Skilled Migration
To attract global talent and address skill shortages, Immigration New Zealand offers two main pathways: the Green List pathway and the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
Applicants who are 55 years or under, have good English ability, and work in in-demand occupations can apply for a Resident Visa through these pathways.
- Green List (Tier 1): Straight to Residence for applicants with a job or job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation from an accredited employer
- Skilled Migrant Category (6-Point System): For applicants who qualify under the 6-point system, based on either qualification, income, or occupational registration, plus New Zealand work experience.
Green List (Tier 1):
Direct Resident Visa Application
Applicants with jobs or offers in Tier 1 Green List occupations (e.g., engineers, IT specialists, ICT, multimedia experts) can apply directly for a Resident Visa from offshore, with processing as fast as 6–8 months.
Wide Occupation Coverage:
Includes key sectors such as engineering, IT, healthcare, and education. In 2025, roles like Data Analysts and AI Engineers were added.
Faster, Priority Processing:
Tier 1 applications are prioritised for faster processing compared to standard residence applications, with a more streamlined process for eligible candidates.
Skilled Migrant Category
Broader Occupation Range:
Open to most skilled jobs, not limited to the Green List, with a job or job offer from an accredited employer
Offshore Application:
Applicants can apply from outside New Zealand if they meet all requirements; processing usually takes 6-9 months.
Points Pathways:
Earn 6 points through one core factor: recognised qualification, high income, or NZ occupational registration, plus optional points for NZ skilled work experience
PhD Advantage:
A PhD provides the full 6 points under the qualification pathway
High Income Pathway:
Earning three times the median wage provides the full 6 points under income pathway
| Criteria | Green List (Tier 1): | Skilled Migrant |
|---|---|---|
| Age | ≤ 55 years old | ≤ 55 years old |
| English | IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (some exemptions) | IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (some exemptions) |
| Occupation | Must be on Tier 1 Green List | Open to most skilled jobs, not limited to the Green List, with a job or job offer from an accredited employer |
| Work Experience | Minimum 1 year relevant experience meeting NZ standards | May be needed depending on pathway |
| Employer Offer | Job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer | Job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer |
| Salary Requirement | At or above median wage (some exemptions) | 3× median wage for high-income pathway |
| Qualification/Registration | NZQA or professional registration for some roles | Qualification, registration, or income to earn points |
| Points Requirement | Not required | Minimum of 6 points needed |
| Offshore Application | Allowed, typical processing 6–8 months | Allowed, typical processing 6–9 months |
| Residency Outcome | Direct Resident Visa | Resident Visa after reaching 6 points |