Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand’s Straight to Residence Visa

The Straight to Residence Visa under New Zealand’s Green List Tier 1 Category offers a direct pathway to residency for skilled professionals. To qualify, applicants must meet both employment-specific and general eligibility requirements.

1. Employment Requirements

• Must have a job offer from an accredited employer in an occupation listed under Tier 1 of the Green List.
• The role must meet the specified qualifications and experience criteria for that occupation.
• Employment must be full-time (minimum 30 hours per week), genuine, and either permanent or on a fixed-term contract of at least 12 months.
• Certain independent contractors may also qualify under specific conditions.

2. Eligibility for Contractors

• Contracts must total at least six months.
• If the occupation has a wage threshold, contractors need 10 years of relevant experience and must meet a wage requirement 50% higher than applicants in permanent or fixed-term roles.

3. General Requirements

• Applicants must be 55 years or younger at the time of applying.
• The applicant, their partner, and dependent children (16+) must meet English language requirements.
• All applicants must satisfy health and character standards, which are stricter than those for temporary work visas.
• The applicant must be employed by an accredited employer at the time of application.

These requirements ensure that highly skilled professionals contribute to New Zealand’s economic growth, while also maintaining strict immigration standards for successful integration into society.