New Zealand: work visas and the route to residence
Most foreign workers come on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) tied to an approved employer. Residence then comes through the Skilled Migrant Category, which gained two new pathways for tradespeople and experienced workers in August 2026, or through a Green List job.
New Zealand: route to residence (resident visa)
Study in New Zealand, work on a post-study work visa, then qualify for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category points or a Green List job.
- Student visaNew Zealand qualificationNZ qualifications earn an extra point toward residence
- Post-study workOpen work visaUp to 3 years after a bachelor's or higher
- Skilled jobSkilled job at the median wageNZ$35 an hour from March 2026
- SMC / Green ListSkilled Migrant points or Green List6 points, or a Green List straight-to-residence job
- ResidenceResident visaPermanent resident visa after 2 more years
New Zealand: route to residence (resident visa)
An accredited employer hires you on an AEWV. From August 2026 tradespeople with a Level 4 trade qualification and 4 years' experience can apply for residence after 18 months in New Zealand.
- Experience2 years' experience or a trade qualificationLevel 4 qualification counts instead of experience
- AEWVAccredited Employer Work VisaMarket-rate pay; English test for many skill level 3–5 roles
- NZ workWork in New Zealand18 months at the median wage for trades and technicians
- SMC tradesTrades and Technician pathwayLevel 4+ qualification and 4 years' experience, from August 2026
- ResidenceResident visa
Rules as of October 2026. Sources: Immigration New Zealand, AEWV, Lane Neave on the 2026 SMC changes, PathwaysNZ on the 2025 AEWV changes. Always confirm with the official immigration authority.
Visa types and requirements
Pick a visa to see its language, education and experience requirements, how long it lasts and where it leads.
Official authority Immigration New Zealand ↗
Student visa Fee paying student visa
Official page ↗- Language
- Set by the provider, usually IELTS
- Education
- Offer from an approved education provider
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Proof of funds; part-time work allowed during study
- Length of stay
- Length of the course
- Leads to
- Post-study work visa
Post-study work Post Study Work Visa
Official page ↗- Language
- None beyond the course
- Education
- Eligible New Zealand qualification
- Experience
- None
- Other conditions
- Work for any employer
- Length of stay
- Up to 3 years for a bachelor's degree or higher
- Leads to
- AEWV or Skilled Migrant residence
AEWV Accredited Employer Work Visa
Official page ↗- Language
- English test for many skill level 3–5 roles (level 3 from June 2026)
- Education
- Level 4 qualification or any degree can replace experience
- Experience
- 2 years of relevant experience
- Other conditions
- Employer must be accredited and pass a Job Check; pay at market rate, at least minimum wage
- Length of stay
- Up to 5 years for skill level 1–3, 3 years for most level 4–5 roles
- Leads to
- Skilled Migrant or Green List residence
SMC Skilled Migrant Category resident visa
Official page ↗- Language
- IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
- Education
- Points from qualifications, registration or pay; trades pathway needs Level 4+
- Experience
- 6 points incl. NZ skilled work; new pathways need 4–5 years with 18–24 months in NZ
- Other conditions
- Skilled job at the median wage (NZ$35/hour from March 2026); age 55 or under
- Length of stay
- Resident visa; permanent resident visa after 2 years
- Leads to
- Citizenship after 5 years
Green List Green List residence
Official page ↗- Language
- IELTS 6.5 or equivalent
- Education
- Qualification or registration set for each occupation
- Experience
- Tier 1: none in NZ; Tier 2: 2 years in the role in NZ
- Other conditions
- Job offer in a listed occupation (engineers, nurses, many trades)
- Length of stay
- Resident visa
- Leads to
- Permanent resident visa
October 2026 rules. Sources: Immigration New Zealand, IDP on AEWV requirements, NZ Shores on the August 2026 SMC pathways. Confirm with the official immigration authority before applying.
Check whether an employer can sponsor you
Only accredited employers can hire on an AEWV. Immigration New Zealand keeps a searchable list, updated daily: Accredited employer list ↗. Green List occupations are listed on the Green List page ↗.