The Straight to Residence Visa offers a streamlined route to permanent residency for individuals with high-demand skills listed on New Zealand's Green List. With no need for a long waiting period or extended work requirements, eligible applicants can move directly to residency, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand permanently from the outset.
The Straight to Residence Visa is a pathway for individuals working in high-demand roles listed on New Zealand's Green List. This visa allows applicants to obtain permanent residency immediately, provided they meet the qualifications and experience criteria for their role. The visa is aimed at skilled professionals in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and IT, allowing them to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely without needing a work-to-residence transition.
Successful applicants gain permanent residency, allowing them to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. There is no requirement to complete a specific work period before applying for residency.
To qualify, applicants must have a job offer in a Green List occupation, meet the required qualifications and experience levels, and work for an accredited employer. Proof of qualifications must align with New Zealand’s Qualification Framework, requiring either an NZQA assessment or having qualifications exempt from assessment.
With this visa, applicants have the right to live, work, and settle permanently in New Zealand. Additionally, family members can be included in the application, enabling partners and dependent children to work and study in New Zealand.
The Straight to Residence Visa offers immediate eligibility for permanent residency. As long as the applicant’s job is on the Green List and all conditions are met, they can transition directly to permanent residency without the need for an extended work period.
Step 1:
Ensure you have a job offer in a Green List occupation and meet the required qualifications and experience.
Step 2:
Your job offer must come from an accredited New Zealand employer.
Step 3:
Prepare required documents, including proof of qualifications, work experience, and a valid job offer.
Step 4:
Submit your visa application online via Immigration New Zealand’s portal.
Step 5:
Once approved, you receive permanent residency, allowing you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely.
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We’ll guide you through the visa requirements, things you should consider while applying, common pitfalls and how we can help you navigate the entire process from conception to submission and beyond.
Prefer to make a direct enquiry rather than attend a webinar? This option offers you personalised assistance tailored to your specific situation. By choosing a direct enquiry, you'll save time and receive expert guidance from NZIL’s team on your Straight To Residence Work Visa application. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or navigating the process, we’re here to provide clear, customised advice every step of the way.
New Zealand recognises some international qualifications, but there are some that need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For a fee, NZQA can check whether your qualification is recognised in New Zealand.
If you’ve completed studies in New Zealand and have obtained a recognised qualification, you could be eligible to apply for a post study work visa .Depending on your qualification, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years and potentially gain residence. Learn more about the visas you can apply for after completing your studies.
It is not essential to have formal qualifications to gain a work visa. You must be able to document that you meet the criteria stated by the employer in the job check is necessary to be considered for the position and Immigration New Zealand's minimum skills threshold. A lack of formal qualifications may, however, make it harder for you to qualify for residence if you are seeking to make a permanent move.
There are certain age requirements for different visa types, which is why you need to check your eligibility  before applying. While there isn’t any age limit when applying for a work visa, Skilled residence visas require applicants to be under 56 years old.
You can check whether your skills are in demand by visiting the Immigration New Zealand website. If your skills are on the Green List, you have a possible pathway to residence immediately or after having worked in New Zealand for a period of time.
If you’re applying for a visa based on your relationship, you and your partner will need to meet specific criteria in order to apply. Learn more about the visa requirements for you and your partner. If you’re looking to move your family over based on your working visa, find out more about family visa options.
