Pathways to New Zealand Residence Through Employment: A Concise Guide -VisaPlex

As a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser, I am often asked about the various pathways for obtaining residence in New Zealand based on a job offer.

In this concise blog post, I will break down the four main categories: Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Green List Tier 2, and Highly Paid.

1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the most common pathway for individuals seeking residence in New Zealand through employment.

It is designed for highly skilled individuals who can contribute to New Zealand'.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a job offer in a skilled occupation, or be currently employed in a skilled occupation in New Zealand
• Meet the age, health, character, and English language requirements.
• Have a minimum of 180 points on the points-based system, based on factors such as age, work experience, qualifications, and job offer

Applicants who meet these criteria can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If successful, they will receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for residence.

2. Straight to Residence

The Straight to Residence pathway is designed for applicants who have a long-term, highly skilled job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a job offer in one of the occupations In the green list tier 1.
• Meet the age, health, character, and English language requirements

Upon obtaining an accredited employer work visa, applicants can directly apply for residence or they can apply with the job offer too. The processing time is typically faster than the Skilled Migrant Category.

3. Green List Tier 2

The Green List Tier 2 pathway is designed for individuals with a job offer in an occupation on the Green List tier 2 which comprises occupations with identified skill shortages.

This is a work to residence visa.

Applicants must:

• Have a job offer in an occupation on the Green List Tier 2.
• Meet the age, health, character, and English language requirements

Once granted a Green List Tier 2 work visa, applicants can work in New Zealand for up to 30 months.

After 24 months of employment, they can apply for residence.

4. Highly Paid

The Highly Paid pathway is designed for applicants who have a high-paying job in New Zealand.

To qualify, applicants must:

• Have a job offer with a minimum base salary of at least twice the median salary in New Zealand (currently NZD $106,080 per year)
• Meet the age, health, character, and English language requirements

This is a work to residence visa. Applicants get a work visa for up to 30 months and can apply for residence on the second year anniversary of their visas.

There are multiple pathways to obtain residence in New Zealand based on a job offer.

Each category has its own specific requirements and benefits, so it is essential to carefully assess your situation and choose the most suitable option.

If you have any questions or require assistance with your application, feel free to reach out to me.

Ava Neal

LIA200900809