Roles in high demand get a straighter, faster path to NZ residence and permanent residency. Tier 1 is straight-to-residence; Tier 2 is work-to-residence. Find out which one your job qualifies for.
This is general guidance only and visa rules change often. Always confirm the latest requirements on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
A quick look at what this visa typically asks for. Tick most of these and you're in good shape, and we'll help you sort the rest.
On the Green List
Your occupation must appear on Immigration NZ's Green List of high-demand roles.
Tier 1 or Tier 2
Tier 1 = straight-to-residence; Tier 2 = work-to-residence after a qualifying period.
From NZ$35/hr
Some roles must pay at least NZ$35/hour (threshold applies from 9 March 2026).
If required
Certain roles need NZ occupational registration to qualify.
Day one (Tier 1)
Tier 1 straight-to-residence roles can apply for residence from arrival.
We guide you through your application in three simple steps, from eligibility check to visa in hand.
What you'll need
How we help
Your partner adviser matches your role precisely against the Green List and tells you whether it's Tier 1 (straight-to-residence) or Tier 2 (work-to-residence). The title alone isn't enough; the duties have to match too.
What you'll need
How we help
Your partner adviser checks the specific conditions your Green List role carries (wage thresholds and registration trip people up) and makes sure they're all satisfied before you apply, not after.
What you'll need
How we help
Your partner adviser prepares and lodges your residence application and handles Immigration NZ from there. On a straight-to-residence role they can often start this from the day you arrive.
Immigration is an investment, but expert advice shouldn't cost you a fortune. Here's the full picture for a residence visa.
Typical residence adviser
For eligible, partner-funded applicants
Don't take our word for it. Hear from the people we've helped call New Zealand home.
“I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
“New Zealand was only a dream for us. But the team at Jumpstart was very responsive. They are a start-up company but they're professional, and experts. They guided us and helped us from the time we processed, until we arrived in NZ. Highly recommend. Your money will not be put to waste.”
“Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
“Thank you, Jumpstart International, for helping and guiding us throughout the journey. Yehey! Nandito na kami sa New Zealand. Dati pangarap lang namin ito, pero ngayon nakakapag-practice drive na kami dito. Not just five-stars, a million-stars! Truly a top international agency.”
“I recommend Jumpstart International for those who want to apply for a student visa. Thankful for your great service in helping me process my application visa.”
“New Zealand was only a dream for us. But the team at Jumpstart was very responsive. They are a start-up company but they're professional, and experts. They guided us and helped us from the time we processed, until we arrived in NZ. Highly recommend. Your money will not be put to waste.”
“Jumpstart International made my student visa process smooth and stress-free. Very professional, reliable, and 100% recommendable!”
“Thank you, Jumpstart International, for helping and guiding us throughout the journey. Yehey! Nandito na kami sa New Zealand. Dati pangarap lang namin ito, pero ngayon nakakapag-practice drive na kami dito. Not just five-stars, a million-stars! Truly a top international agency.”
Immigration rules can feel confusing. Here are the most common questions we get about this visa type.
Tier 1 roles take the Straight-to-Residence path, so you can apply for residence almost immediately. Tier 2 roles take the Work-to-Residence path: you work in the role for a set qualifying period first, then apply. Your partner adviser tells you which tier your occupation sits in and what conditions apply.
It's Immigration New Zealand's list of high-demand occupations that get a faster, straighter path to residence and permanent residency. The list is maintained by INZ and changes over time, so always confirm your role on the official Immigration New Zealand website. If your role is on it, you may qualify for residence sooner than through other pathways.
Some Green List roles must pay at least NZ$35/hour, with this threshold applying from 9 March 2026. Others qualify on occupation and registration alone. Your partner adviser checks the exact condition your role carries before you apply.
It's not enough for your job title to match. Your actual duties and any registration requirements have to fit too. Your partner adviser checks your role precisely against the Green List so you know where you stand.
Most Green List pathways require a qualifying job offer or employment, and some roles carry a wage threshold or registration requirement. Your partner adviser confirms every condition is met before you apply, not after.
Have a specific situation or just want to talk it through? We're here.
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