VIEN

New Zealand Skilled Immigration

Introduction

Prosperous Living Investment (PLI)'s New Zealand skilled immigration service supports candidates in obtaining a Resident Visa through the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Green List Tier 1, Tier 2, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
PLI assesses professional profiles, SMC points, connects candidates with Accredited Employers, and coordinates with New Zealand immigration lawyers. We provide support from the initial assessment through to the day of receiving the PR card and New Zealand citizenship after 5 years.
Introduction to the New Zealand Skilled Migration Programme

Programme Overview

Flexible pathways

New Zealand offers various skilled immigration pathways: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) based on a points system, Green List Tier 1 (Straight to Residence), Tier 2 (Work to Residence 24 months), and the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) as a precursor to permanent residency.

Processing time

Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1): most applications processed within 4 months. SMC: 2–18 months depending on priority, priority applications 4–7 weeks. AEWV: 4–8 weeks. After 24 months of work with Tier 2 → apply for a Work to Residence Visa.

Benefits

New Zealand Resident Visa for the whole family – the right to live, work, and study without time limits. Afterwards, eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (permanent, no renewal required).

Residence requirement

Resident Visa: maintain residence in New Zealand to be eligible for a PRV after 2 years. Once a PRV is obtained: no minimum residence requirement. Citizenship: minimum physical residence of 1,350 days over 5 years (including 240 days in the most recent year).

Family

Includes spouse (or legal partner of 12 months or more) and dependent children under 24 in the same application. All members receive the Resident Visa simultaneously. Spouses are permitted to work freely in New Zealand.

Citizenship

Eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship after 5 years of legal residence with a Resident Visa or PRV. New Zealand allows dual citizenship – no need to renounce Vietnamese citizenship. The New Zealand passport offers visa-free access to over 190 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Schengen.

Benefits of New Zealand permanent residency

Permanent resident from the start
With the Tier 1 Green List, investors receive a Resident Visa immediately upon approval – bypassing the prolonged temporary visa stage. This is a significant advantage compared to many other programmes. With SMC: also provides a direct Resident Visa.
Live and work freely
Permanent residents are free to live, work, study, and conduct business anywhere in New Zealand without restriction. Access to free public education for children and in-state tuition at world-leading universities.
Citizenship roadmap
After 5 years of holding a Resident Visa, eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. The New Zealand passport is ranked in the top 10 globally, offering visa-free access to over 190 countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Schengen, and China – one of the few passports to include all 4 of these major markets.
Benefits of New Zealand permanent residency
Attractive tax incentives
New Zealand has no capital gains tax, inheritance tax, wealth tax, or gift tax. New residents are exempt from tax on foreign income for the first 4 years (transitional resident tax exemption). The maximum progressive personal income tax rate is 39%.
Free public healthcare
Permanent residents have access to the New Zealand public healthcare system for free – including medical examinations, surgery, and hospitalisation. The healthcare system is ranked in the top 20 globally, offering high quality at very low costs for residents.
World-class quality of life
New Zealand consistently ranks in the top 10 globally for quality of life, safety, and happiness (World Happiness Report). A clean natural environment, a multicultural society friendly to immigrants, and a transparent legal system based on common law.

Skilled immigration pathway

Green List Tier 1 Straight to Residence

Green List Tier 1: Straight to Residence

The fastest pathway – for professionals with occupations on the Tier 1 Green List. Grants a Resident Visa IMMEDIATELY upon receiving a full-time job offer from an Accredited Employer. Applications can be submitted from abroad. Processing within 4 months. Tier 1 occupations include: doctors, registered nurses, engineers in various specialisations, senior IT specialists, and early childhood and primary school teachers. Age requirement: under 56.
Green List Tier 2 Work to Residence

Green List Tier 2: Work to Residence

For occupations on the Tier 2 Green List. Candidates receive an AEWV to work in New Zealand for 24 months, after which they are eligible to apply for a Work to Residence Visa – leading to permanent residency. Tier 2 occupations include: electricians, plumbers, skilled construction workers, telecommunications technicians, special education teachers, and construction machinery operators. Age requirement: under 56.
SMC Skilled Migrant Category

SMC: Skilled Migrant Category

The main programme for skilled workers not on the Green List. Simplified points system as of 2023 – requires a minimum of 6 points from one of three categories: professional registration, qualifications or income, plus points from New Zealand work experience. Requires an employment contract with an Accredited Employer in an ANZSCO level 1–3 occupation with a minimum median wage (NZD 35/hour from 03/2026) or level 4–5 with 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 52.50/hour).
SMC Trades and Technician Pathway

SMC: Trades and Technician Pathway

A new pathway specifically for skilled tradespeople and technicians – launching at the end of August 2026. Requirements: occupation in the designated Trades and Technician list, Level 4 qualification or higher, at least 4 years of post-qualification experience, including 1.5 years of work in New Zealand at the minimum median wage. Expands opportunities for skilled workers without a university degree but with high-level trade skills.
SMC Skilled Work Experience Pathway

SMC: Skilled Work Experience Pathway

A new pathway launching in August 2026 for skilled professionals without a recognised university degree in New Zealand but with extensive experience. Requirements: ANZSCO level 1–3 occupation, at least 5 years of directly relevant experience, including 2 years of work in New Zealand at 1.1 times the median wage. Suitable for professionals with high practical experience but no formal recognised qualifications.
AEWV Accredited Employer Work Visa

AEWV: Accredited Employer Work Visa

A temporary work visa serving as a prerequisite for permanent residency. Available to candidates with a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Valid for up to 5 years depending on salary and skills. The AEWV is the first step for many residency pathways: after working in New Zealand, one can transition to the SMC, Green List Tier 2 Work to Residence, or other pathways. It offers the most flexibility regarding occupations and salary.

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Programme requirements

Occupations and qualifications

Check your occupation against the ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) and Green List. Foreign qualifications require an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) via NZQA for recognition. Some occupations require professional registration in New Zealand (nurses, doctors, professional engineers, teachers).

Salary

Current median wage: NZD 35.00/hour (from 09/03/2026). ANZSCO level 1–3 occupations: must meet at least the median wage. ANZSCO level 4–5 occupations: must meet 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 52.50/hour). Occupations exempt from minimum skill requirements: must meet 2 times the median wage (NZD 67.12/hour).

Employment contract

An employment contract or job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (Accredited Employer) is mandatory. The contract must be full-time, permanent, or fixed-term for at least 12 months (or consecutive contracts for at least 6 months).

Age and health

Maximum age of 55 when applying for permanent residency. Must pass a health check by an INZ-approved doctor. Chest X-ray required. No infectious diseases. Medical costs must not exceed the threshold set by INZ.

English language

Mandatory IELTS General Training standard with an overall score of 6.5 or higher (or equivalent PTE, TOEFL, OET). From August 2026, English test results are valid for 5 years for candidates with professional registration (increased from 2 years). Spouses and children over 16 also need to provide proof of English proficiency.

Background

No criminal record — provide a Police Certificate from Vietnam and any countries lived in for 12 consecutive months or more from the age of 17. Documents must be valid for 6 months at the time of application.

Implementation process

Obtain New Zealand permanent residency through the skilled migration category for the whole family with the team of experts at Prosperous Living Investment.

Profile assessment and pathway selection

PLI specialists assess your professional profile: occupation, qualifications, work experience, English proficiency, and immigration goals. We check your occupation against the Green List Tier 1 or Tier 2, calculate your projected SMC points, and select the most suitable pathway. PLI connects you with licensed immigration lawyers in New Zealand. Assessment is completely free. Duration: 1–2 weeks.

Prepare prerequisites

PLI guides candidates to complete: IELTS General score of 6.5 or higher, qualification assessment via NZQA (International Qualification Assessment), and preparation of professional documents to New Zealand standards. For occupations requiring registration (nurses, doctors, engineers, teachers): guidance on the registration process with the relevant New Zealand professional body. Duration: 3–9 months.

Job search and AEWV application

PLI assists in connecting with accredited employers, provides guidance on preparing a CV to New Zealand standards, and negotiates employment contracts to meet salary requirements. Once a job offer is received: apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). For Tier 1 Green List: you may apply directly for the Straight to Residence Visa. Duration: 1–6 months.

Arrival in New Zealand and employment

For Tier 1 Green List: candidates arrive with a Resident Visa. For Tier 2 and standard SMC: arrive with an AEWV and begin working for the employer. Register for an IRD number, open a bank account, and register your residential address. Maintain employment as required by the chosen pathway. Duration: immediately upon receiving the visa.

Apply for Resident Visa and citizenship pathway

For Tier 2: after 24 months of work → apply for a Work to Residence Visa. For SMC: after meeting points and experience requirements → apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. After 2 years holding a Resident Visa → eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (permanent, no renewal needed). After 5 years of residence → eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. A New Zealand passport offers visa-free travel to over 190 countries.
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Why choose PLI?
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Effectiveness

There is no one-size-fits-all here. Prosperous Living builds a personal strategy for each file based on financial capacity, business experience and family goals. That strategic approach makes the best use of time and resources and improves the chance of success.

Transparency

Prosperous Living advises within the law, works to a clear process and keeps up with the latest policy from each host government. Every pathway, cost and risk is explained in detail from the outset, so clients can make their investment decision with complete peace of mind.

Professionalism

The Prosperous Living advisory team works to a standard process, coordinating closely between immigration specialists, legal experts and partners worldwide. From assessment and documentation to post-arrival support, every step is methodical and joined up.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions from clients regarding the New Zealand skilled migration programme. If you require more detailed advice, please contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Green List is a list of occupations in urgent demand in New Zealand, divided into 2 tiers: Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) and Tier 2 (Work to Residence — after 24 months of work). The Green List is the fastest pathway. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the main programme for skilled workers not on the Green List — based on a points system, requiring a job offer from an Accredited Employer. Programme conditions are as announced byImmigration New Zealand.

An Accredited Employer is an employer that has been licensed by Immigration New Zealand to hire foreign workers. This is a mandatory requirement for most skilled migration pathways. The employer must demonstrate financial stability, compliance with New Zealand labour laws, and a genuine need for recruitment. PLI assists in connecting candidates with our network of Accredited Employers.

Under the simplified points system from 2023, you need to reach a minimum of 6 points. Candidates can claim 3–6 points from ONE of three categories: occupational registration in New Zealand, qualifications, or income. Add 1–3 points from work experience in New Zealand (each year = 1 point, maximum 3 years). A total of 6 points is required.

Current median wage: NZD 35.00/hour (from 09/03/2026), equivalent to approximately NZD 72,800/year full-time. ANZSCO level 1–3 occupations: must meet at least the median wage. ANZSCO level 4–5 occupations: must meet 1.5 times the median wage (NZD 52.50/hour). Certain cases require 2 times the median wage. This level is updated periodically based on official statistical data.

Yes. From the end of August 2026, New Zealand will implement 2 new pathways: (1) Skilled Work Experience Pathway — for those with 5 years of experience in an ANZSCO 1–3 occupation, including 2 years in NZ at 1.1 times the median wage; (2) Trades and Technician Pathway — for skilled tradespeople with a Level 4+ qualification, 4 years of experience post-qualification, including 1.5 years in NZ. Additionally: reduction of the NZ experience requirement from 3 years to 2 years for most pathways, simplification of salary rules, and extension of IELTS result validity from 2 years to 5 years for those with professional registration.

Yes. Spouses (or partners in a legal relationship of 12 months or more) and dependent children under 24 are included in the same application — all receive a Resident Visa simultaneously. Spouses and children over 16 need to prove English proficiency (IELTS 4.0 or higher or payment of ESOL fees). After settling, spouses are permitted to work freely, and children can attend public schools for free.

Yes. Maximum age of 55 at the time of application for permanent residency for most pathways (SMC, Green List Tier 1, Tier 2). There is no minimum age limit, but in practice, candidates need work experience, so they are usually 23 or older. The AEWV (temporary visa) has no maximum age limit.

Yes. After 5 years of legal residence with a Resident Visa or Permanent Resident Visa (requiring actual residence of at least 1,350 days over 5 years, including 240 days in the most recent year), you are eligible to apply for New Zealand citizenship. Basic English and knowledge of New Zealand are required. New Zealand allows dual citizenship — there is no need to renounce your Vietnamese citizenship. A New Zealand passport offers visa-free travel to over 190 countries.