Can I move to New Zealand as a skilled worker?

Yes, a foreign national can migrate to New Zealand as a skilled worker through three pathways. A foreign skilled professional must acquire a job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer to migrate to New Zealand, where the working hours are at least 30 hours a week to migrate to New Zealand.

 

Pathways to migrate to New Zealand as a skilled worker

There are three main pathways to migrate to New Zealand as a skilled worker:

 

• The Skilled Migrant Category pathway
• The Green List pathway
• The Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement Pathways

 

The Skilled Migrant Category pathway

The Skilled Migration Category pathway of New Zealand aims to attract workers from certain areas needed in the country. The skilled professional in this category are also referred as "highly skilled workers."

 

Requirements to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category pathway

Here are the requirements to apply for the Skilled Migrant Category pathway:

 

• Occupation must be registered with two years of formal training
• Educational qualification: Bachelor or High level degree
• Must meet the Minimum medium wage
• Acquire 6 points for the visa
• Job offer from a New Zealand employer
• Must have an IELTS score of 6.5
• Complete the New Zealand Government Assessment

 

The Green List pathway

Skilled professionals with a job offer from either the Tier 1 or Tier 2 List can apply through the Green List pathway. The Green List mainly targets the limited number of highly skilled roles that have a shortage in the country. There are two Green List pathways:

 

Straight to Residence path

If a skilled worker has received a job offer for an occupation on the Tier 1 List and meets the specified qualifications, they can apply for a residence visa.

 

Requirements to apply for Straight to Residence path

Here are the requirements to apply for the Straight to Residence path:

 

• Receive a job offer from an accredited employer
• Meet minimum requirements of specified qualification, registration, and wage requirements
• Aged must be below 55

 

Work to Residence path

If skilled workers have received a job offer from an occupation and worked in the Tier 2 Green list role for 24 months, they can apply for this pathway.

 

Requirements to apply for Work to Residence path

Here are the requirements to apply for the Work to Residence path;

 

• Valid work visa for 24 months
• Job offer from an accredited employer in a full-time period
• Be 55 or younger
• Proof of English language proficiency
• Health and character requirements

 

The Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement Pathways

If skilled workers receive a job offer for an occupation in a Sector Agreement Pathways in the Care Workforce and Transport sector roles, they can avail this pathway to migrate to New Zealand after working for 24 months in the country. There are two sectors in these Sector Agreement Pathways:

 

Care Workforce Pathway

The Care Workforce Pathway allows skilled workers from the care worker sector to gain a residence visa after 24 months.

 

Requirements to apply for Care Workforce Pathway

Here are the requirements to apply for Care Workforce Pathway:

 

• Aged must be 55 or younger
• Receive a job offer from an accredited employer
• Worked in a care worker role for 24 months
• Earn NZD 28.25 an hour
• Genuine relationship between the partner and children
• Valid work visa
• Good health and character certificate

 

Transport sector pathways  

The Transport sector pathways allow bus or truck drivers to gain a two-year work-to-residency pathway in the country.

 

Requirements to apply for Transport sector pathways

 Here are the requirements to apply for the Transport sector pathway:

 

• Occupation must be relevant to ANZO code
• Must be qualified and experienced in the transport role
• Full-time work
• Meet the criteria for the entire 24 months
• Job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
• Paid median wage for the 24 months
• Valid class 4 or 5 driver's license

 

*Want to work in New Zealand? Talk to Y-Axis for complete guidance.

 

Eligibility criteria to apply for a New Zealand Work visa

Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for a New Zealand Work visa:

 

• Valid visa
• Job offer from an accredited employer
• Proof of academic qualification
• Good character certificate
• Proficiency in English Language
• Proof of accommodation
• Proof of Itinerary
• Medical Certificate
• Proof of sufficient funds

 

*Want assistance for Overseas Immigration? Talk to Y-Axis, the world’s No. 1 overseas immigration consultancy for end-to-end support.