NZ STRAIGHT TO RESIDENCE VISA

The Straight to Residence Visa provides a direct pathway to New Zealand permanent residency for eligible skilled workers who hold a job offer or current employment from an accredited employer in an occupation listed on Tier 1 of the Green List. You can apply for this resident visa either directly from offshore or while working in New Zealand.

Straight to Residence Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Green List Tier 1 Straight to Residence Visa, both the applicant and the employment offer must satisfy strict Immigration New Zealand (INZ) criteria:

Green List Tier 1 Occupation: Your position must match an occupation listed on Green List Tier 1 and satisfy the qualification, registration, or wage requirements for that role.
Accredited Employer Offer: The job offer must be from an INZ Accredited Employer at the time of application.
Contract Duration: Employment must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and either permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.
Wage Requirements: The position must meet the Green List wage threshold (or required median wage rates). Independent contractors with suitable experience may also qualify under specific criteria.
Health & Character: Applicants and family members must satisfy standard INZ medical and police clearance requirements.
English Language: Principal applicants must meet English language requirements (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent).

Fees & Application Processing

Application Fees & Costs

Immigration New Zealand fees vary based on where you apply:

INZ Government Fee: Typically around $6,450 NZD (including levies).
Additional Costs: Medical exams, police certificates, NZQA qualification assessments, and English tests.

*INZ fees are subject to change. Contact our adviser for an exact fee breakdown.

Processing Timeframes

Green List Tier 1 applications receive priority assessment from INZ:

Average Timeframe: Decisions are typically made within 3 to 6 months for complete applications.
Common Delays: Incomplete documentation or verification delays with health and police checks.

Submitting a fully verified, decision-ready application helps avoid processing delays.