Introduction
There are several routes towards residence based on employment in New Zealand. Most require existing employment.
Residence can be achieved before arrival but only for those on the Green List: Tier 1. In all other cases, a work visa and work experience is required before transitioning into residence. The rules are strict. Low skilled workers often cannot transition towards residence (with some exceptions discussed below).
For those who do not have a pathway to residence, there is a maximum period allowable on work visas before a return to their home country or another country is required. Once home, the process can re-start but a previous market shortage leading to a work visa may have changed in the meantime (and a work visa would then not be granted).
Work visas are often available for those who have studied at New Zealand’s tertiary institutions but by the time the post-study work visa expires, the applicant must either be in a job leading to residence or have a work visa under one of the other categories (Special Event or Accredited Employer Work Visa).
The Green List
A job offer for a position that is listed in Tier 1 of the Green List can lead to residence before arrival. The qualifications and work experience requirements as listed must be met. Occupations in Tier 1 of the Green List include auditors, construction project managers, quantity surveyors, engineers of all types, occupations in dentistry, medicine, nursing, primary industry science and ICT. Where registration is required, this must be achieved first. This means that some intending Green List applicants often obtain a work visa first while they obtain occupational registration where that is a requirement. The Tier 1 offer of employment will normally be verified for genuineness and durability. Remuneration must be at a minimum for certain occupations as listed in the Green List.
For those in Tier 2 of the Green List, they must work for two years before applying for residence. Occupations include construction, slaughterers, teaching, ICT technicians, machinery operators, prison officers, electricians, mechanics, plumbers, drainlayers, gas fitters, panel beaters, vehicle painters, metal fabricators, welders and dairy and cattle farm managers. Many of these occupations have a work experience prerequisite (such work experience can include work experience in another country). There are remuneration requirements for many occupations. Unless stated, remuneration must be at least at the median wage rate. The minimum wage requirements apply to the two-year work period as required.
Care Work Force
This is a special category for workers in the care industry with lower remuneration requirements but the two-year work-to-residence prerequisite is required.
Transport Sector
Similarly, there are special provisions in the transport sector including ship’s masters, deckhands, and bus and truck drivers.
Skilled Migrant Resident Visas
For those not on the Green List, Tier 1 or 2 or the above special categories of care workers and transport workers, there is a points-based assessment based on a mix of past (New Zealand) employment, qualifications and a current offer of employment. English language for the principal applicant must be at 6.5 IELTS (or equivalent). The rules are complicated and each case requires an individual assessment. Any person intending to use this route as a route towards residence should get an early assessment by a professional (immigration lawyer or competent consultant). An early assessment prior to taking up a work visa and a year before filing residence is recommended.
Work Visa Limits
Where residence is sought through work, either Green List Tier 2, highly paid workers, or those working at rates below the minimum work remuneration rates (and who do not qualify) there must be careful consideration in relation to the maximum period for which they may hold a work visa. Work visas cannot be “rolled over” indefinitely. Further, there are minimum requirements relating to an accompanying dependent spouse (on an open work visa) or domestic student visas for dependent children. An individual assessment needs to be made in each case.
Seasonal Work
There are a number of seasonal schemes that allow work visas in the agricultural and horticultural sector but these are usually short term and require regular repatriation. They do not lead to residence through employment.
Humanitarian
Work visas are sometimes available for those claiming asylum or protection, and for exploited workers. Filing meritless cases to obtain such work visas is however not only unethical but also ill-advised. Any failed case will have an impact on re-entry prospects. Honesty at all times is important.
4 January 2026
D J Ryken
Ryken and Associates