Pathways Available for Obtaining Skilled Residence in New Zealand

When considering a move to New Zealand, migrant workers often prioritize knowing about the pathways to residence right from the start. To assist you and your international workers in addressing these questions, we have compiled a convenient guide.

Over 200,000 individuals found residency in New Zealand through the one-off 2021 Resident Visa, which closed on July 31, 2022. However, the NZ Government has since introduced several 'skilled' residence categories to attract highly skilled migrants, featuring streamlined applications and faster processing times. This makes New Zealand an appealing destination.

Meeting health and character requirements, demonstrating a minimum level of English proficiency, and being 55 years old or younger are prerequisites for eligibility in the 'skilled' residence categories.

Green List - Straight to Residence (Tier 1)

The Green List Straight to Residence Visa enables migrant workers in designated roles within health and social services, construction, primary industries, and science, engineering, ICT, electronics, and telecommunications sectors to apply for permanent residency. The complete list of eligible occupations is accessible for review.

Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for this residence visa, including being employed by an accredited employer or having a job offer from one. Additionally, the following requirements must be met:

• The position must be categorized under Tier 1 of the Green List.
• Applicants must fulfill the listed requirements for their respective roles.
• To meet the requirements, the position must entail full-time work, demanding a minimum commitment of 30 hours per week. It should be genuine and can be either a permanent role or a fixed-term contract lasting at least 12 months. Independent contractors may also qualify in certain cases.

Green List - Work to Residence (Tier 2)

Individuals who have been employed in designated roles like New Roles Added on 29 May 2023, Trades Roles, Agriculture Roles and Health & Social Services Roles for a period of 24 months or more can pursue residency, from September 2023.

Meeting the criteria for this residence pathway entails either being employed by an accredited employer or securing a job offer from one, along with satisfying the following:

• The applicant must have a valid work visa, such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or another type (e.g., Essential Skills Work Visa, Post Study Work Visa, etc.), that was applied for before 4 July 2022 in order to meet the criteria for the residence application.
• Fulfill the acceptable employment requirements for an occupation classified under Tier 2 of the Green List.
• Have a minimum of 24 months of work experience in New Zealand within an occupation listed under Tier 2 of the Green List.

Skilled Migrant Category

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is open for applicants with 180 points until 15 August 2023 at 11:59pm. After the final Expression of Interest selection on 16 August 2023, a simplified 6 points system will be introduced for the SMC Resident Visa starting from 9 October 2023.

180 Points for Current SMC

As of now, individuals interested in the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) must submit an 'Expression of Interest' (EOI), with the selection process focusing on EOIs accumulating 180 points or more. While there may be financial aspects to consider, it serves as an excellent alternative for those who don't meet the eligibility criteria for the 'Straight to Residence' pathway or other 'skilled' residence options.

Points can be claimed by applicants based on:

• Age
• Work experience related to skilled employment
• Skilled employment
• Qualifications
• Partner's qualifications & their skilled employment

Minimum 6 Points Required for New SMC Criteria

A minimum of 6 points is required to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident visa, starting from 9 October 2023.

Please refer to the provided image for a visual representation of the new SMC point system.

Points can be claimed from only one of these skill categories shown on the left side (NZ Professional Registration/Qualification/High Income). Individuals who fall short of the required 6 points have the opportunity to acquire the remaining points by accumulating Skilled Work experience in New Zealand.

Find out more about the new SMC and its 6-point system by clicking here.

We provide migrant employees with the chance to complete this form, enabling them to receive a complimentary initial assessment to establish their eligibility.

Further Pathways through Sector Agreements

Care workers earning at least NZD $28.25/hr

Individuals employed by an accredited employer in certain roles and receiving remuneration at the Level 4 rate will meet the criteria for a two-year work to residence pathway, starting from September 2023.

The specified roles consist of:

• Kaiāwhina (Hauora) (Māori Health Assistant),
• Disabilities Services Officer
• Residential Care Officer
• Aged and Disabled Carers
• Nursing Support Worker
• Personal Care Assistant
• Therapy Aide
• Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant
• Diversional Therapist

The applicant is required to satisfy specific conditions to be deemed eligible, which include:

• At the time of applying for residence, the applicant must possess an AEWV or another work visa (such as Essential Skills Work Visa or Post Study Work Visa) obtained before July 4, 2022.
• The applicant should be receiving a wage equal to or exceeding the Level 4 rate per hour in an occupation listed under the Care Workforce sector.
• The applicant must have accumulated 24 months of experience in an occupation listed under the Care Workforce sector.

Transport

Under the Transport sector agreement, certain professions will be eligible for a time-restricted, two-year work to residence pathway.

• Bus Driver
• Truck Driver
• Aircraft Refueller
• Furniture Removalist
• Tanker Driver
• Tow Truck Driver
• Ship’s Master
• Deck Hand

Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria and have fulfilled the two-year work requirement can submit their applications starting from September 29, 2023.

The sector agreement has no set limit and will be reviewed after 12 months. Migrants who are already on their 2-year work to residence pathway will not be affected by any subsequent changes made to the sector agreement after the review.

In order to receive additional assistance, we kindly request you to complete this form.

New Zealand provides multiple pathways to residence, making it an appealing destination for international workers seeking to address talent shortages. Our team assists numerous migrants and their families every week, guiding them in selecting the most suitable residence option. Over the years, we have successfully helped thousands of migrants obtain residence in NZ. If your candidates or employees are seeking clarity on the best residence option available to them, urge them to get in touch with us today.