New Zealand’s immigration system places strong emphasis on attracting skilled talent that adds value to its growing economy. For many migrants, securing a skilled job offer is the key to unlocking a long-term pathway to residence. But what exactly makes a job offer “skilled” in the eyes of Immigration New Zealand (INZ)?
At Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd, we often get asked this question — and here’s a clear explanation based on the current INZ framework.
To qualify as a skilled job offer under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or similar residence pathways, the position must meet several important conditions:
The employer must hold INZ accreditation, confirming that they meet legal, financial, and ethical obligations and can hire migrant workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) programme.
The role must fall under an occupation recognised as skilled, typically within the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) framework or its successor, the National Occupation List (NOL).
The job must be full-time, i.e., a minimum of 30 hours per week, and must represent genuine, sustainable employment — not short-term or project-based work.
The employment offer should either be permanent or for a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months. Offers for shorter durations generally won’t qualify for residence purposes.
INZ uses remuneration thresholds to determine the skill level of a job:
This wage-based test ensures that the job reflects genuine skill and market value, not just a title or job description.
A skilled job offer is not just about employment — it’s the gateway to residence under several skilled migration pathways. It shows INZ that:
Without a recognised skilled job offer, it’s generally not possible to apply under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or other employment-based residence routes.
While many applicants assume that any job offer qualifies, INZ takes a closer look at the details. Here are a few things to watch out for:
Let’s say you have a job offer as an ICT Business Analyst with a salary slightly above the New Zealand median wage. The employer is accredited, and the contract is permanent/at least 12 12-month full-time contract. This would typically count as a skilled job offer and could earn you residence points/eligibility under the Skilled Migrant Category.
But if the same role offered less than the median wage or a 6-month contract, it would likely be ineligible, even with the same job title.
INZ updates its median wage rate and skilled occupation lists regularly. As of the latest update, the median wage sits at NZD $31.61 per hour (or NZD $65,748 per year for a 40-hour week).
Always check the most recent figures and the current policies on the official INZ website:
Understanding what counts as a “skilled job offer” is essential for planning your migration pathway to New Zealand. If you’re unsure whether your offer qualifies, consult a Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) — we can assess your role, employer, and pay structure under the latest INZ policy.
Reach out to us today at contact@nzimmigration.info or visit www.nzimmigration.info to schedule a professional consultation.
Vandana Rai is a Senior Licensed Immigration Adviser and has built a reputation around her rare set of skills, which could be considered ideal for her legal profession.