for residence.
Do I need a job offer for PR?
Yes. All skilled visa types need a full-time job offer from an Accredited Employer.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. You can bring your partner and children. You may need a higher income to support them.
How long does it take?
Work visas take about 1–2 months. Residence visas take 3–12 months, depending on the case.
Conclusion and Next Steps
New Zealand has clear and simple visa pathways for skilled people. To succeed, you need a job with an Accredited Employer and you must know how to get your Skilled Points under the SMC — or check if your job is on the Green List.
If you follow the right visa path, your dream to live and work in New Zealand can come true.
Want to know if you qualify? Take our short 6-Point Quiz to check your eligibility for the SMC Resident Visa today. Stay updated with news from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Dynamic Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for information only. Always check the latest visa rules, pay rates, and eligibility details on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website or with a licensed immigration adviser before applying.