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- New Zealand Migration – Onshore and Offshore Applicants
New Zealand Migration – PR & Skilled Visa Options for Onshore and Offshore Applicants
New Zealand offers several migration pathways for skilled professionals, tradespeople, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, technicians, partners and other eligible migrants who want to live and work in New Zealand.
Depending on your occupation, qualifications, work experience, New Zealand job offer and current immigration status, you may be able to apply for residence either:
- from inside New Zealand – onshore, or
- from outside New Zealand – offshore.
At GIEC Global, we assist both onshore and offshore applicants to understand their New Zealand migration options, including skilled residence, Green List occupations, Accredited Employer Work Visas, work-to-residence pathways and family migration.
New Zealand's migration system does not have one single "PR visa". There are different residence pathways, including the:
01
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
02
Straight to Residence Visa
03
Work to Residence Visa
04
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
05
Transport Work to Residence Visa
06
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
- For many skilled migration pathways, having employment or a genuine job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer is an important requirement. Some pathways allow an applicant to apply directly from overseas, while others require the applicant to first work in New Zealand for a specified period.
55
Maximum age, skilled residence
6 points
SMC points-based pathway
24 months
Green List Tier 2 NZ work
NZD 6,450
SMC / Straight to Residence fee
NZD 1,540
AEWV application fee
On this page
New Zealand Migration at a Glance
Pathway
Main Requirement
Offshore Application
New Zealand Work Required First?
Straight to Residence
Green List Tier 1 job/job offer
Yes
No
Green List Work to Residence
Tier 2 occupation
Generally residence after working in NZ
24 months
Skilled Migrant Category – Points
Skilled NZ job/job offer + required points
Potentially
Depends on how points are obtained
SMC Skilled Work Experience
Skilled job + relevant experience
Residence pathway generally requires NZ experience
2 years NZ skilled work
SMC Trades & Technician
Eligible trade/technician role
Residence requires NZ work component
18 months NZ work
Care Workforce Work to Residence
Approved care occupation
Requires NZ work first
24 months
Transport Work to Residence
Approved transport occupation
Requires NZ work first
24 months
Partner Residence
Eligible NZ citizen/resident partner
Yes, depending on circumstances
No specific skilled work requirement
AEWV
Accredited employer job offer
Yes
Temporary work visa that can support later residence
The correct pathway depends on the applicant’s individual circumstances.
Onshore New Zealand Migration
An onshore applicant is generally someone who is already legally living in New Zealand when considering or submitting their migration application.
The person may currently hold a:
- Work Visa;
- Accredited Employer Work Visa;
- Post Study Work Visa;
- Partner Work Visa;
- Student Visa;
- Visitor Visa; or
- another valid New Zealand visa.
Being physically present in New Zealand does not automatically make someone eligible for residence.
However, onshore applicants may have an advantage under pathways requiring New Zealand skilled employment or New Zealand work experience.
For example, Green List Tier 2, Care Workforce, Transport, SMC Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways all place importance on qualifying employment in New Zealand.
Offshore New Zealand Migration
An offshore applicant is someone living outside New Zealand who wants to migrate to New Zealand.
Being overseas does not automatically prevent a person from applying for residence.
For example, an applicant with an eligible Green List Tier 1 occupation and qualifying job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer can potentially apply directly for the Straight to Residence Visa while outside New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand expressly allows eligible Straight to Residence applicants either to come to New Zealand on a work visa first or apply for residence directly from overseas.
Offshore applicants considering skilled migration should therefore first assess:
- their occupation;
- qualifications;
- professional registration;
- work experience;
- English ability;
- age;
- New Zealand job opportunities;
- Green List eligibility; and
- whether an accredited employer is required.
For many offshore applicants, obtaining the correct New Zealand employment is the key first step.
Skilled residence
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category – SMC Resident Visa is one of New Zealand’s main skilled residence programs.
Major changes took effect on 24 August 2026.
There are now three SMC pathways:
Points-Based Pathway
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Trades and Technician Pathway
To qualify for the SMC, an applicant generally needs:
- to be 55 years old or younger;
- a skilled New Zealand job or job offer from an accredited employer;
- to satisfy one of the SMC pathways;
- required English ability;
- good health;
- good character; and
- to meet the applicable employment and pay requirements.
The current government application cost starts from NZD 6,450.
Applicants first submit an Expression of Interest – EOI and, if eligible and selected under the current process, receive an invitation to apply for residence.
Pathway 1
SMC Points-Based Pathway
Under the Points-Based SMC pathway, applicants require 6 skilled resident points.
Points can come from one primary skill category:
- recognised qualifications;
- occupational registration; or
- income.
Applicants who do not obtain the full six points through one of these categories may be able to add between 1 and 3 points from skilled work experience in New Zealand.
You cannot simply combine qualification points and income points together. One main skill category is used, with New Zealand skilled work experience added where permitted.
For example, an applicant may potentially qualify through:
- a recognised qualification plus qualifying New Zealand employment;
- occupational registration plus skilled New Zealand employment;
- sufficiently high income; or
- another combination allowed under the SMC points framework.
The SMC wage threshold from 9 March 2026 is based on a median wage of NZD 35.00 per hour, although different multiples apply depending on the points being claimed and the skill level of the employment.
Pathway 2
New SMC Skilled Work Experience Pathway
The Skilled Work Experience Pathway became available from 24 August 2026.
It provides another route for migrants who have developed their skills mainly through significant practical employment rather than relying entirely on university qualifications.
Under the standard pathway, the applicant generally needs:
- a current job or job offer in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 occupation;
- employment paid at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold;
- at least 3 years of directly relevant skilled work experience; and
- an additional 2 years of qualifying skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Together, the pathway generally requires at least 5 years of relevant experience, including the required New Zealand component.
For skilled work starting from 9 March 2026, 1.1 times the current SMC wage threshold is NZD 38.50 per hour.
Some occupations are subject to special Amber List requirements, while occupations on the Red List cannot use this particular pathway.
For Amber List roles, additional requirements apply, including higher wage thresholds and more restrictive work experience settings.
Pathway 2
SMC Trades and Technician Pathway
The new Trades and Technician Pathway is particularly important for applicants working in eligible technical and trade occupations.
It may assist workers in areas such as:
- construction;
- engineering;
- automotive trades;
- manufacturing;
- technical services; and
- other approved trade occupations.
The applicant generally needs:
- an occupation specifically included on the eligible Trades and Technician list;
- a relevant qualification at NZQF Level 4 or higher, or comparable;
- at least 2.5 years of relevant post-qualification work experience; and
- an additional 18 months of qualifying skilled employment in New Zealand.
The New Zealand employment must meet the applicable SMC wage threshold.
This pathway is particularly relevant for experienced tradespeople who previously may have found skilled residence difficult because the system placed greater emphasis on academic qualifications.
In-demand occupations
Green List New Zealand
The Green List identifies occupations New Zealand considers to be in demand.
Green List occupations are divided into two main categories:
Tier 1 – Straight to Residence
For couples who have lived apart:
Tier 2 – Work to Residence
Applicants generally need to work in New Zealand in the eligible occupation for 24 months before applying for residence.
Each occupation has specific requirements.
Depending on the job, these may include:
- professional registration;
- particular qualifications;
- specified remuneration;
- occupational experience; or
- professional membership.
Simply finding an occupation name on the Green List is therefore not enough. The applicant must meet the requirements attached to that particular occupation.
Green List Tier 1
Straight to Residence Visa – Green List Tier 1
The Straight to Residence Visa is one of the most attractive New Zealand skilled migration pathways for eligible professionals.
Applicants may qualify where they:
- are aged 55 or younger;
- have employment or a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer;
- work in a Green List Tier 1 occupation;
- meet the occupation-specific Green List requirements;
- satisfy the applicable pay requirement;
- meet English requirements;
- satisfy health requirements; and
- satisfy character requirements.
This visa allows the applicant to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
A partner and eligible dependent children aged 24 or younger may also be included subject to the applicable requirements.
The visa currently costs from NZD 6,450.
Importantly for offshore applicants, qualifying applicants do not have to work in New Zealand for two years before applying.
If you have the required Tier 1 occupation and qualifying job offer, you may potentially apply directly from overseas.
Green List Tier 2
Green List Work to Residence – Tier 2
The Work to Residence Visa applies to eligible Green List Tier 2 workers.
Unlike Straight to Residence, this pathway generally requires the applicant to first accumulate 24 months of qualifying New Zealand employment.
The applicant must generally:
- be 55 or younger;
- have held an acceptable work visa during the qualifying period;
- have completed 24 months of qualifying Tier 2 employment;
- have a current Tier 2 job or eligible job offer;
- work for an accredited employer;
- satisfy the relevant pay requirement;
- meet Green List qualification or registration requirements;
- satisfy English requirements;
- satisfy health requirements; and
- satisfy character requirements.
The 24 months must generally fall within the 30 months immediately before the residence application.
This means the pathway is normally most relevant to applicants who first come to New Zealand on an appropriate work visa and then progress to residence.
Temporary work visa
Accredited Employer Work Visa – AEWV
For many offshore applicants, the Accredited Employer Work Visa – AEWV is the first step towards working in New Zealand and potentially building eligibility for future residence.
An AEWV requires a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
The employment must normally provide at least 30 hours per week.
Depending on the occupation and skill level, applicants may also need to demonstrate:
- work experience;
- qualifications;
- English language ability;
- occupational registration; and
- other role-specific requirements.
The AEWV can allow a stay of up to 5 years, depending on the job and applicable immigration settings.
The current visa application cost starts from NZD 1,540.
New Zealand removed the general AEWV median wage requirement in 2025, although employers must still comply with New Zealand employment law and applicable market and immigration requirements.
An AEWV does not itself guarantee residence.
However, an AEWV worker may later become eligible for:
- Green List Work to Residence;
- Care Workforce Work to Residence;
- Transport Work to Residence;
- Skilled Migrant Category; or
- another residence pathway.
Sector work to residence
Care Workforce and Transport Pathways
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
New Zealand also offers a residence pathway for workers in selected care-sector occupations.
An applicant may potentially qualify after completing 24 months of qualifying employment in New Zealand in an eligible care workforce role.
Applicants generally need:
- to be 55 or younger;
- a qualifying care workforce job;
- employment with an accredited employer;
- at least 24 months of eligible work during the relevant qualifying period;
- the applicable wage rate;
- English ability;
- health; and
- character.
The current residence application cost is NZD 6,450.
This pathway can be important for eligible workers in New Zealand’s aged care and disability support sectors.
Transport Work to Residence Visa
Certain eligible transport workers may also have access to a Work to Residence pathway.
Applicants generally need:
The applicant must generally:
- be 55 or younger;
- have held an acceptable work visa during the qualifying period;
- have completed 24 months of qualifying Tier 2 employment;
- have a current Tier 2 job or eligible job offer;
- work for an accredited employer;
- satisfy the relevant pay requirement;
- meet Green List qualification or registration requirements;
- satisfy English requirements;
- satisfy health requirements; and
- satisfy character requirements.
The 24 months must generally fall within the 30 months immediately before the residence application.
This means the pathway is normally most relevant to applicants who first come to New Zealand on an appropriate work visa and then progress to residence.
Family migration
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Skilled migration is not the only pathway to New Zealand residence.
If your spouse or partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may potentially qualify for the Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.
Applicants generally need to:
- be in a genuine and stable relationship with an eligible New Zealand citizen or resident;
- have lived together for at least 12 months;
- obtain support from their partner; and
- satisfy health and character requirements.
The visa allows successful applicants to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Eligible dependent children aged 24 or younger may also be included.
The current visa application cost starts from NZD 5,360.
Both onshore and offshore couples may potentially use partnership pathways depending on their circumstances.
Resident Visa vs Permanent Resident Visa in New Zealand
New Zealand uses the terms Resident Visa and Permanent Resident Visa differently.
Stage 1
Resident Visa
A person may first receive a Resident Visa through pathways such as:
- Skilled Migrant Category;
- Straight to Residence;
- Work to Residence; or
- Partnership.
A Resident Visa allows the person to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely, subject to its travel conditions.
Stage 2
Permanent Resident Visa
After generally holding a Resident Visa for at least 2 consecutive years and demonstrating a sufficient commitment to New Zealand, the person may be able to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
A Permanent Resident Visa allows indefinite travel into and out of New Zealand.
The current Permanent Resident Visa application cost starts from NZD 315.
Documents Commonly Required for New Zealand Migration
The documents required depend on the pathway, but applicants may need to provide:
valid passport;
birth certificate;
marriage or relationship documents;
qualifications;
academic transcripts;
New Zealand Qualifications Authority assessment where required;
professional registration;
job offer;
employment agreement;
employer accreditation information;
CV;
employment reference letters;
payslips;
tax records;
bank statements showing salary;
English-language evidence;
police certificates;
medical examination or chest X-ray;
evidence relating to a partner; and
children's documents.
Employment evidence should accurately demonstrate:
- job title;
- employment dates;
- hours worked;
- duties;
- salary;
- employer details; and
- how the experience relates to the nominated occupation.
Immigration New Zealand can compare information provided in a residence application against previous visa applications. Inconsistent employment histories or qualifications should therefore be carefully addressed.
Applying from overseas
Can Offshore Applicants Apply for New Zealand PR?
Potentially, yes.
However, the pathway is important.
An offshore applicant with a qualifying Green List Tier 1 job offer may be able to apply directly for Straight to Residence.
An offshore applicant may also potentially qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category where they have the required New Zealand skilled job offer and satisfy an SMC pathway.
However, pathways such as:
- Green List Tier 2 Work to Residence;
- Care Workforce Work to Residence;
- Transport Work to Residence;
- SMC Skilled Work Experience; and
- SMC Trades and Technician
require specified periods of qualifying work experience in New Zealand.
In those situations, the usual strategy may involve obtaining an appropriate New Zealand work visa first, working in qualifying employment and later applying for residence.
Common Reasons New Zealand Migration Applications Become Difficult
Migration applications can become complicated where:
the job duties do not match the claimed occupation;
the employer is not appropriately accredited;
the applicant does not meet Green List occupation requirements;
salary does not meet the residence threshold;
overseas qualifications require an NZQA assessment;
professional registration is missing;
work experience cannot be verified;
employment references conflict with tax or salary evidence;
health concerns arise;
character issues have not been properly disclosed;
previous visa refusals are omitted;
information differs from earlier immigration applications; or
the applicant chooses the wrong residence pathway.
A job title alone does not establish skilled migration eligibility.
The actual duties, qualification requirements, remuneration and occupational classification need to be considered together.
- FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About New Zealand Migration
Can I apply for New Zealand residence from overseas?
Yes, under certain pathways.
For example, an applicant with a qualifying Green List Tier 1 job offer may potentially apply for a Straight to Residence Visa directly from outside New Zealand.
Do I need a New Zealand job offer for skilled migration?
For the main current SMC and Green List skilled residence pathways, employment or a qualifying job offer in New Zealand is generally a key requirement.
What is the age limit for skilled residence?
The main SMC, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence pathways generally require the principal applicant to be 55 years old or younger when applying.
Is there still a points system in New Zealand?
Yes.
The Skilled Migrant Category still includes a 6-point pathway, but from 24 August 2026 the SMC also includes separate Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways.
Can tradespeople get New Zealand residence?
Potentially, yes.
The new Trades and Technician pathway provides a route for specified eligible occupations where the applicant meets qualification, work experience and New Zealand employment requirements.
Does the AEWV automatically lead to PR?
No.
An Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa.
However, employment on an AEWV can help an applicant accumulate qualifying experience for certain residence pathways.
How long do I need to work in a Green List Tier 2 role?
Generally 24 months of qualifying New Zealand employment before applying for the Work to Residence Visa.
Can I include my family in a skilled residence application?
Eligible skilled residence visas generally allow the principal applicant to include a partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger, subject to the applicable requirements.
Our support
How GIEC Global Can Help With New Zealand Migration
Choosing the right New Zealand migration pathway requires more than checking an occupation list.
At GIEC Global, we can assess both onshore and offshore applicants based on their:
- age;
- occupation;
- qualifications;
- professional registration;
- employment experience;
- New Zealand job offer;
- employer accreditation;
- salary;
- English ability;
- visa history;
- family circumstances; and
- long-term residence objectives.
We can assist with assessing pathways including:
Skilled Migrant Category
Straight to Residence
Green List Tier 1
Green List Tier 2
Work to Residence
Trades and Technician Pathway
Skilled Work Experience Pathway
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Care Workforce Residence
Transport Work to Residence
New Zealand Partner Residence
- For offshore applicants, we can help identify whether direct residence may be possible or whether an appropriate work-to-residence strategy should be considered first.
- For applicants already in New Zealand, we can assess whether their current occupation, salary and work experience are building towards an available residence pathway.
- Free consultation
Start Your New Zealand Migration Journey With GIEC Global
New Zealand migration rules have changed significantly, particularly following the 24 August 2026 Skilled Migrant Category reforms.
An applicant who was not eligible under an older skilled migration system may now have another pathway through skilled work experience, a trade or technician occupation, the Green List or another residence category.
Similarly, having a New Zealand work visa does not automatically mean you will qualify for residence.
Planning the correct pathway early can help ensure that your:
occupation;
employer;
salary;
visa;
work experience; and
qualifications
are properly aligned with your long-term migration objectives.
Speak with the GIEC Global migration team to assess your New Zealand migration options for both onshore and offshore applications.
Speak with the GIEC Global team
Registered migration professionals assisting onshore and offshore New Zealand migration applicants.
New Zealand Migration
New Zealand PR
New Zealand Skilled Migration
New Zealand Green List
Straight to Residence Visa
Work to Residence Visa
Skilled Migrant Category
Skilled Migrant Category
New Zealand Migration
AEWV
New Zealand Immigration for Offshore Applicants
New Zealand Immigration for Onshore Applicants
Important Information
New Zealand immigration policies, occupation lists, wage thresholds, government fees and residence requirements can change.
The information on this page is general information only and should not be considered personalised immigration or legal advice.
Eligibility depends on individual circumstances and the Immigration New Zealand requirements in force when the application is made.