Your journey
I Want Residence
Residence in New Zealand is generally a long-term goal that builds on time spent working, living, or contributing in the country. There are several pathways, and the right one depends on your occupation, experience, and circumstances.
- Your situation
You are thinking about long-term settlement in New Zealand and want to understand which residence pathway may be realistic for you.
Possible visa pathways
1
Skilled Migrant Category
2
Green List Straight to Residence
3
Work to Residence
4
Partner or family residence pathway
Key questions to consider
- Is your occupation on a relevant list or does it meet skill requirements?
- Do you have sufficient recognised work experience in New Zealand or overseas?
- Have you held a qualifying work visa for the required period?
- Are there health, character, or English-language requirements to plan for?
Evidence and document readiness
- Detailed employment and income records
- Evidence of time spent in New Zealand
- Health and character documentation
- Qualifications and occupational registrations
- English-language test results where applicable
Potential risk areas
- Misunderstanding whether an occupation qualifies for a fast-tracked pathway
- Gaps in employment or income evidence
- Timing — some pathways require sustained eligibility over time
- Eligibility rules changing during your application
Recommended next action
Book a Residence Eligibility Assessment to map your realistic pathway to residence.
A consultation helps you confirm the right pathway and avoid common pitfalls before you invest time and money.
- The information on this website is general in nature and does not constitute personalised immigration advice. Immigration instructions and eligibility requirements may change. An assessment of your individual circumstances is required before advice can be provided.