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New Zealand

Work Visas & Permits 2026

New Zealand's Green List offers straight-to-residence for in-demand roles like software engineers and doctors. The AEWV provides a 3-stage employer-sponsored pathway with a NZD $35/hr median wage threshold.

Why New Zealand? The Opportunity for Skilled Workers in 2026

New Zealand offers one of the most streamlined pathways from work visa to permanent residence anywhere in the world. The Green List, introduced in 2022 and expanded through 2025, provides straight-to-residence status for high-demand occupations in Tier 1 โ€” including software engineers, doctors, nurses, and construction project managers โ€” eliminating the typical multi-year wait that other countries impose. For roles not on the Green List, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) provides a clear employer-sponsored route with a median wage threshold of NZD $35 per hour from March 2026, ensuring competitive salaries for migrant workers. After just two to three years on an AEWV, skilled workers can apply for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category. New Zealand consistently ranks among the top five countries globally for quality of life, safety, and work-life balance. The country welcomes over 56,000 migrant workers annually and has simplified its immigration system into two primary pathways, making the process far more predictable than the lottery-based or points-heavy systems of other nations. Strong worker protections โ€” including four weeks of annual leave, 11 public holidays, paid parental leave, and a robust Employment Relations Authority โ€” ensure that migrant workers enjoy the same rights as New Zealand citizens from day one.

New Zealand Immigration at a Glance โ€” Key Statistics

NZD $35/hr
AEWV median wage threshold (from March 2026)
6
Green List occupation categories
56,000+
Work visas granted per year
2 yrs
Fastest path to residence (Green List Tier 1: immediate)
3 stages
AEWV process: accreditation, job check, visa

New Zealand Work Visa Types โ€” Choose Your Pathway

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Green List

Fast-track to residence for in-demand roles. Tier 1 offers straight-to-residence for doctors, software engineers, and construction managers. Tier 2 offers work-to-residence after 24 months.

Immediate (Tier 1) / 24 months (Tier 2)NZD $680Residence
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Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

New Zealand's primary temporary work visa. A 3-stage process: employer accreditation, job check, and visa application. Median wage threshold NZD $35/hr from March 2026.

1-3 monthsNZD $750Up to 5 years

Green List vs AEWV โ€” Which Pathway Is Right for You?

FeatureGreen List (Tier 1)Green List (Tier 2)AEWV
EligibilitySpecific high-demand occupations (doctors, software engineers, construction managers, nurses, vets)Skilled roles on Tier 2 list (e.g. medical imaging technologists, telecommunications engineers, trades)Any role meeting median wage and employer accreditation requirements
Minimum SalaryMust meet market rate for roleMust meet market rate for roleNZD $35/hr median wage threshold (from March 2026)
Path to ResidenceStraight-to-residence on arrivalWork-to-residence after 24 monthsSkilled Migrant Category after 2-3 years
Processing Time3-6 months (residence application)3-6 months (work visa) + 24-month qualifying period1-3 months (work visa application)
Visa ValidityPermanent residence granted30-month work visa, then residenceUp to 5 years (renewable)
Employer RequirementMust have job offer from accredited employerMust have job offer from accredited employerMust have job offer from accredited employer

Green List Categories โ€” In-Demand Occupations for Residence

The Green List covers six broad occupation categories where New Zealand faces severe and sustained skill shortages. Tier 1 occupations qualify for straight-to-residence โ€” you can apply for a resident visa as soon as you arrive with a qualifying job offer. Tier 2 occupations follow a work-to-residence pathway, requiring 24 months of employment before a residence application.

Healthcare

Tier 1 & 2

Specialist doctors, general practitioners, registered nurses (ICU, perioperative, neonatal), anaesthetic technicians, medical imaging technologists, clinical psychologists, audiologists, veterinarians

Engineering

Tier 1 & 2

Construction project managers, civil engineers, geotechnical engineers, structural engineers, electrical engineers, telecommunications engineers, quantity surveyors

ICT & Technology

Tier 1

Software engineers, ICT security specialists, data engineers, DevOps engineers

Construction & Trades

Tier 1 & 2

Construction project managers, drainlayers, electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, carpenters, building inspectors

Science & Environment

Tier 2

Environmental scientists, food technologists, chemists, biological scientists

Social & Education

Tier 2

Social workers, counsellors, early childhood teachers (selected specialties)

Frequently Asked Questions About Working in New Zealand

What is the Green List and how does it work?
The Green List is New Zealand's fast-track pathway to residence for occupations facing severe and sustained skill shortages. It is divided into two tiers. Tier 1 roles โ€” such as software engineers, specialist doctors, construction project managers, and registered nurses (with certain specialties) โ€” qualify for straight-to-residence, meaning you can apply for a resident visa as soon as you arrive with a job offer from an accredited employer. Tier 2 roles require 24 months of work in New Zealand before you can apply for residence. The list covers six broad categories spanning healthcare, engineering, ICT, construction, social services, and science.
What is the median wage threshold for the AEWV in 2026?
From March 2026, the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requires employers to pay migrant workers at least NZD $35 per hour, which is the national median wage. This threshold ensures that migrant workers are paid competitively and helps prevent undercutting of local wages. Some roles, such as those on the Green List or in specific sectors, may have different salary requirements based on market rates. The median wage is reviewed annually by the New Zealand government and may be adjusted based on economic conditions.
How long does it take to get New Zealand residence through work?
The timeline depends on your pathway. Green List Tier 1 occupations can apply for residence immediately upon arriving in New Zealand with a qualifying job โ€” the residence application itself takes approximately 3 to 6 months to process. Green List Tier 2 requires 24 months of work before applying, plus 3 to 6 months for processing. For AEWV holders not on the Green List, you can apply for residence through the Skilled Migrant Category after approximately 2 to 3 years, with processing times of 6 to 12 months. Overall, the fastest path is Green List Tier 1, which can result in residence within 6 months of arrival.
Do I need a job offer to move to New Zealand?
Yes, for most work visa pathways in New Zealand. Both the Green List and the AEWV require a job offer from an accredited employer. The employer must first be accredited by Immigration New Zealand, then pass a job check to confirm the role meets requirements, and finally the worker applies for the visa. New Zealand does not currently operate a points-based system for skilled migration without a job offer, unlike some countries. However, partners and dependents of work visa holders can obtain open work visas allowing them to work for any employer.
What does employer accreditation mean for the AEWV?
Employer accreditation is the first of three stages in the AEWV process. Employers must apply to Immigration New Zealand to become accredited, demonstrating they are a genuine business, comply with employment and immigration law, and have processes to support migrant workers. Accreditation is valid for 12 months for first-time applicants and 24 months for renewals. There are three tiers of accreditation: Standard (up to 5 migrant workers), High-volume (6 or more), and Franchisee. Accreditation costs range from NZD $740 to $1,220 depending on the tier. Only accredited employers can hire migrant workers through the AEWV or Green List pathways.

See also

Compare All Visas

Side-by-side comparison of all work permits

Healthcare Workers

Visa paths and salary comparison for healthcare workers

Australia

Work visas and immigration guide for Australia