All the information is provided according to the Immigration New Zealand website for informational purpose only. You can also find information about immigration options to New Zealand on our website.

Professional immigration to New Zealand is available to people up to 55 years of age if they can confirm their level of English on IELTS 6.5 or its equivalent, as well as if they have a job offer or a valid work contract in New Zealand. At the moment, there are three different options for obtaining residency: Skilled Migrant Resident Pathway, Green List Pathway, Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement Pathway.

Skilled Migrant Resident Pathway (point-based)

This is the main way to obtain residency in New Zealand, including for people who are not on the Green List. The method is valid from October 9, 2023. To obtain residency (permanent residence) in New Zealand via this route you must:

• Have a job offer or a valid work contract from an accredited employer in New Zealand;
• Meet the minimum median salary requirement of NZ$31.61 per hour with a minimum of 30 hours per week;
• Score 6 points under the Skilled Migrant Resident pathway system

Scoring points

Based on the basic criteria of education, income or New Zealand professional registration, select one of the options below:

• 6 points for: PhD or Doctorate (Level 10) OR salary x3 from the median wage OR NZ registration in a professional organisation after 6 years of study;
• 5 points for: Masters Degree (Level 9) OR NZ registration in a professional organisation after 5 years of study;
• 4 points for: Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree (Level 8) OR salary x2 from the median wage OR NZ registration in a professional organisation after 4 years of study;
• 3 points for: Bachelor Degree (Level 7) or Postgraduate Certificate (Level 8) OR salary x1.5 from the median wage OR NZ registration in a professional organisation after 3 years of study.

Additionally, you can score points for work experience in New Zealand in the same speciality as in the main application:

• 1 point for 1 year of work;
• 2 points for 2 years of work;
• 3 points for 3 years of work.

For your convenience, see the scheme for obtaining points below

Green List Pathway

In-demand specialities on Green List are divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 categories. 

• Tier 1. Holders of these professions have access to the Straight to Residence Visa. They can apply for residency immediately as soon as they have found a job for an accredited employer;
• Tier 2. Holders these qualifications will have to work for 2 years for an accredited employer before they can apply for residency. They have access to the Work to Residence Visa.

Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement Pathway

For employees in the field of helping the sick, the elderly, children and those in need, there is a separate immigration pathway to New Zealand – Care Workforce Work to Resident Visa. With an English level of IELTS 6.5 and a salary of NZ$28.25 per hour, they can count on residency after working for 2 years for an accredited employer.

For maritime workers there is a separate immigration pathway – Transport Work to Residence Visa. If they meet the salary conditions, depending on the specialisation, and have IELTS 6.5, they can count on residency after working for 2 years for an accredited employer.

You can check your employer’s accreditation on the INZ website. 

Visas in these categories are processed by our licensed Kiwi Immigration advisors.

To select the best option for moving through education, fill out the Kiwi Education form.