Can I Immigrate to New Zealand?
New Zealand's Green List provides a fast-track to residence for skilled professionals in high-demand occupations. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows employers to hire verified skilled workers from overseas.
Key Takeaways
- →Most skilled workers with a degree, 3+ years of experience, and functional English can qualify for at least one New Zealand visa pathway.
- →New Zealand uses a points-test or employer-sponsorship model — understanding which applies to you is the first step.
- →Use our free 10-question assessment to see your exact eligibility score across all New Zealand visa pathways.
Who Can Immigrate to New Zealand?
New Zealand welcomes skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria for at least one visa pathway. The most common requirements across all New Zealand skilled visa programs are:
Meeting these minimums does not guarantee approval — each visa pathway has additional specific requirements.
New Zealand Visa Pathways
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
9–14 monthsPoints-tested pathway to permanent residence. Points are awarded for age, skilled employment, work experience, qualifications, and partner qualifications. Currently requires 160 points for invitation.
Green List Work to Residence
6–12 months (Residence from Work)Fast-track residence for occupations on the Green List — a curated list of roles in acute skill shortage. Two tiers: Straight to Residence (Tier 1) and Work to Residence after 2 years (Tier 2).
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
4–8 weeksOpen to skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. Employers must be accredited by Immigration NZ before sponsoring. Maximum initial stay: 5 years.
Talented Migrant Category
6–12 monthsFor individuals with exceptional talent in science, technology, or creative fields, or who have international recognition. No minimum points score — assessed case-by-case with a NZ employer support letter.