Working in New Zealand,
permit by permit.

Qualification

Either 2 or more years of relevant job experience, or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF), in the same field or industry as the job offered — except that a Bachelor's degree or higher qualifies for any field or industry.

Visa decision

80% within 7 weeks

Job check validity

6 months from approval, or until the employer's accreditation ends, whichever is sooner

AEWV visa application

From NZD $1,540

Employer accreditation and job check

Paid separately by the employer — the exact figures were not confirmed on the pages checked

4 steps · 2 possible outcomes · 4 official sources

Salary floor

NZD 35.00 an hour (2026 figure)This is the SMC wage threshold in force from 9 March 2026, for a job at ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3. A job at skill level 4, 5 or unlisted needs 1.5 times it, NZD $52.50. Points claimed from income need 1.5 times it for 3 points, 2 times (NZD $70.00) for 4 points and 3 times (NZD $105.00) for 6 points. The rate that applies to you is not necessarily the current one: where your pathway counts skilled work experience in New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand sets your threshold at the rate in force when that experience started counting, and states that once set it does not change. Confirm the rate and the rule in force on the date you apply.

Qualification

A skilled job or job offer with an accredited employer, plus the requirements of ONE of the three pathways. Points-based: 6 skilled resident points. Skilled Work Experience: at least 5 years of directly relevant work experience, of which at least 2 are skilled work experience in New Zealand, in an ANZSCO skill level 1 to 3 job paid at least 1.1 times the SMC wage threshold. Trades and Technician: an eligible trades or technician occupation, a relevant qualification at level 4 or higher, and at least 4 years of post-qualification work experience of which at least 18 months are skilled work experience in New Zealand. We do not compute any of this: Immigration New Zealand publishes its own SMC points calculator, and its Expression of Interest process makes the decision.

Processing time

Not published as a single figure — Immigration New Zealand states cost and processing time depend on your country and where you apply from, and publishes them through a tool that asks for those details

Resident visa application

From NZD $6,450

Scored, not checked off. We explain the factors and link the official calculator — we never produce a score, because a score reads as a prediction.

5 steps · 3 possible outcomes · 3 official sources

Qualification

Whatever qualification, registration, income or experience threshold Immigration New Zealand has published for the specific Tier 1 role — the requirement is set per role on the Green List, not by a single rule that applies to every Tier 1 role alike.

Visa decision

80% within 3 months

Resident visa application

From NZD $6,450

4 steps · 3 possible outcomes · 2 official sources

Qualification

Whatever qualification, registration, income or experience threshold Immigration New Zealand has published for the specific Tier 2 role, plus completion of the 24-month work period this route requires before residence is granted.

Processing time

Not published as a single figure on the page checked — confirm the current timeline with Immigration New Zealand before you apply

Qualifying work period before residence

24 months of full-time work in the Tier 2 role

Resident visa application

From NZD $6,450

4 steps · 2 possible outcomes · 2 official sources