Skilled Residence Guides

Guides to the main pathways from a work visa to New Zealand residence, including the Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence. They explain who qualifies, the wage thresholds and what Immigration New Zealand checks.

SKILLED RESIDENCE - 28 August 2026

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Guide

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is New Zealand's main residence pathway for skilled workers. It is for people who are already working here, or who have a skilled job offer,...

Read Full Guide

More guides in this category

Nurse walking through an open doorway towards a New Zealand city skyline, illustrating the Straight to Residence Visa

SKILLED RESIDENCE - 08 September 2026

Straight to Residence Visa Guide

If your job is on Tier 1 of the Green List, you may be able to apply for a Resident Visa straight away. No points test, no two years of...

Read Full Guide

Skilled migrant discussing employment requirements with a colleague in a New Zealand workplace

SKILLED RESIDENCE - 28 August 2026

Immigration Median Wage Guide

The median wage is the single most important number in New Zealand's visa system. It decides whether your partner can work here, how long your work visa lasts, and whether...

Read Full Guide

SKILLED RESIDENCE - 25 March 2026

Work to Residence Visa Guide

The Work to Residence pathway lets you apply for residence if you have completed at least 24 months of qualifying work in New Zealand in a Tier 2 Green List...

Read Full Guide

SKILLED RESIDENCE - 22 March 2026

Permanent Resident Visa (PRV) Guide

A Permanent Resident Visa, commonly referred to as a PRV, allows a person to live in New Zealand indefinitely with no restrictions on travel in and out of the country....

Read Full Guide

View our New Zealand residence visas →