1. Straight to Residence: Tier 1 of Green List Provides an immediate pathway to residency for highly skilled migrants in critical shortage occupations, including engineers, medical specialists, ICT professionals, and construction managers. Applicants can apply directly once they secure a full-time job offer (30+ hours per week) from an accredited employer. Requirements include meeting specific qualifications, professional registrations, or salary thresholds, alongside English proficiency (IELTS 6.5). Applicants must be 55 or under, in good health, and of good character. The visa grants indefinite rights to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and supports family inclusion. This category is uncapped and processed within months.
2. Work to Residence: Tier 2 of Green List Offers a two-year pathway to residency for workers in in-demand roles such as teachers, tradespeople, and agricultural managers. Applicants must hold a full-time job (30+ hours/week) with an accredited employer in a Tier 2 occupation and work for at least 24 months. Wage thresholds (NZD $33.56/hour) and professional qualifications or registrations must be met. Applicants must be under 56 years old, meet English (IELTS 6.5), health, and character requirements. The visa supports family relocation and is designed to address skill shortages in education, trades, and agriculture.
3. Work to Residence: Care Workforce Provides residency to dedicated care professionals after 24 months of service in roles such as Aged/Disabled Carers, Nursing Support Workers, Personal Care Assistants, and Diversional Therapists. Employment must be full-time (30+ hours per week) with an accredited employer, at or above the required pay rate (NZD $28.25/hour as of July 2022). Experience must be gained on a valid work visa since 29 September 2021. Applicants must be under 55, meet English (IELTS 6.5), health, and character standards. This visa is uncapped and acknowledges the essential contributions of healthcare workers.
4. Work to Residence: Transport Sector Supports New Zealand’s logistics and transport industry by granting residency after 24 months of employment in roles such as Truck Drivers, Bus Drivers, Ship’s Masters, and Deck Hands. Applicants must hold the appropriate licenses (e.g., Class 4/5 for trucks, ‘P’ endorsement for buses), work full-time (30+ hours/week) for an accredited employer, and earn at least the median wage (NZD $33.56/hour). Applicants must also be under 55 years old, meet English (IELTS 6.5), health, and character requirements. This visa allows indefinite residence, family sponsorship, and helps sustain New Zealand’s transport network.

Fee-Paying Student Visa

The Fee-Paying Student Visa is the most common option for international students. It allows full-time study in New Zealand at an approved institution, while also offering limited work rights and travel flexibility.

1. Key Features
   • Full-Time Study: Enroll in NZQA-approved programs.
   • Duration: Valid for course length plus 1–2 months. Renewal required for courses over 1 year.
   • Work Rights: Up to 20 hrs/week during term, full-time during holidays. Unlimited hours for Master’s by research & PhD.
   • Travel: Multiple entries allowed if visa conditions permit.
2. Eligibility Criteria
   • Confirmed Offer of Place from an NZQA-approved provider.
   • Proof of Funds: Tuition + NZD $20,000/year living expenses + return travel funds.
   • Health & Character: Medical exams and police checks (if required).
   • Insurance: Comprehensive medical & travel insurance.
   • Valid Passport: At least 3 months beyond intended stay.
3. Application Process
   1. Find an NZQA-approved course.
   2. Secure an Offer of Place.
   3. Gather documents (passport, funds, medical, insurance, etc.).
   4. Apply online (RealMe account required).
   5. Pay fee: NZD $850 (as of Oct 2024) + possible IVL levy.
   6. Wait 4–12 weeks for processing.
   7. Receive eVisa approval via email.
4. Costs
   • Application Fee: NZD $850 (online).
   • IVL: NZD $35 (if applicable).
   • Tuition Fees: NZD $20,000–$40,000/year (program-dependent).
   • Living Costs: Min. NZD $20,000/year.
   • Insurance: Mandatory (varies by provider).
5. Common Reasons for Refusal
   • Incomplete or incorrect documentation.
   • Insufficient funds.
   • Health or character concerns.
   • Lack of genuine study intent.
   • Errors in application.

Domestic Student Visas

Dependent children of eligible visa holders may study as domestic students in New Zealand schools, exempt from international tuition fees. This option applies mainly to children of work, student, or resident visa holders.

1. Key Features
   • No international tuition fees.
   • Available for children aged 19 or under.
   • Visa duration tied to parent’s visa.
   • Limited work rights (mainly for older students).
2. Eligibility
   • Parent must hold a valid work, student (PhD/exchange), or residence visa.
   • Child must be 19 or younger and accepted by an NZQA-approved school.
   • Must meet health, character, and sponsorship requirements.
3. Application Process
   • Secure school enrollment.
   • Submit documents (child’s passport, parent’s visa, proof of funds, etc.).
   • Apply online or via paper (until Sept 2025).
   • Processing time: 4–12 weeks.
4. Costs
   • Application Fee: Often waived.
   • Living Expenses: Min. NZD $20,000/year.
   • School Costs: Minimal (e.g., uniforms, activities).
5. Other Pathways to Domestic Status
   • Exchange Student Visa: For approved programs, with limited work rights.
   • MFAT-Funded Scholarship Visa: Up to 4 years, treated as domestic.
   • Victim of People Trafficking Visa: Allows domestic student enrollment.
6. Additional Considerations
   • Insurance may be required depending on visa conditions.
   • Family visas available for partners and dependents.
   • Post-study options: Dependent children transition if parents secure residence.
   • Apply 3–4 months in advance to avoid delays.