Visas
Thirteen New Zealand visa categories with current eligibility, documents required, fees, processing timelines, and FAQs. Each page is reviewed against current INZ policy by an IAA-licensed adviser.
New Zealand's primary work visa for skilled migrants with an offer from an accredited employer. Most-used work pathway, with substantial 2025 reforms affecting wage testing, visa duration, and evidence requirements.
Read moreTwo residence pathways for skilled workers in shortage occupations. Tier 1 (Straight to Residence) grants residence on visa approval. Tier 2 (Work to Residence) requires 24 months of qualifying New Zealand employment in a Green List Tier 2 role before residence is available.
Read moreNew Zealand's points-based residence pathway for skilled migrants. Six points threshold across occupational registration, qualifications, income, and skilled NZ work experience. Substantial restructure coming 24 August 2026.
Read moreResidence with no expiry and no travel restrictions, available after 2 years on a Resident Visa with demonstrated commitment to New Zealand via one of five methods — time in NZ, tax residence, investment, business, or family circumstances.
Read moreThe Post-Study Work Visa (PSW) is the bridge between studying in New Zealand and working here long-term. A once-in-a-lifetime visa with open work rights for degree holders. The second stage in the study → PSW → AEWV → residence pipeline.
Read moreThree partnership-based visa variants for partners of New Zealand citizens and residents. Visitor and Work visas build cohabitation toward residence; the Resident Visa is the long-term destination. All variants require evidence of a genuine and stable relationship.
Read moreWork visa for partners of New Zealand work visa holders. Supporting partner's visa must be on the eligible list (most AEWVs qualify; Working Holiday, RSE, and most short-term visas don't). For AEWV-supporting partners, wage thresholds apply depending on ANZSCO skill level.
Read moreResidence visa for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents. Selected through a quarterly ballot of expressions of interest, with 2,500 visas available each year. Sponsoring children must meet income thresholds based on the New Zealand median wage; applicants cannot have dependent children.
Read moreVisa for short visits to New Zealand — tourism, family, business meetings, amateur sport, or getting married. Stays up to 6 months (multi-entry) or 9 months (single-entry). No work; limited study up to 3 months in any 12-month period. Cases turn on the bona fide visitor and genuine intentions tests.
Read moreShort-stay work-and-travel visa for young adults from countries with working holiday agreements with New Zealand. Standard 12-month duration; extended schemes for Canada (23 months) and the United Kingdom (36 months). One-off — available once per person per lifetime.
Read moreNew Zealand's capital-based residence pathway. Two categories — Growth (NZD $5m, 36 months, 21 days NZ presence) and Balanced (NZD $10m, 60 months, 105 days). The April 2025 reforms materially lowered barriers; AIP is now competitive with international 'golden visa' programmes.
Read moreThe Specific Purpose Work Visa is for time-bounded work in New Zealand that doesn't fit AEWV — intra-company transfers, secondments, performers, religious workers, specialist contractors. Purpose-specific, time-limited, generally not a path to residence.
Read moreSection 61 is a discretionary request to the Minister for a visa when you are unlawfully in New Zealand with no other category open. Not an appeal, not a stay of deportation, not available while you still hold a valid visa. Talk to a licensed adviser before lodging.
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