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New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand (INZ), part of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)
✔ Employer-led system: most work visas need an accredited employer job offer
✔ Green List jobs give straight-to-residence; 80% decided within 4 months
✔ Skilled Migrant Category uses a simple 6-point system
✔ Students may work 25 hours weekly; degree graduates get 3-year work visas
✔ Median wage NZD $35/hour anchors skilled visa categories
✔ Permanent Resident Visa possible after 2 years as a resident
Currency New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Languages English, Te Reo Māori, NZ Sign Language
Population ~5.3 million (2026)
Visitor visas
For tourism, visiting family and friends, or short business visits for nationals who need a visa (visa-waiver travellers use the NZeTA instead). Conditions explicitly allow working remotely for an overseas employer or client while visiting — only work for a New Zealand employer is barred.
Fees
From NZD $441 total (includes the NZD $100 International Visitor Levy); Pacific-band fee temporarily cut to NZD $161 for Pacific Islands Forum nationals for 12 months from 1 June 2026
Processing
80% within 1.5 weeks
Validity
Multiple-entry: up to 6 months in a 12-month period; single-entry: up to 9 months in an 18-month period
Who can apply: You can apply if you want to visit New Zealand for a holiday, to see family or friends, or for a short business trip, and your country is not on the visa-waiver list. You must show you have enough money and plan to leave at the end of your visit. You cannot work for a New Zealand employer, but remote work for an overseas employer is allowed.
Key requirements (5)
- Genuine intent to visit and plans to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay
- Enough money for living expenses (roughly NZD $1,000/month) or an acceptable sponsor
- Onward or return travel arrangements out of New Zealand
- Good health (chest X-ray may be required for stays over 6 months) and good character
- Must not work for a New Zealand employer (remote work for an employer or client based outside NZ is permitted)
How to apply — step by step
- Check on the Immigration New Zealand website whether you need a Visitor Visa or just an NZeTA.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz).
- Fill in the online Visitor Visa application form.
- Upload your passport, a photo, proof of money, and your return or onward travel plans.
- Pay the fee and the International Visitor Levy online and submit.
- Wait for the decision by email — 80% of applications are decided within about 1.5 weeks.
Path to PR: No direct path to residence
Official Site ↗
Study visas
The main student visa for international students paying full fees at an INZ-approved school, polytechnic, or university. Work rights were expanded in November 2025 from 20 to 25 hours per week in term time, with full-time work allowed in scheduled holidays.
Processing
80% within 8 weeks (apply at least 3 months before your course)
Validity
Length of enrolled course, up to 4 years; part-time work up to 25 hours/week during study and full-time in holidays
Who can apply: You can apply if an approved New Zealand school, polytechnic, or university has offered you a place and you will pay full international fees. You must show you have paid your first year's tuition and have about NZD $20,000 per year for living costs, plus full medical and travel insurance.
Key requirements (6)
- Offer of Place from an approved New Zealand education provider
- Evidence tuition fees are paid for the first year (or the full course if shorter)
- Living funds: NZD $20,000/year (or NZD $1,667/month) for tertiary study; NZD $17,000/year (or NZD $1,417/month) for school students
- Full medical and travel insurance for the entire stay
- Good health and character (medical certificate/X-ray and police certificates as applicable)
- Genuine intention to study, including English/academic ability assessed by the provider
How to apply — step by step
- Apply to an approved New Zealand education provider and get an Offer of Place.
- Pay your first year's tuition fees and keep the receipt.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz).
- Fill in the student visa form and upload your Offer of Place, money proof, and insurance details.
- Add a medical certificate, chest X-ray, or police certificates if Immigration New Zealand asks.
- Pay the fee and submit at least 3 months before your course starts.
- Wait for the decision by email and check your visa conditions when it arrives.
Path to PR: Indirect: graduates can move to a Post Study Work Visa, then AEWV/Skilled Migrant Category residence
Official Site ↗
Work visas
Youth-mobility visa letting 18-30 year olds (18-35 for some countries, including the UK) from 45+ partner countries travel and work in New Zealand for a year or more. Some nationalities have annual caps that open on set dates and fill within hours.
Fees
From NZD $770 (includes the NZD $100 International Visitor Levy; exact fee varies by scheme)
Processing
80% within about 3 weeks for uncapped schemes (e.g. UK); capped schemes depend on annual opening dates
Validity
12 months for most nationalities; up to 23 months (Canada) or 12, 23 or 36 months (UK)
Who can apply: You can apply if you are 18 to 30 years old (18 to 35 for some countries like the UK and Canada) and your country has a working holiday agreement with New Zealand. You need enough savings for your stay and usually cannot bring children. Most people can only get this visa once in their life.
Key requirements (6)
- Aged 18-30 at application (18-35 for some countries, e.g. UK, Canada, Argentina, Chile)
- Passport from a country with a Working Holiday Scheme agreement with New Zealand
- Funds of at least NZD $350 per month of stay for living costs (about NZD $4,200 for 12 months), plus an onward ticket or funds to buy one
- Medical and comprehensive insurance for the stay (most schemes)
- No accompanying dependent children; usually a once-per-lifetime visa
- Good health and character; study allowed up to 6 months, permanent jobs not allowed
How to apply — step by step
- Check your country's scheme on the Immigration New Zealand working holiday page — some have caps that open on set dates.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz).
- Fill in the online application form when your country's scheme is open.
- Upload proof of funds (at least NZD $350 per month of stay) and your onward ticket or money to buy one.
- Pay the fee online and submit your application.
- Complete a chest X-ray or medical check if Immigration New Zealand asks for one.
Path to PR: No direct path, but commonly used as a stepping stone to an AEWV and skilled residence
Official Site ↗
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
AEWV
New Zealand's main temporary skilled work visa: you need a full-time job offer from an INZ-accredited employer that has passed a Job Check. Since March 2025 there is no median-wage threshold — employers must pay at least the market rate — and INZ has been progressively shifting occupations from ANZSCO to the new National Occupation List (NOL) since November 2024.
Processing
80% within 6.5 weeks
Validity
Up to 5 years for most roles (up to 3 years for skill level 4-5 roles); tied to the sponsoring employer; no second jobs allowed
Who can apply: You can apply if a New Zealand employer that is accredited with Immigration New Zealand has offered you a full-time job and passed a Job Check for that role. You need at least 2 years of relevant work experience or a relevant qualification, and the employer must pay you at least the market rate.
Key requirements (6)
- Full-time job offer (30+ hours/week) from an accredited employer with an approved Job Check
- At least 2 years' relevant work experience OR a relevant Level 4+ qualification
- Be paid at least the market rate for the role (AEWV wage thresholds were removed in March 2025)
- Occupational registration if the role requires it
- English language test for lower-skilled (skill level 4-5) occupations
- Good health (chest X-ray if stay over 6 months) and good character (police certificates); work is tied to the specific employer, job and location
How to apply — step by step
- Get a full-time job offer (30+ hours a week) from an INZ-accredited employer.
- Your employer applies for a Job Check for your exact role and location.
- When the Job Check is approved, your employer sends you a job token so you can apply.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) and fill in the AEWV form.
- Upload your passport, proof of your work experience or qualifications, and any required registration or English test.
- Pay the fee and submit, then add medical and police certificates if asked.
- Wait for the decision — 80% of applications are decided within about 6.5 weeks.
Path to PR: Yes — via Skilled Migrant Category (6 points) or Green List Work to Residence after 24 months
Official Site ↗
Open work visa for international graduates of New Zealand institutions. Degree-level (Level 7+) graduates can work for any employer in any job; non-degree graduates must work in a role related to their study. Eligible qualification types expand further from 16 November 2026.
Processing
80% within 3 weeks
Validity
1, 2 or 3 years depending on qualification level and length of study in New Zealand
Who can apply: You can apply if you have just finished an eligible New Zealand qualification, such as a bachelor's degree or higher. Degree graduates can work for any employer in any job for up to 3 years. You must apply within 3 months of your student visa ending (6 months if you finished a PhD) and show you have at least NZD $5,000.
Key requirements (6)
- Completed an eligible New Zealand qualification (Level 7 degree or higher, or a listed non-degree qualification)
- Apply within 3 months of student visa expiry (6 months for doctoral graduates)
- At least NZD $5,000 in available funds (e.g. bank statement in your name)
- Held a student visa for the required study period in New Zealand
- Good health and character
- Generally granted only once (limited second-visa exceptions for higher qualifications)
How to apply — step by step
- Finish your eligible New Zealand qualification (Level 7 degree or higher, or a listed non-degree qualification).
- Log in to Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) within 3 months of your student visa expiring (6 months for PhD graduates).
- Fill in the Post Study Work Visa application form.
- Upload proof you completed your qualification and a bank statement showing at least NZD $5,000.
- Pay the fee and submit your application.
- Wait for the decision — 80% of applications are decided within about 3 weeks.
Path to PR: Strong stepping stone: skilled work experience gained counts toward Skilled Migrant Category points
Official Site ↗
Permanent residency & settlement
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
SMC
New Zealand's flagship skilled residence programme, using a simplified 6-point system since October 2023: claim 3-6 points from occupational registration, qualifications, or income, topped up with up to 3 points for skilled work in NZ. INZ has confirmed further changes taking effect on 24 August 2026, including more generous points for qualifications.
Fees
From NZD $6,450 (residence application, principal applicant and family)
Processing
Typically around 3-5 months; check INZ's processing time tool for current estimates
Validity
Indefinite right to live, work and study in New Zealand
Who can apply: You can apply if you are 55 or younger, speak English, and can claim 6 points from your qualifications, occupational registration, or income, plus skilled work in New Zealand. You also need a skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer that pays at least NZD $35 an hour (or NZD $52.50 an hour for lower-skilled roles).
Key requirements (6)
- Total 6 points from registration/qualification/income (3-6 pts) plus NZ skilled work (1 pt/year, max 3)
- Aged 55 or younger at application
- Skilled job or job offer with an accredited NZ employer: ANZSCO level 1-3 paid at least NZD $35.00/hour, or level 4-5 paid at least NZD $52.50/hour (1.5x median wage)
- English ability (approved test within 2 years, or citizenship/qualification from an exempt country)
- Good health (medical and chest X-ray) and character (police certificates)
- Expression of Interest first; 4 months to apply after invitation
How to apply — step by step
- Check you can reach 6 points using the calculator on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Take an approved English test if you are not from an English-exempt country.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) through Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz).
- Wait for Immigration New Zealand to invite you to apply.
- Complete the full residence application within 4 months, uploading your job, qualification, and identity documents.
- Complete your medical exam, chest X-ray, and police certificates.
- Pay the fee, submit, and wait for the decision.
Path to PR: Is a resident visa; eligible for the Permanent Resident Visa (from NZD $315) after 2 years
Official Site ↗
Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
Fast-track residence for people working in, or holding an offer for, a Green List Tier 1 occupation (acute-shortage roles in health, engineering, ICT, science) with an accredited employer. You can apply from offshore and land as a resident.
Processing
80% within 4 months
Validity
Indefinite right to live, work and study in New Zealand (initial 2-year travel conditions)
Who can apply: You can apply if you have a job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer in a Green List Tier 1 occupation — these are high-shortage roles like doctors, nurses, engineers, ICT specialists, scientists, and teachers. You must be 55 or younger and meet the exact qualification or registration rules for your role. You can apply from outside New Zealand and arrive as a resident.
Key requirements (5)
- Job or job offer from an accredited NZ employer in a Green List Tier 1 role, full-time and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months
- Meet the specific qualification/registration/experience requirements listed for that Green List role
- Pay at or above the rate specified for the role, or NZD $35.00/hour where no rate is specified
- Aged 55 or younger at application
- English language ability, good health and good character; partner and dependent children under 24 can be included
How to apply — step by step
- Check your occupation is on the Green List Tier 1 on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Get a full-time job or job offer from an INZ-accredited employer in that role.
- Gather proof you meet the role's qualification, registration, or experience requirements.
- Log in to Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) and fill in the Straight to Residence form.
- Upload your job offer, qualifications, English evidence, and identity documents.
- Complete your medical exam and police certificates, pay the fee, and submit.
- Wait for the decision — 80% of applications are decided within 4 months.
Path to PR: Is a resident visa; Permanent Resident Visa available after 2 years
Official Site ↗
Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
Residence for workers who have spent 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 occupation (registered nurses' support roles, trades like electricians, plumbers, welders, teachers, and more) in New Zealand. Ten additional trades occupations were added to the list in August 2025.
Processing
Typically around 3-5 months; check INZ's processing time tool for current estimates
Validity
Indefinite right to live, work and study in New Zealand
Who can apply: You can apply if you have worked full-time in New Zealand for 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 occupation, such as a registered trade like electrician or plumber, certain teachers, dairy farm managers, or some health roles. You must still be working for an accredited employer, be paid at least NZD $35 an hour or the role's set rate, and be 55 or younger.
Key requirements (5)
- 24 months of full-time work in New Zealand in a Green List Tier 2 role
- Currently working for (or offered a job by) an accredited employer in that role — full-time, permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months
- Meet the role's specific qualification/registration requirements and be paid at least NZD $35.00/hour or the role-specific rate
- Aged 55 or younger at application
- English language ability, good health and good character
How to apply — step by step
- Work full-time in your Green List Tier 2 role in New Zealand for 24 months.
- Make sure you still have a job or job offer with an INZ-accredited employer in that role.
- Log in to Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) and fill in the Work to Residence form.
- Upload proof of your 24 months of work, such as payslips and employment agreements, plus your registration or qualifications.
- Complete your medical exam and police certificates.
- Pay the fee, submit, and wait for the decision.
Path to PR: Is a resident visa; Permanent Resident Visa available after 2 years
Official Site ↗
Family visas
Parent Boost Visitor Visa
Launched 29 September 2025, this multi-entry visitor visa lets parents of NZ citizens and residents stay for up to 5 years at a time (10 years total with a second grant) — the longest parent visitor option NZ has offered. Holders must leave NZ during the third year for a health and insurance check.
Fees
From NZD $3,100 total (includes NZD $100 IVL); reduced Pacific fee band (NZD $2,450 fee) applies for eligible Pacific applicants
Processing
Around 4 months
Validity
5 years multiple entry, renewable once for a total of up to 10 years
Who can apply: You can apply if your child is a New Zealand citizen or resident and agrees to sponsor you. You or your sponsor must meet an income or savings test, and you must hold health insurance with high coverage for your whole stay. It lets you visit for up to 5 years at a time, renewable to 10 years total.
Key requirements (5)
- Sponsored by your biological or adopted child who is a NZ citizen or resident and agrees to cover essential costs
- Meet a financial test: personal income of at least NZD $33,663/year (NZD $51,183 with partner), OR funds of NZD $170,000 (NZD $260,000 with partner), OR sponsor income at set median-wage-based minimums
- Health insurance covering at least NZD $250,000 emergency care, NZD $100,000 cancer treatment, plus repatriation and return of remains, held for at least 1 year and maintained for the whole stay
- Acceptable standard of health, including an offshore health and insurance check during the third year of the visa
- Good character; no English language requirement
How to apply — step by step
- Ask your child in New Zealand to agree to be your sponsor and complete the sponsorship form.
- Buy health insurance that covers at least NZD $250,000 of emergency care for at least the first year.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) and fill in the Parent Boost form.
- Upload proof of your relationship to your child, the income or savings evidence, and your insurance policy.
- Complete a medical exam and chest X-ray.
- Pay the fee and submit, then wait about 4 months for a decision.
Path to PR: No pathway to residence from this visa; the separate (ballot-based) Parent Resident Visa covers permanent settlement
Official Site ↗
Business & investor visas
Active Investor Plus Visa
New Zealand's investor residence visa, relaunched 1 April 2025 with two streams: Growth (NZD $5M into direct investments and managed funds over 3 years, philanthropy capped at 20%) and Balanced (NZD $10M over 5 years including listed equities, bonds and property development). Applications surged after the reset.
Processing
Approval in principle: 80% within 10 weeks (then time allowed to transfer and invest funds)
Validity
Resident visa; conditions met over the 36-month (Growth) or 60-month (Balanced) investment period
Who can apply: You can apply if you can invest at least NZD $5 million in New Zealand for 3 years (Growth stream) or NZD $10 million for 5 years (Balanced stream). Your money must come from legal sources and move through the banking system. There is no English language requirement.
Key requirements (5)
- Invest at least NZD $5 million for 36 months (Growth) or NZD $10 million for 60 months (Balanced) in acceptable investments
- Transfer and invest funds through the banking system from legitimately earned sources
- Spend at least 21 days in NZ over the investment period (Growth) or 105 days (Balanced — reducible by 14 days per extra NZD $1M in Growth-category assets, up to 42 days)
- No English language requirement (removed in the 2025 reset)
- Good health and good character
How to apply — step by step
- Choose your stream: Growth (NZD $5 million over 3 years) or Balanced (NZD $10 million over 5 years).
- Gather proof that your funds were legally earned and are under your control.
- Create an account on Immigration Online (online.immigration.govt.nz) and fill in the Active Investor Plus form.
- Pay the fee, submit, and wait for approval in principle (80% decided within 10 weeks).
- Transfer your funds to New Zealand through the banking system and make your investments in the allowed time.
- Send Immigration New Zealand proof of your investments to be granted the resident visa.
- Meet the time-in-New-Zealand and investment conditions to qualify for permanent residence.
Path to PR: Permanent Resident Visa after meeting investment and time-in-NZ conditions (36 or 60 months)
Official Site ↗
Popular universities & fees
University of Auckland
Auckland · University · Top-ranked, research powerhouse
NZD $40k-$58k/yr
University of Otago
Dunedin · University · Medicine & health sciences
NZD ~$38k-$47k/yr
Victoria University of Wellington
Wellington · University · Law, government & humanities
NZD ~$35k-$46k/yr
University of Canterbury
Christchurch · University · Engineering & sciences
NZD ~$35k-$48k/yr
Auckland University of Technology (AUT)
Auckland · University · Career-focused, industry-linked degrees
NZD ~$35k-$48k/yr
University of Waikato
Hamilton · University · Management, law & computing
NZD ~$32k-$48k/yr
Lincoln University
Lincoln (Christchurch) · University · Agriculture & land-based sciences
NZD $35k-$37k/yr
Unitec Institute of Technology
Auckland · Institute · Affordable trades, IT & nursing
NZD ~$26k-$30k/yr
Otago Polytechnic
Dunedin · Institute · Hands-on applied diplomas & degrees
NZD ~$24k-$30k/yr
Southern Institute of Technology (SIT)
Invercargill · Institute · Lowest fees among NZ institutes
NZD ~$21k-$28k/yr
Scholarships to know: Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships (NZ Government) (Full tuition + living stipend + airfares) · University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship (NZD $34,128/yr stipend + tuition waiver) · UC International First Year Scholarship (Canterbury) (NZD $15,000 towards tuition) · University of Auckland International Student Excellence Scholarship (Up to NZD $10,000)
Official portals
Community & guides
NZ Immigration Info (Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd)
Auckland-based licensed immigration advisers with detailed guides on the SMC 6-point system, AEWV, student visas and complex cases like appeals and character waivers.
NZ Immigration Partners (formerly Malcolm Pacific)
New Zealand's largest licensed immigration adviser firm (est. 1985), covering AEWV, SMC, investor and family visas with free eligibility assessments.
New Zealand Shores
Licensed immigration adviser site with practical guides on Green List resident visas, Parent Boost, job search and moving to NZ.
Lifetimes NZ
Independent lifestyle and relocation guide with articles on visa pathways, jobs, housing, tax and cost-of-living for people moving to New Zealand.