Migration Pathways

Explore common temporary-to-permanent pathways for NZ migration. Find the PR route that best matches your situation.

AEWV → Residence (Work to Residence)

Accredited Employer Work Visa → Green List or Residence from Work

Often ~2 years qualifying work, then residence application

Step-by-Step Process

1

Secure a job with an Immigration NZ accredited employer

2

Obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

3

Work in New Zealand meeting wage and role conditions

4

If on a Green List Work to Residence role, complete the required work period

5

Apply for residence under the matching stream (Green List WTR or other eligible route)

6

Receive residence, then consider the Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years

💡 Key Tips

  • Keep continuous employment evidence — payslips, agreements, and IRD records matter
  • Role or employer changes may require a new AEWV and can affect your clock
  • Compare this timeline with SMC if you can already claim 6 points
AEWVGreen List WTRResidence from Work

Green List Straight to Residence

Tier 1 Green List job offer → Resident Visa

Can apply for residence with a qualifying offer — no long temporary wait

Step-by-Step Process

1

Confirm your occupation is on the Straight to Residence Green List tier

2

Meet occupation-specific qualification, registration, and wage requirements

3

Secure a qualifying job offer (accredited employer where required)

4

Apply for residence under Straight to Residence

5

Complete health and character checks

6

Receive residence if approved

💡 Key Tips

  • Green List occupations and tiers change — verify on immigration.govt.nz
  • Close ANZSCO matches are not enough if the role is not listed for STR
  • Some occupations require NZ registration before you apply
Straight to ResidenceGreen List occupations

SMC Expression of Interest → Resident Visa

Skilled job + 6 skilled resident points → invitation → residence

Immediate if you already have 6 points; otherwise build NZ work experience

Step-by-Step Process

1

Hold a skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer

2

Claim 3–6 points from occupational registration, qualification, or income

3

Add NZ skilled work experience points if needed to reach 6

4

Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)

5

If invited, lodge the SMC Resident Visa application with evidence

6

Receive residence if approved

💡 Key Tips

  • Use the SMC points helper to estimate whether you already hit 6 points
  • Points come from one skill category only, then work experience top-up
  • Median wage multiples for income points are updated — check current rates
SMC Resident VisaSMC points helper

Study / WHM → Skilled Work → PR

Student or Working Holiday → AEWV / Green List / SMC

Study or WHM first, then skilled work, then residence pathway

Step-by-Step Process

1

Enter New Zealand on a student visa or Working Holiday Visa (if eligible)

2

Build NZ qualifications and/or local work experience

3

Transition to an AEWV in a skilled or Green List role where possible

4

Choose Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, or SMC based on your occupation and points

5

Apply for residence when you meet the chosen pathway

💡 Key Tips

  • NZ qualifications can help SMC points (and upcoming 2026 settings add more NZ qualification recognition)
  • WHM is temporary — plan the skilled job step early
  • Not every study programme leads to a residence occupation — check Green List and ANZSCO skill levels
AEWVPathways overviewSMC