If you are considering moving to New Zealand for work, it helps to understand the main visa and residence pathways that may connect skilled migrants with accredited employers and skilled roles.
NZ Visa Jobs is a job board and does not provide personalised immigration advice. Immigration rules can change, and eligibility depends on your full circumstances, including your job offer, occupation, pay, qualifications, work experience, health, character and family situation.
Where personalised advice is required, we can refer you to licensed immigration advisers who can assess your options properly.
Always check the latest Immigration New Zealand requirements and speak with a licensed immigration adviser before making visa decisions.
The following pathways are commonly explored by skilled migrants looking for New Zealand employment, work visas, or residence options.
The AEWV is a common work visa pathway for migrants who have a job offer from an Immigration New Zealand accredited employer.
Immigration New Zealand states that the employer must send the applicant a link to the online AEWV application form. AEWV accreditation is needed for employers who want to hire migrants under this pathway.
The Skilled Migrant Category is a residence pathway for people with skilled employment in New Zealand who meet Immigration New Zealand’s criteria.
Current SMC settings can consider factors such as occupational registration, qualifications, skilled work and pay thresholds, depending on the applicant’s situation.
The Green List includes roles New Zealand needs workers for. Some Green List roles may support residence immediately or after a period of work in New Zealand.
Green List requirements can include occupation, registration, qualifications, experience and other role-specific criteria.
For many New Zealand work visa pathways, the job offer, employer status, occupation, pay, and role requirements can be critical. This is why applying for suitable roles from employers who may be open to migrant candidates can save time and reduce frustration.
NZ Visa Jobs helps skilled migrants focus their job search on New Zealand opportunities that may better align with employment and visa pathway realities.
Immigration rules can be complex. We recommend speaking with a licensed immigration adviser for personalised support. We can connect you with trusted professionals who can guide you through your visa options.
Contact Our Recommended Adviser →Once you understand the general visa landscape, the next step is to focus your job search on New Zealand roles that may be more suitable for skilled migrant applicants.