New Zealand residence: Skilled Migrant Category and Green List visas

Points-based pathway: you need 6 skilled resident points, claimed from one category (qualification, income or New Zealand occupational registration), with up to 3 extra points for skilled work experience in New Zealand. Skilled Work Experience pathway: at least 5 years of directly relevant experience, including at least 2 years of skilled work in New Zealand. Trades and Technician pathway: a relevant qualification and at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 18 months of skilled work in New Zealand.

In every pathway you must be 55 or younger, work for or have an offer from an accredited employer in a qualifying job, and speak and understand English through citizenship, study or an approved test no older than 2 years.

Qualifications earn 4 to 6 points: an international doctorate 6, a master's 5, an honours degree or postgraduate diploma 4 and a bachelor's degree 4, with a bachelor's degree also required for the higher levels; overseas qualifications need an NZQA assessment, and non-degree qualifications at level 7 or below earn none. Income earns 6 points at 3 times the SMC wage threshold (NZD 105.00 an hour), 4 points at 2 times and 3 points at 1.5 times. Occupational registration earns more points the more training it requires.

For the SMC you submit a free expression of interest; if it is selected, INZ invites you to apply and you must then prove every claim. The Green List routes need no EOI: the Straight to Residence Visa is for a Tier 1 Green List job with an accredited employer, and the Work to Residence Visa is for people who have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List job that meets the wage rate, in a full-time job that is permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.

You can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger. Your partner and any children aged 16 or older must also be able to speak and understand English. All applicants must meet health requirements, including a chest X-ray and medical examination, and provide police certificates.