Straight to Residence Resident Visa – New Zealand

What is the Straight to Residence Resident Visa?

This visa is part of New Zealand’s Green List pathways, created to bring in highly skilled workers in sectors like health, engineering, infrastructure, and IT.

If approved, you can:

• Apply for residence immediately, without needing a temporary work visa first
• Include your partner and dependent children in your application
• Move to New Zealand as a resident, with full work, study, and living rights

It’s a high-trust, high-reward option for people who meet strict criteria.

Who is eligible?

To qualify, you must:

• Have a full-time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
• Be offered a job listed on the Tier 1 Green List
• Meet the role’s qualification, experience, or registration requirements
• Be under 56 years of age
• Meet standard English, health, and character requirements

Be aware — it’s not enough for a job to sound “skilled.” It must match the exact job title and ANZSCO code on the Green List, and you must meet any licensing or training rules for that job.

What is the Green List?

The Green List is a list of priority occupations where New Zealand faces chronic skill shortages.

Tier 1 Green List roles include:

• Medical specialists and consultants
• Civil, structural, and electrical engineers
• ICT professionals
• Secondary school teachers in key subjects
• Quantity surveyors
• Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists

Each role has its own detailed eligibility conditions, which may include:

• A specific level of qualification
• NZ professional registration (for licensed jobs)
• A minimum number of years of experience

Can I include my partner and children?

Yes. One of the biggest benefits of this visa is that you can apply together as a family.

Your partner and dependent children can:

• Move with you to New Zealand
• Receive residence at the same time
• Enjoy full work and study rights

However, all family members still need to meet health and character requirements. And your relationship with your partner must be genuine and stable.

Do I need to be in New Zealand to apply?

No, you can apply from outside New Zealand. This makes it perfect for skilled professionals planning a direct move with their family.

What documents do you need?

Documents vary, but a typical application will include:

• A valid job offer letter
• Proof that the job matches the Green List role (title, ANZSCO code, and duties)
• Evidence of qualifications, registration, or experience
• Medical certificate and police clearance
• Proof of relationship (if applying with family)
• Passports and ID photos
• English language test results (if required)

Accuracy matters. Even a minor mismatch between the job offer and the Green List role can lead to a decline, even if you’re fully qualified.

Mistakes to avoid

• Assuming your role is on the Green List, always check the exact ANZSCO code
• Applying before meeting registration or qualification requirements
• Overlooking English or character requirements for family members
• Submitting vague job descriptions in your offer letter
• Thinking employer accreditation alone guarantees your approval

How long does it take?

Immigration New Zealand aims to prioritise Straight to Residence applications, given their strategic focus. But timelines vary.

A strong, well-prepared application may go smoothly. Incomplete or unclear applications can face long delays or refusal.

Why choose Visa Matters?

This visa offers a rare opportunity, but success depends on accuracy, preparation, and policy alignment.

At Visa Matters, we:

• Confirm whether your job qualifies before you apply
• Coordinate with your employer to meet all policy requirements
• Review your documents to match Green List conditions
• Handle the full application process for you and your family
• Spot potential red flags before they cause problems

We’ve helped professionals secure this visa and start their life in Aotearoa with confidence.