common resident visa categories

This category relies on a 6-point system that can be claimed based upon the applicant’s qualifications, professional registration, remuneration and skilled employment.

This is a two step process in which the applicant first lodges an Expression of Interest, and then may receive an Invitation To Apply if they meet the points threshold in force at the time of selection.

Claim 3 to 6 points for your qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher), New Zealand occupational registration or income. However, you cannot combine points from any of these skill categories. For example you cannot combine points from your qualification with points from your income.

Claim 1 point for each year of skilled work in New Zealand, up to a maximum of 3 points. These points can be combined with the points from your qualification, New Zealand occupational registration or income.

You must have a job or a job offer in New Zealand to apply. Your employment must be with an accredited employer and either full-time and permanent, for a fixed-term of at least 12 months or a contract for services of at least 6 months.

Holders of an AEWV in a Green List job may be eligible for residence under this category either immediately upon a job offer for a job in Tier 1, or after two years in a job in Tier 2.

The Green List comprises of roles in Engineering, Construction, Health, Education, Social Services, ICT, Electronics and telecommunications roles, Primary industries and science roles, Trade, and Agriculture.

These are jobs that are deemed in demand in New Zealand and highly qualified.

At the time you apply you must be working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer.

Your employment must be full-time, and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.

You must have worked in New Zealand for 24 months, in a care workforce role that paid you the level 4 support workers’ minimum wage or more.

At the time you apply you must be working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer.

Your employment must be full-time, and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.

You must have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in a specified land or maritime transport job that is in high demand.

If your partner is a kiwi or a resident, and they meet character requirements and not been involved as a partner in more than one previous successful resident visa application, they may be eligible to support your application.

You will need to have been living together in a stable partnership for at least 12 months.