New Zealand Residence
How the Main Pathways Generally Work
A general overview of the main pathways to New Zealand residence and how they generally work. This is general information only, not personalised advice. Criteria change over time; current detail is on immigration.govt.nz, and which pathway fits a particular situation is assessed by a licensed adviser.
General Overview
The Main Residence Pathways
Skilled Migrant Category
A points-based residence pathway generally built around skilled employment, qualifications and registration, under the current INZ settings.
Green List — Straight to Residence
For Tier 1 Green List roles, the Straight to Residence Visa can allow a direct residence application, subject to qualification, registration and pay requirements.
Green List — Work to Residence
For Tier 2 Green List roles, the Work to Residence Visa generally requires around 24 months of relevant NZ work experience at the required wage before applying for residence.
Investor & Business
Investor residence, such as the Active Investor Plus category, is generally built around qualifying investments and source-of-funds evidence over a set period.
Partnership Residence
Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents may have a residence pathway, generally turning on a genuine and stable relationship and partner eligibility.
Parent Residence
The Parent Resident Visa allows eligible parents to be sponsored by an adult child who is a New Zealand citizen or resident, through an expression-of-interest ballot.
Working With VisaPlex
From First Conversation to a Clear Plan
- 1
Map Your Situation
Start in the AVA workspace to organise your skills, work, family or investment information against the general residence pathways.
- 2
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your circumstances against current policy and explains which residence pathways may apply.
- 3
Choose a Pathway
Your adviser helps you compare the pathways that fit your situation and what each generally involves.
- 4
Submission & Support
If you choose to proceed, your application is submitted and supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Residence
Tier 1 Green List roles can lead to a Straight to Residence Visa; Tier 2 roles generally lead to a Work to Residence Visa after around 24 months of relevant NZ work experience at the required wage. The current Green List and requirements are on immigration.govt.nz.
Some pathways allow a direct residence application; others require a period of work or presence in New Zealand first. Which applies depends on the pathway and your circumstances.
That depends on your skills, work, family and investment situation. Recommending a best pathway is personalised immigration advice provided by a licensed adviser after reviewing your circumstances.
No. VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. Whether you meet a residence category is personalised immigration advice provided by a licensed adviser.
Next Step
Talk Through Your Residence Options
Tell us a little about your situation and our licensed adviser will review which New Zealand residence pathways may apply to you.