Guide to New Zealand Immigration Requirements

Guide to New Zealand Immigration Requirements

New Zealand offers a range of visa pathways for skilled workers, international students, family members, and visitors. Each pathway has distinct eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and outcomes. This guide summarises the most popular visa categories currently available, based on Immigration New Zealand (INZ) policy.

Requirements are subject to change. Verification against current INZ instructions is recommended before acting on this information.

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is New Zealand’s primary temporary work visa. It allows migrants to work for a specific INZ-accredited employer in an approved role. It is the most commonly used work visa pathway and can lead to residence for eligible applicants.

Key Requirements

• A current job offer of at least 30 hours per week from an INZ-accredited employer who holds an approved Job Check for the role.
• Minimum skill requirement: either 2 or more years of relevant work experience, or a qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). A Bachelor’s degree or higher satisfies this requirement regardless of field.
• English language evidence is required for jobs at ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 3, 4, or 5.
• Occupational registration where required by New Zealand law for the role (e.g., nursing, teaching, engineering).
• Health and character requirements (police certificates required if stay exceeds 24 months; chest X-ray if stay exceeds 6 months and applicant is from a high-TB country).
• Genuine intention to comply with visa conditions.

Duration of Stay

• Up to 5 years for ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 1, 2, or 3 roles.
• Up to 3 years for ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 4 or 5 roles.
• After reaching the maximum continuous stay, applicants must spend 12 months outside New Zealand before being eligible for a further AEWV.

Pathway to Residence

Depending on the role and wage level, AEWV holders may be eligible to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or a Green List residence pathway once they meet the relevant requirements.

Application Fee & Processing

• Fee: from NZD $1,540.
• Processing: 80% of applications decided within 7 weeks.

Note: Job offer scams are common in South Asia. Applicants should verify that their employer appears on the INZ Accredited Employer List before paying any fees or providing personal documents. INZ will decline an AEWV application if it considers that money was offered to the employer in exchange for a job offer.

2. Green List Residence Pathways

The Green List is INZ’s list of in-demand occupations. It provides two distinct pathways to residence for people working in critical shortage roles. The Green List is updated periodically to reflect New Zealand’s labour market needs.

Tier 1 — Straight to Residence Visa

• Applicants with a confirmed job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation may apply directly for residence without first holding a work visa in New Zealand.
• Requirements include the relevant qualifications, any required occupational registration, and meeting the prescribed wage threshold for the role.
• Tier 1 occupations include highly skilled roles such as specialist medical practitioners, certain engineers, and other critical shortage professions.

Tier 2 — Work to Residence Visa

• Applicants working in a Tier 2 Green List occupation on an AEWV may apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa once they have accumulated the required period of skilled work experience in New Zealand (generally 2 years).
• Tier 2 occupations include nurses, midwives, secondary school teachers, construction trades, and a range of other skilled roles.
• The applicable wage thresholds and occupational registration requirements must be met.

Note: The Green List is reviewed regularly. Whether a specific occupation is on the list — and at which tier — must be verified against the current INZ Green List before relying on this pathway.

3. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

The SMC Resident Visa is New Zealand’s primary residence pathway for skilled migrants working in New Zealand. From 24 August 2026, significant changes come into effect, introducing three distinct pathways under the SMC and simplifying the wage threshold rules. Applicants must hold a valid work visa and be working — or have a job offer — in New Zealand.

Note: These rules apply from 24 August 2026. Any Expression of Interest (EOI) submitted before that date will be assessed under the previous rules. Draft (unsubmitted) EOIs existing before 24 August 2026 will be deleted on that date and must be restarted using the new EOI form.

Pathway 1 — Points-Based Pathway

The existing points-based pathway continues, with updates. To qualify, applicants must accumulate 6 points from the following:

• Occupational registration: 6 points — for roles requiring recognised registration (e.g., registered nurse, registered teacher, engineer). From 24 August 2026, CPA Australia members who can undertake the work of a Qualified Statutory Accountant in New Zealand are also eligible for 6 points under this criterion.
• Qualification: points are awarded based on qualification level and whether it was obtained in New Zealand or overseas. New Zealand qualifications now attract 1 additional point compared to equivalent overseas qualifications (except doctoral degrees and some master’s degrees). Applicants claiming points for a Level 8 or Level 9 qualification must also hold a bachelor’s degree.
• Income: applicants earning at least 1.5 times the SMC median wage in their current role receive 6 points.

Applicants whose occupation appears on the Red List can only access residence through the Points-Based Pathway — the two new pathways below are not available to them.

Pathway 2 — Skilled Work Experience Pathway (New from 24 August 2026)

This new pathway allows applicants to qualify for residence based on work experience alone, without needing points from a qualification or occupational registration. Requirements:

• The applicant must be working in — or have a job offer for — an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 occupation.
• The role must be paid at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage.
• At least 3 years of relevant work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 occupation (gained within the 10 years before applying).
• At least 2 additional years of skilled work experience in New Zealand in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 occupation, paid at least 1.1 times the SMC median wage (gained within 4 years before applying).
• Self-employment cannot be counted as relevant work experience.

Applicants in Amber List occupations are eligible for this pathway but must meet higher requirements: at least 5 years of relevant work experience in New Zealand, including 2 years of skilled work experience paid at least 1.2 times the SMC median wage.

Pathway 3 — Trades and Technician Pathway (New from 24 August 2026)

This pathway is specifically for workers in eligible trades and technician occupations. Requirements:

• The applicant must work in an eligible trades and technician occupation at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3, as listed on the INZ Trades and Technician Pathway occupation list.
• The role must be paid at least the SMC median wage.
• A relevant qualification at Level 4 or above on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), or a comparable overseas qualification at Level 4 or above. New Zealand qualifications must comprise at least 120 credits (credits from recognition of prior learning do not count).
• At least 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience in an ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 occupation (gained within 10 years before applying).
• At least 1.5 years of post-qualification skilled work experience in New Zealand, paid at least the SMC median wage (gained within 3 years before applying).
• Overseas qualifications require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from NZQA. New Zealand qualifications require the qualification certificate and academic transcript.
• Self-employment cannot be counted as relevant work experience.

Wage Threshold Rules (From 24 August 2026)

The rules for meeting the SMC median wage threshold have been simplified:

• Applicants now only need to meet the SMC median wage threshold that was in effect when they started gaining their skilled work experience — not the higher rate that may be in effect when they apply for residence.
• Grace period: if an applicant begins skilled work experience within 5 months of their work visa being granted, the threshold in place on the date the visa was granted applies, even if the median wage has since increased.
• If an applicant does not rely on skilled work experience (e.g., they are claiming 6 points for a doctoral degree), they must meet the threshold in effect when invited to apply for residence.

Common Requirements (All Three Pathways)

• The applicant must hold a current, valid New Zealand work visa.
• The role must be at ANZSCO Skill Level 1 to 3 (for all three pathways).
• Standard health requirements apply (medical examination and chest X-ray as required).
• Standard character requirements apply (police certificates as required).
• English language requirements apply — from 24 August 2026, English language test results are valid for 5 years for applicants who hold a recognised occupational registration (2 years for all others).
• Generally, applicants must be under 56 years of age.

4. Care Workforce and Transport Sector Pathways

INZ has established dedicated residence pathways for workers in the care workforce and transport sectors, recognising the critical shortage of workers in these industries.

Who This Applies To

• Care workforce: roles in aged care, disability support, and similar sectors covered by the care workforce sector agreement.
• Transport sector: bus drivers, train drivers, and other eligible transport roles covered by the transport sector agreement.

Pathway

Eligible workers who have accumulated the required period of work experience in New Zealand under a sector agreement can apply for a resident visa under this pathway. Specific wage thresholds, duration requirements, and employer obligations apply.

Note: This pathway has specific eligibility conditions tied to sector agreements. Applicants should confirm current eligibility criteria with a Licensed Immigration Adviser before applying.

5. Student Visa

New Zealand’s Student Visa allows international students to study full-time at an institution registered with the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or an approved tertiary provider. Partners and dependent children of student visa holders may also be eligible for associated visas.

Eligibility Requirements

• A genuine offer of place from a registered New Zealand education provider.
• Financial evidence demonstrating the ability to meet tuition fees and living costs for the full duration of study. INZ assesses not only the existence of funds but also their source, history, and credibility. Funds must be accessible and verifiable.
• Evidence of genuine intention to study — INZ considers whether the proposed study is consistent with the applicant’s academic history, employment background, and future plans.
• English language proficiency evidence appropriate to the level of study (IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL, or institution-specific tests where accepted).
• Health and character requirements.

Work Rights

• Students enrolled in courses of 30 weeks or longer at Level 7 or above (and certain other categories) may work up to 20 hours per week during semesters and full-time during scheduled holidays.
• Students in courses below Level 7 or shorter than 30 weeks generally have no automatic work rights — a variation of conditions is required.

Post-Study Options

Eligible graduates may be able to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa (see section 6 below) upon completing their studies.

Note: The financial evidence threshold for student visas is a frequent basis for decline. INZ requires applicants to demonstrate NZD 20,000 per year for living costs plus full tuition fees — and the source and history of those funds must be credible. Funds deposited shortly before the application are likely to be scrutinised.

6. Post-Study Work Visa

The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) is an open work visa available to international students who have completed an eligible qualification in New Zealand. It allows graduates to gain New Zealand work experience, which may in turn support a pathway to residence.

Eligibility Requirements

• Completion of a full-time qualification of at least 30 weeks at a New Zealand institution.
• The qualification must be at a level recognised by INZ for this visa category.
• Application must generally be made within 3 months of completing the qualification.

Duration

• 1 year: for Level 3–6 qualifications of 30 weeks or more.
• 2 years: for Level 7 qualifications (Bachelor’s degree).
• 3 years: for Level 8 or above qualifications (postgraduate or Master’s level and above).

Work Rights

The PSWV is an open work visa — graduates may work for any employer in any role. This allows them to gain New Zealand work experience and, where eligible, secure a job offer that supports a subsequent work visa or residence pathway.

7. Partnership-Based Visas

New Zealand provides visa options for the partners of New Zealand citizens, residents, workers, and students. The visa type available depends on the immigration status of the sponsoring partner.

Partner of a Worker Visa

• Available to partners of AEWV holders, subject to the worker meeting minimum income and skill-level thresholds.
• Allows the partner to live and work in New Zealand for the duration of the principal’s visa.

Partner of a Student Visa

• Available to partners of eligible student visa holders.
• Work rights depend on the student’s course level and duration.

Partnership-Based Resident Visa

• For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents in genuine and stable relationships.
• Applicants must provide evidence of a genuine, exclusive, and committed relationship — including cohabitation, joint financial responsibilities, and mutual commitment to a shared life.
• Applications are assessed in two stages: a 2-year temporary work visa, followed by a resident visa application once the relationship has been maintained.

Key Evidence

• Joint bank statements, utility bills, or lease agreements.
• Evidence of cohabitation and time spent together.
• Statutory declarations from the couple and third parties.
• Photographs and correspondence.

8. Visitor Visa

The Visitor Visa allows people to travel to New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or short-term business purposes. Citizens of visa-waiver countries may enter New Zealand using a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) instead of a visa.

Key Features

• Maximum stay of up to 9 months (single entry) in any 18-month period, subject to the conditions of the visa granted.
• Multiple-entry visitor visas may be granted in certain circumstances.
• Visitors may study for up to 3 months during their stay.
• Visitors cannot work while in New Zealand on a visitor visa unless specific work conditions are included.

Eligibility Requirements

• Evidence of genuine intention to visit and depart before the visa expires.
• Proof of sufficient funds to support the stay (or a credible sponsor).
• A return or onward travel ticket (or evidence of ability to purchase one).
• Health and character requirements.

Common Requirements Across All Visa Categories

Regardless of the visa type, all applicants must satisfy the following standard requirements:

• Health: a medical certificate and/or chest X-ray may be required depending on the length of stay and the applicant’s country of residence.
• Character: police certificates from countries of citizenship and countries where the applicant has resided for more than 5 years (from age 17). Certificates must be less than 6 months old at the time of application.
• Genuine intentions: applicants must demonstrate genuine intentions consistent with the visa category applied for.
• English language: required for certain visa types and skill levels — accepted tests include IELTS Academic, PTE Academic, and TOEFL iBT.

Essential Documents Checklist

The following documents are commonly required across visa categories. Specific visa types may require additional evidence:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the intended departure date from New Zealand).
• Acceptable passport-sized photograph meeting INZ specifications.
• Proof of qualifications — original or certified copies of degree and diploma certificates, with certified English translations where required.
• Employment evidence — certificates of employment, payslips, tax certificates, and letters of reference (a CV or resume alone is not accepted as evidence of work experience for visa purposes).
• Job offer letter and signed employment agreement (for work visa applications).
• Financial evidence — bank statements showing the source, history, and availability of funds.
• English language test results (as required by the visa type).
• Medical certificate and chest X-ray (as required).
• Police certificates from all required countries.
• Partnership evidence (for partnership-based visa applications).
• Certified English translations of all documents not in English.

9. Active Investor Plus Visa

The Active Investor Plus Visa is New Zealand’s primary investor residence visa. It is designed for high-net-worth individuals who wish to live, work, study, and invest in New Zealand on a permanent basis. There are two investment categories, each with different minimum thresholds, time-in-New Zealand requirements, and investment periods.

Growth Category

• Minimum investment: NZD $5 million in acceptable Growth category investments (direct investments, managed funds, or philanthropy up to 20% of total).
• Investment must be maintained for 36 months.
• Applicant must spend at least 21 days in New Zealand during the 36-month investment period.
• Eligible for permanent residence after 36 months of maintaining the investment.

Balanced Category

• Minimum investment: NZD $10 million in acceptable Balanced category investments (direct investments, managed funds, listed equities, bonds, property developments, or philanthropy).
• Investment must be maintained for 60 months.
• Applicant must spend at least 105 days in New Zealand during the 60-month investment period (reducible by 14 days per additional NZD $1 million in Growth category investments, up to a maximum reduction of 42 days).
• Eligible for permanent residence after 60 months of maintaining the investment.

Common Requirements (Both Categories)

• Applicant must be a fit and proper person — no convictions involving dishonesty, no involvement in business fraud or financial impropriety, and no investigation by the Serious Fraud Office for business-related offences.
• Investment funds must have been earned or acquired lawfully — evidence of source of funds is required.
• Funds must be transferred directly to New Zealand through the banking system within 6 months of approval in principle.
• Standard health and character requirements apply (medical examination, chest X-ray, and police certificates from countries of citizenship and countries of residence for 12 months or more in the last 10 years).
• Partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) may be included in the application.

Application Fee & Processing

• Fee: from NZD $27,470.
• Approval in principle: 80% of applications decided within 10 weeks.

Note: Acceptable investments must be confirmed with Invest New Zealand before funds are committed. Not all investment opportunities in New Zealand qualify under this visa. Applicants should seek independent financial and tax advice before investing.

10. Business Investor Visa Pathway

The Business Investor pathway is for experienced business owners who wish to purchase and actively operate an existing New Zealand business. It consists of two stages: the Business Investor Work Visa (establishment stage), followed by the Business Investor Resident Visa (residence stage).

Business Investor Work Visa — Establishment Stage

• Applicants must purchase and actively operate an existing New Zealand business.
• Minimum investment of NZD $1 million (excluding property value and GST) for the standard 3-year pathway, or NZD $2 million for the fast-track 12-month pathway to residence.
• The applicant must be self-employed and actively involved in running the business.
• The business must employ at least 5 people in full-time equivalent positions throughout the visa period.
• The applicant must spend at least 184 days per year in New Zealand.

Business Investor Resident Visa — Residence Stage

Applicants who have completed the establishment stage may apply for residence once they meet the following:

• 3-year standard pathway: investment of at least NZD $1 million and 3 years of active business operation.
• 12-month fast-track pathway: investment of at least NZD $2 million and 12 months of active business operation (conditions continue to apply for the balance of the 3-year period after residence is granted).
• The business must employ at least 5 full-time equivalent staff and have created at least 1 additional ongoing full-time job for a New Zealand citizen or resident, maintained for at least 12 months.
• The business must be solvent and compliant with all financial, tax, immigration, and employment obligations — evidenced by an independent accountant’s assessment and a lawyer’s compliance letter.
• Fit and proper person requirements apply.
• Standard health and character requirements apply.
• Partner and dependent children (aged 24 and under) may be included — family members aged 16 and over must meet English language requirements or pay for English language tuition.

Application Fee

• Business Investor Resident Visa fee: from NZD $14,890.

Note: The Business Investor pathway requires sustained physical presence in New Zealand and active day-to-day involvement in business operations. It is not an investment-only pathway. Applicants must be prepared to relocate and operate the business for the full required period.

11. Specific Purpose Work Visa

The Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) allows people to come to New Zealand for a defined, time-limited purpose or event. It is not a general work visa — it is tied to a specific purpose or engagement. The visa duration matches the period required to complete the purpose or event.

Common Uses

• Seasonal or short-term contract work not covered by other work visa categories.
• Sports, entertainment, and cultural events and performances.
• Installation or servicing of specialised overseas-supplied machinery or equipment.
• Business people in New Zealand for more than 3 months (where a visitor visa is insufficient).
• Contractual services suppliers and independent professionals from the United Kingdom or European Union under applicable trade agreements.
• Principal applicants investigating investment opportunities or actively applying for investor or entrepreneur residence visas.
• Business Investor Work Visa holders awaiting a decision on their Business Investor Resident Visa application.

Key Requirements

• A job offer, letter of invitation, or schedule of events from the engaging employer, organisation, or event organiser — specifying the purpose and required duration in New Zealand.
• The engaging party must provide a guarantee to cover the cost of the applicant’s return home if they are unable to meet that cost.
• Where paid employment is involved, an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) must be completed by the employer.
• The applicant must have skills and expertise relevant to the specific purpose, with benefit to New Zealand.
• Standard health, character, and genuine intentions requirements apply.

Duration

The visa is granted for the period required to complete the specific purpose or event. It does not automatically lead to further work rights or residence, though a further SPWV may be available in certain circumstances.

Note: The SPWV is not a substitute for the AEWV or other standard work visa categories. Applicants must clearly demonstrate that their purpose in New Zealand is specific, time-limited, and consistent with the visa category. Applications that do not meet these requirements will be declined.

Important: Seek Professional Advice

New Zealand immigration law is complex and immigration instructions are updated regularly. Requirements, thresholds, and processing timeframes change without extended notice. The cost of a declined application extends beyond the application fee — it can affect future eligibility and may trigger stand-down periods.

Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd recommends consulting a Licensed Immigration Adviser before lodging any application. Our advisers are licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 and are bound by the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Immigration policies are subject to change without notice. Requirements, thresholds, and processing times referenced are current as at the date of publication and should be verified against the Immigration New Zealand Operational Manual at www.immigration.govt.nz. For advice specific to your circumstances, contact a Licensed Immigration Adviser.