NZ Skilled and Work Pathways
New Zealand Skilled and Work Visas
New Zealand skilled immigration can depend on the applicant's occupation, job or job offer, employer accreditation, remuneration, skilled residence points, Green List eligibility and supporting employment evidence.
Pathway Options
New Zealand Skilled and Work Visa Options
Pathway 01Skilled Migrant Category
Residence for skilled workers who can claim 6 skilled resident points and support the claim with job and evidence.
Pathway 02Accredited Employer Work Visa
Temporary work visa for people with a job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer.
Straight to Residence
Green List Tier 1 residence route for eligible roles with accredited-employer job or offer evidence.
Work to Residence
Residence after qualifying New Zealand work in eligible Tier 2 or sector-agreement roles.
Who May Qualify for New Zealand Skilled Immigration
This is a practical overview only. Final eligibility depends on current instructions and your supporting evidence.
Skilled Work & Pathway Fit
You have a skilled job, job offer or qualifying work history connected to an eligible New Zealand pathway.
Employer & Role Requirements
Your employer accreditation, role duties, pay, hours and job terms support the route.
Residence Requirements
Residence pathways usually require age, English, health and character requirements.
Points, Green List & Sector Claims
Points, Green List or sector-agreement claims must be backed by documents.
Family Support
Family support depends on job, pay and visa settings.
Documents
Skilled Visa Employment and Qualification Evidence
Decision-ready evidence should be consistent, translated where needed, and matched to the route rather than uploaded as a generic bundle.
Core documents
5 categories
Employment agreement, job description, employer accreditation and role evidence.
Qualifications, registration, references, CV and work history documents.
English, identity, health, character and family documents.
Pay records, tax records and evidence of qualifying New Zealand work where relevant.
EOI or residence evidence mapping for points or Green List requirements.
Process
New Zealand Skilled Visa Application Process
A structured sequence helps avoid paying for a pathway before eligibility, timing and evidence risks are clear.
- 01
Step 1
Confirm whether AEWV, SMC, Straight to Residence or Work to Residence is strongest.
- 02
Step 2
Check employer accreditation and role requirements before lodging.
- 03
Step 3
Prepare occupation, registration, qualification and English evidence.
- 04
Step 4
Submit EOI or visa application in the correct sequence.
- 05
Step 5
Plan family support, residence timing and visa conditions.
New Zealand Skilled Visa FAQs
These questions reflect the practical issues that usually decide whether a route is viable now or needs more preparation.
Check Your New Zealand Skilled Visa Eligibility
Provide your occupation, employment, qualifications and relevant background so our team can complete an initial eligibility check for skilled and work visa options.