New Zealand Skilled Jobs With Visa Support

New Zealand Skilled Jobs With Visa Support

New Zealand is actively searching for global talent to fill its critical skill shortages, which makes this the perfect time to explore New Zealand skilled migrant jobs with visa support. This country has streamlined its immigration system to provide clear and fast pathways to Permanent Residency for qualified professionals.

This expert guide provides details on the new immigration schemes, including the NZ Green List Occupations and the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa. It gives you the data, terminology, and step-by-step (actionable) instructions you need to secure a sponsored job offer and move to New Zealand. Your journey to working in New Zealand for foreigners starts here!

The Core Immigration Routes: Work Visa $\to$ Residency

The primary way to move to New Zealand as a skilled worker is to first secure a job with an Accredited Employer New Zealand and obtain the temporary Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) NZ, which then acts as a launchpad for your permanent residency application.

1. The Green List Pathway (Fastest Route) 

The Green List is a targeted list of high-demand roles that New Zealand urgently needs.² If your job is on this list, your path to residence is significantly accelerated.³

Tier 1: Immediate Permanent Residency (Straight to Residence)

• Visa: Straight to Residence Visa NZ

• Time to Residence: You can get permanent residency immediately, and you can apply whether you are offshore or already in New Zealand.

• Key Jobs Examples:

  • Registered Nurse

  • Engineering jobs (Civil, Mechanical, Structural)

  • IT jobs (Software Engineer, Developer, Programmer)

Tier 2: Permanent Residency Through Work (Work to Residence)

• Visa: Work to Residence Visa NZ

• Time to Residence: You can apply for permanent residency after working in New Zealand for 2 years.

• Key Jobs Examples:

  • Trades jobs (Electrician, Plumber, Diesel Mechanic)

  • Teaching jobs (Early Childhood, Secondary School)

• Wage Threshold: The job must meet either the Green List’s specific wage rate (if applicable) or the current NZ Median Wage (⁵$\$33.56$ per hour as of August 18, 2025).⁶

  2. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

If your job isn’t on the Green List, the reformed Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa is the main alternative. This is a simple, points-based system that requires 6 points to qualify.⁷

You must have a job offer with an accredited employer that pays at least the median wage (or ⁸$1.5$ times the median wage for ANZSCO Level 4-5 occupations).⁹

Additional Points (Can be Combined)	Points (Maximum 3)
Skilled NZ Work Experience	1 point per year of relevant experience in NZ (Max 3 years)

Key Insight: Under the new SMC, the focus is heavily weighted towards skilled work experience pathway in New Zealand.¹⁰ If you have 3 points from a qualification (e.g., Bachelor’s) you’ll need three years of Skilled Work Experience Pathway (SMC reforms) in New Zealand to reach the 6-point threshold.¹¹

 Essential Terminology for Your Application

Understanding the official terms used by New Zealand Immigration (INZ) is vital for a smooth process.

• Accredited Employer:  Your employer must be Accredited (certified) by INZ (Immigration New Zealand). This ensures that they meet the basic compliance standards and have permission to hire foreign workers. Always verify the employer’s status before accepting an offer.

• Median Wage NZ: Currently NZD $33.56 per hour (effective August 18, 2025).¹³ This rate is the benchmark for most skilled roles, defining eligibility for the AEWV and SMC.¹⁴

• ANZSCO Skill Levels 1 to 3: These occupations are generally considered “skilled” and must pay at least the median wage.¹⁵ Level 4 to 5 occupations must pay ¹⁶$1.5 \times$ the median wage (¹⁷$\$50.34$ per hour) to be considered skilled.¹⁸

• NZ Qualification Recognition: For SMC and Green List, your offshore qualifications must be recognised by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) through an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), unless you have specific qualifications from an exempt country.¹⁹

  High-Demand Jobs: Where to Find Sponsorship

The Green List is the most reliable resource for identifying roles with strong visa support. These sectors are experiencing critical shortages across major regions like Jobs in Auckland with visa sponsorship, Wellington Skilled Migrant Jobs, and Christchurch visa support jobs.

1. Healthcare Workers New Zealand 

This is the most critical sector, with many roles offering a Straight to Residence pathway.

• Examples: Registered Nurses (all specialisations), GPs, Anaesthetists, Psychiatrists, and Health Workers New Zealand in various specialities.²⁰

• Requirement: Occupational registration with the relevant New Zealand board is mandatory (e.g., Nursing Council of New Zealand).²¹

  2. Engineering and Construction 

As New Zealand invests heavily in infrastructure, demand is booming.

• Examples: Civil Engineer, Structural Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Construction Project Manager NZ, Quantity Surveyor ²²

• Path: Many key engineering roles are Tier 1 (Straight to Residence). .²³

3. IT Jobs NZ Visa Sponsorship 

The tech sector remains robust, particularly in the major cities.

• Examples: Software Engineer, Developer Programmer, ICT Security Specialist, Database Administrator ²⁴

• Path: Most roles are Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) or Tier 2 (Work to Residence).²⁵

4. Trades and Technical Roles 

The new SMC reforms and the Green List offer great paths for qualified tradespeople.

• Examples: Electrician, Plumber, Diesel Mechanic, Fitter-Welder.

• Path: Many are Tier 2 (Work to Residence) or qualify for the Trades and Technician Pathway (SMC reforms) if they meet the points threshold through occupational registration or income ²⁶

  Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the first step to move to New Zealand as a skilled worker?

A: The very first step is to get a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. Without a job offer, you cannot apply for the AEWV, which is required for most skilled residence visas.

Q1: Salary Requirements

Q: How do I know if my salary meets the Market Rate Salary in NZ?

A: The basic guide is the Median Wage Calculator NZ ($33.56/hr). But during the accreditation and job check process, the employer must also show that your salary matches the market rate for that specific role and region. This ensures fair pay, no matter your nationality.

Q: Do I need to be in New Zealand to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)?

A: No, you can submit your EOI from outside New Zealand, as long as you meet the 6-point requirement and have a skilled job offer from an accredited employer. If you qualify, the Green List’s Straight to Residence visa is often a faster route.

Conclusion and Next Steps

The opportunities for Immigrant Jobs NZ 2025 are clearer than ever, because INZ (Immigration New Zealand) is offering multiple pathways (routes) that are heavily focused on skills and employer support.