How New Zealand’s skilled residence pathways work for immigrants

New Zealand has set out three main skilled pathways for migrants seeking residence, each linked to job type, qualifications and sector needs. The updated guidance explains how skilled workers can move from employment to permanent residency when they meet eligibility rules.

New Zealand says most applicants will need to work in the country first to build the required experience before applying. Once all conditions are met, migrants can lodge a resident visa application.

How the skilled residence system works

The government groups all skilled residence options into three pathways. These routes are based on a person’s occupation, qualifications or wage level, and the national demand for their skills.


Under the framework, applicants must hold a skilled job and meet set criteria before they can apply for residence.

Skilled Migrant Category

This pathway is for people who have a skilled job and hold occupational registration, a bachelor’s degree or higher, or earn at least 1.5 times the median wage. It is the main route for applicants whose skills are recognised through qualifications or professional licensing.

Green List pathway

This option covers Tier 1 and Tier 2 roles listed on New Zealand’s Green List of in-demand jobs. It leads to two visa types: the Straight to Residence Visa and the Work to Residence Visa. Applicants must have a job that matches a listed occupation to use this pathway.

Care workforce and transport sector pathway

Workers in the care workforce or transport sectors can use this route to work towards residence. It recognises ongoing shortages in these essential industries.

What migrants should know

New Zealand’s website explains that skilled residence pathways are designed to link migration rules to the country’s labour market needs. Applicants can use visa lookup tools to compare options and check documents required for each category.