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Registered migration advice

Skilled Migration &
Work Pathways

See what each country asks of your job or trade, check where you stand in a minute, and find the training that closes the gap, with registered advisers beside you.

Check my pathway Book a free migration consultation
  • 4 Destinations
  • Free Pathway check
  • Registered Migration advisers

Pathway checker

Where Do You Stand?

Choose your job, the country and your experience. You will see what you already have, what is missing, and how to close the gap.

Where would you like to work?

This is a guide, not a decision. Rules change, and a registered adviser confirms every case.

Pick your country

4 countries
Green List

Work first, then residence

Most trades come in on an Accredited Employer Work Visa. Trades on the Green List, such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters, can apply for residence after two years of work in New Zealand.

Visa directory

New Zealand visa directory

Choose a visa to see who it is for, how long it lasts and what it takes.

Accredited Employer Work Visa Subclass AEWV • Employer sponsored Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa Subclass SMC • Points-based residence Green List Work to Residence Subclass Tier 2 • Residence after 2 years Post-Study Work Visa After study
Work visa Checked on 16 Oct 2026

Accredited Employer Work Visa (Subclass AEWV)

A work visa for people with a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

Standard Green List roles

Stay
Up to 5 years
Experience
2 years
Or a level 4+ qualification
Hours
30+ a week
Registration
If the job needs it
Ask about this visa

1What you need

  • A job offer from an accredited employer with an approved job check
  • Two years of relevant experience or a level 4 or higher qualification
  • New Zealand registration for regulated trades, such as electricians and plumbers
  • Pay at the market rate for the role

2Towards residence

Green List roles can lead to residence: Tier 1 straight away, Tier 2 (including electricians and plumbers) after 24 months of work in New Zealand.

Fees, thresholds and processing times change often. Your adviser confirms the current figures before you apply.

Permanent residence Checked on 16 Oct 2026

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (Subclass SMC)

Residence for skilled workers who reach 6 points through registration, qualifications or income, plus New Zealand work experience.

Points Skilled Work Experience Trades and Technician

Status
Resident
Points
6 needed
Experience
NZ work counts
1 point a year, up to 3
Age
Under 56
Ask about this visa

1How the points work

Points come from one of New Zealand occupational registration, a qualification, or income, topped up with skilled work in New Zealand. From 24 August 2026 there are also Skilled Work Experience and Trades and Technician pathways.

Fees, thresholds and processing times change often. Your adviser confirms the current figures before you apply.

Permanent residence Checked on 16 Oct 2026

Green List Work to Residence (Subclass Tier 2)

For roles on Green List Tier 2, such as electricians, plumbers and carpenters: residence after 24 months of work in the role.

Tier 2 roles

Wait
24 months
Working in the role
Registration
Often needed
Employer
Accredited
Ask about this visa

1Who it is for

Tradespeople and technicians on the Green List Tier 2 who hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa and the registration their trade requires.

Fees, thresholds and processing times change often. Your adviser confirms the current figures before you apply.

Post-study work Checked on 16 Oct 2026

Post-Study Work Visa

Open work rights after a qualifying New Zealand qualification. Non-degree level 4–6 graduates are limited to work in their field.

Degree Level 4–6 linked to the Green List

Stay
Up to 3 years
Depends on level
Study
Full-time in NZ
Ask about this visa

1For trade students

A level 4 to 6 certificate or diploma gives limited work rights tied to the field studied. A new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa starts on 16 November 2026.

Fees, thresholds and processing times change often. Your adviser confirms the current figures before you apply.

Jobs and trades

What It Takes in New Zealand

The experience, qualification, English, assessment and licence each job needs, and the visas it leads to.

  • Electrical

    Electrician

    In demand

    Green List Tier 2: residence after 24 months of work.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Licence or registration: Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) registration

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (level 3), then an apprenticeship with an employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Construction

    Plumber

    In demand

    Green List Tier 2: residence after 24 months.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Licence or registration: Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board registration

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Construction

    Carpenter

    In demand

    Green List Tier 2: residence after 24 months.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (level 4) at a polytechnic.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Automotive

    Diesel motor mechanic

    In demand

    Wanted by transport and farming employers.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (level 4) at a polytechnic.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Engineering

    Civil engineer

    In demand

    Green List Tier 1: straight to residence.

    Work experience
    No minimum
    English
    IELTS 6.5 overall
    Qualification
    Degree

    Skills assessment: Engineering New Zealand

    Licence or registration: Chartered Professional Engineer for Tier 1

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Health

    Registered nurse

    In demand

    Green List Tier 1: straight to residence.

    Work experience
    No minimum
    English
    IELTS 7 or OET B
    Qualification
    Degree

    Licence or registration: Nursing Council of New Zealand registration

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Electrical

    Air-conditioning and refrigeration mechanic

    Possible

    Wanted by some employers; registration may apply.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Metal and fabrication

    Welder

    Possible

    Wanted in construction and manufacturing.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Automotive

    Motor mechanic

    Possible

    Wanted by some employers.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (level 4) at a polytechnic.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Hospitality

    Chef

    Possible

    Check the latest rules: residence for chefs changed in August 2026.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (level 4) at a culinary school.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Hospitality

    Baker and pastry cook

    Possible

    Wanted by some employers.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Care

    Aged care worker

    Possible

    Through the care workforce pathway with an accredited employer.

    Work experience
    1 year with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • IT

    Software engineer

    Possible

    Possible with an accredited employer.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    Qualification
    Degree

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Hospitality

    Cook

    Limited

    Fewer pathways to residence than for chefs.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    2 years without formal training
    English
    Often no test for the work visa; some roles need one

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV SMC Tier 2

    The work visa needs two years of experience or a level 4+ qualification, and an accredited employer.

    Train for it here: A New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (level 4) at a culinary school.

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

  • Business

    Accountant

    Limited

    Fewer openings than for engineers.

    Work experience
    2 years with formal training
    Qualification
    Degree

    Visas it can lead to: AEWV

    Checked on 16 Oct 2026

    Check my pathway

No qualification yet?

Train in New Zealand First

A recognised trade course in the country can open the door when your experience or training falls short. These colleges teach the trades on this page.

  • Public polytechnic

    Ara Institute of Canterbury

    Christchurch

    A public polytechnic in Christchurch teaching trades and engineering.

    • New Zealand Certificate in Electrical Pre-Trade (Level 3) Certificate III (trade) · 1 year · USD 15,000 a year
    • New Zealand Certificate in Carpentry (Level 4) Certificate IV (advanced trade) · 1 year · USD 16,000 a year
    Ask about this college
  • Public polytechnic

    Manukau Institute of Technology

    Auckland

    An Auckland polytechnic with trades and automotive training.

    • New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Engineering (Level 4) Certificate IV (advanced trade) · 1 year · USD 15,500 a year
    Ask about this college
  • Culinary school

    NZMA

    Auckland

    A private school in Auckland for cookery, baking and hospitality.

    • New Zealand Certificate in Cookery (Level 4) Certificate IV (advanced trade) · 1 year · USD 14,500 a year
    • New Zealand Certificate in Baking (Level 4) Certificate IV (advanced trade) · 1 year · USD 14,000 a year
    Ask about this college

Registered migration advisers

Ready to Start Your
Skilled Migration Journey?

Speak with our advisers about your skills assessment, the right visa and the training that gets you there.

Book a free migration consultation
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