Residence
Building a long-term future in New Zealand: the Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List, work-to-residence and trade & technician pathways.
Residence
Residence is the foundation for a long-term future in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant Category, the Green List, work-to-residence, and trade & technician pathways each have their own settings and evidence expectations, and they change over time. We give you a realistic assessment of your position before anything is lodged.
How we help
- A realistic assessment against the current residence settings
- Strategy on timing and which pathway fits your profile
- Thorough evidence preparation, particularly for skilled employment claims
- Lodgement and correspondence with Immigration New Zealand
Typically involved
- Skilled employment in New Zealand
- Qualifications and registration where relevant
- English language evidence
- Health and character requirements
Requirements at a glance
Key criteria
- All three visas: aged 55 or younger when you apply; speak and understand English; be in good health and of good character.
- All three visas: job or job offer must be with an accredited employer; full-time; permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months (SMC and Straight to Residence also allow a contract or continuous contracts of at least 6 months).
- SMC: at least 6 skilled resident points, 3 to 6 points from ONE of occupational registration, qualifications, or income; up to 3 more points from NZ skilled work experience (1 point per year, max 3).
- SMC pay threshold: ANZSCO skill level 1-3 jobs paid at least NZD $35.00/hour (2025 median wage); ANZSCO level 4-5 jobs paid at least NZD $52.50/hour (1.5x the 2025 median wage). Income-based points: 3 points at 1.5x ($52.50/hr), 4 points at 2x ($70.00/hr), 6 points at 3x ($105.00/hr).
- Straight to Residence: job or job offer in a Green List Tier 1 role, meeting the qualification/registration requirements specified on the Green List for that occupation; paid at least the rate specified for the role, or NZD $35.00/hour (2025 median wage) if no rate is specified.
- Work to Residence: 24 months worked in New Zealand in a Green List Tier 2 job (wage requirements must have been met during the work experience for the time to count), meeting the occupation's qualification/registration requirements; paid at least the rate specified for the role or the current median wage (NZD $35.00/hour for 2025) if none specified.
Evidence commonly needed
- Job offer or employment agreement from an accredited employer (showing pay rate, hours, and duration)
- Police certificates less than 6 months old (applicants and included family aged 17 or older)
- Chest X-ray and medical examination (applicant and anyone included aged 15 or older)
- Evidence of English ability, citizenship, education, qualifications, or an approved English test result no more than 2 years old
- Evidence of occupational registration and/or qualifications (needed for SMC points and for Green List roles that specify registration/qualification requirements)
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Immigration New Zealand’s published settings as at July 2026, summarised for orientation only. Settings and fees change: always check the official Skilled residence pathways page, or confirm the current position at your consultation.
Please note: visa categories and settings change, sometimes at short notice. Information published online, including on this site, is general information only, not immigration advice. Your consultation is where we assess your individual circumstances against the current rules.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment
Tell Sakshi which pathway you’re considering and where your plans currently stand. Your first phone consultation is free, with the practice behind 7,000+ successful visa outcomes since 2018.