Choosing New Zealand
Key Benefits
Work-Life balance
Stable Economy - Doing business is easy
Quality of Life
Modern Public healthcare
Stability and Security
Encourages small businesses
Top quality Education
Multicultural Society
Religion freedom
Live in New Zealand – Skilled Immigration
NEW ZEALAND actively seeks high-quality, skilled individuals to contribute to and enhance its rapidly growing economy. By completing our initial eligibility assessment, you provide our professional immigration experts with vital information to evaluate your suitability.
Permanent Resident Visa
The Permanent Resident Visa allows you and your family to legally reside, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely and grants you access to all the privileges of residency. This visa policy uses a simplified points-based system that evaluates employability and settlement indicators. After five years of residing in New Zealand, you become eligible to apply for citizenship, cementing your place as a valued member of the New Zealand community.
New Zealand has introduced a simplified points system to streamline the skilled migration process. Applicants must attain a minimum of 6 points to be eligible for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa.
Points are allocated based on thresholds outlined by Immigration New Zealand from one of the following three categories:
1. Employment: Points are awarded based on the skill level, remuneration, and duration of the job offer.
2. Qualifications: Points are allocated for recognized qualifications, with higher points awarded for qualifications in identified skills shortages.
3. Experience: Points are awarded for relevant work experience, with more points granted for longer employment durations.
New Zealand work experience can supplement any deficit in the total points from these categories.
It’s important to note that even if applicants achieve the minimum 6 points, they must also possess a job offer and meet the English language requirements to qualify for the SMC visa.
Working in New Zealand
For many immigrants, working in New Zealand is a shared dream and a significant pathway toward obtaining a Residence Visa if you meet the eligibility criteria. The journey begins with a candidate’s job search and reaches its pinnacle with an offer of employment from a prospective employer.
Talent Visa Job Search Process:
1. Exploring Opportunities: Immigrants interested in working in New Zealand often begin by exploring job opportunities in their field of expertise. Various platforms and resources are available to help candidates identify suitable positions.
2. Application and Interview: Once a promising job opportunity is identified, candidates typically apply for the position and may undergo one or more rounds of interviews with the prospective employer.
3. Offer of Employment: Upon successful completion of the interview process, candidates may receive a formal offer of employment from the prospective employer, outlining the terms and conditions of the job.
Your Pathway to Residence Visa:
Securing employment in New Zealand sets the stage for potential residency in the country. A Residence Visa may be pursued later on if the candidate meets the eligibility criteria, including:
• Meeting the requirements of the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa or other applicable visa categories.
• Demonstrating the ability to contribute positively to New Zealand’s economy and society.
• Meeting any additional criteria outlined by Immigration New Zealand.
Benefits of Working in New Zealand:
Working in New Zealand offers numerous benefits, including:
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to a high standard of living and quality healthcare.
• Immersion in a diverse and welcoming culture.
• Potential pathway to residency and citizenship for eligible candidates.
Invest in New Zealand
New Zealand invites global investors with its stable governance and resilient economy. The Active Investor Plus Visa offers a pathway to permanent residency with a minimum NZD 5 million direct investment in high-growth New Zealand companies. This initiative supports the government’s aim to attract investment and generate employment opportunities. Please get in touch with us directly for more updated information on any residency investment pathway.
Study in New Zealand
New Zealand offers an exceptional environment for quality academic and professional education, making it a desirable destination for students worldwide. With a diverse range of courses from professional to doctoral programs, students benefit from the advantages of studying in an advanced English-speaking Western country.
Future Benefits for Residence:
Studying in New Zealand opens doors to future opportunities for residency. By completing their education in New Zealand, students can position themselves favourably for residency through various pathways:
1.Skilled Migration: Graduates with qualifications and skills in demand in New Zealand may be eligible to apply for skilled migration visas, such as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa, which can lead to permanent residency.
2. Work Experience: Students who secure employment in New Zealand after completing their studies can gain valuable work experience, which enhances their eligibility for skilled migration visas.
3.Post-Study Work Visa: New Zealand offers a Post-Study Work Visa that allows graduates to work in New Zealand for up to three years after completing their studies. This visa provides an opportunity to gain work experience and transition to skilled migration pathways.
4. Contribution to the Economy: Graduates who contribute positively to the New Zealand economy through employment or entrepreneurship are highly valued and may be eligible for residency under skilled migration categories.
Focus on Future Employment Sectors:
Focusing on sectors such as technology, medical, and engineering can be advantageous for students aiming for future residency. These sectors are experiencing growth and offer promising career opportunities in New Zealand’s dynamic job market.
Additionally, pursuing Master’s studies after completing a bachelor’s degree can further enhance students’ qualifications and increase their prospects for future residency and career advancement.
Studying in New Zealand offers a world-class education and provides a pathway to a rewarding future as a resident in this vibrant and welcoming country.
GENERAL Q&A NEW ZEALAND
Some of the most popular questions:
The AEWV allows you to work in New Zealand for an approved employer. It’s the main work visa pathway for skilled workers and can lead to residency if your job is on the Green List or meets salary thresholds.
Yes. You must have an offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand before applying for this visa.
The Green List includes high-demand jobs in health, engineering, IT, and trades. If your job is listed, you may qualify for a fast-track to residency or a clear 2-year work-to-residence pathway.
Yes. If your job is on the Green List Tier 1, you may apply for residency after 2 years. Tier 2 jobs allow you to apply after working in New Zealand for 2 years continuously.
The SMC is a points-based visa for skilled workers. Points are awarded for age, qualifications, work experience, job offers, and salary levels.
Currently, you need at least 6 points, which can be earned through skilled work in New Zealand, qualifications, or high salary levels.
Yes. A Student Visa lets you study and often work part-time. After graduation, you may qualify for a Post Study Work Visa, which can lead to AEWV or SMC residency.
You can apply for a Post Study Work Visa (up to 3 years), gain New Zealand work experience, and use that to transition into AEWV or Skilled Migrant residency.
While both countries value skilled migrants, New Zealand offers clearer pathways via the Green List and AEWV. A New Zealand citizen is also considered a permanent resident in Australia under special agreements.
New Zealand is safe, peaceful, and family-friendly. Education and healthcare are world-class, and residency can be obtained in as little as 2–3 years for skilled workers.
Yes. Your partner and dependent children up to 24 years old can usually be included in AEWV, Student, and residency applications.
Yes. It is consistently ranked among the world’s safest countries with strong resilience, stability, and high quality of life for families.
Often yes, but you must undergo a skills or qualifications assessment depending on your occupation. Documentation and proof are critical.
New Zealand faces skill shortages in healthcare, IT, construction, engineering, and trades. Skilled professionals from Africa and Asia are highly valued.
Healthcare professionals (nurses, doctors), engineers, IT specialists, construction managers, and tradespeople are top priority on the Green List.
Yes. Approved tests like IELTS or PTE are required, especially for AEWV and SMC. Higher English scores improve employability and visa success.
Depending on your pathway:
- Green List Tier 1 = immediate or after 2 years.
- Skilled Migrant Category = often 12–18 months after application.
- Student + Work Visa route = 3–5 years.
No. Permanent residency gives you the right to stay indefinitely. Citizenship allows you to get a New Zealand passport. After 5 years of residency, you can usually apply for citizenship.
New Zealand has fewer places overall but a very clear skills focus. If your skills are in demand, your chances may actually be stronger than in larger countries.
Start with an eligibility check to see if your occupation, qualifications, and English level fit. From there, book a consultation with a licensed immigration adviser to design your best strategy.
New Zealand is safe, politically stable, and family-friendly. It offers clear skilled migration pathways, world-class education, and a multicultural society that welcomes talent from Africa.
The main options are the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Student Visa, Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), and Green List residency pathways.
Yes, but they may require recognition through the NZQA (New Zealand Qualifications Authority). Professions like nursing, teaching, and engineering often need registration.
Yes. Many New Zealand employers recruit directly from Africa if your skills are in demand, especially in health, IT, trades, and engineering.
Yes. IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL scores are often needed. Strong English skills improve employability and visa approval chances.
Usually no for work visas. However, students can apply without a job, and skilled migrants with points may qualify if their occupation is on the Green List.
It depends on the visa:
- Student Visa: proof of tuition + NZD $20,000+ living expenses per year.
- AEWV: no fixed “funds,” but you must meet job offer and salary requirements.
- Residency: fees, assessments, and settlement costs apply.
Yes. Partners and dependent children under 24 can usually be included in work, student, and residency applications.
- Green List = as little as 2 years.
- SMC = 12–18 months after applying.
- Student-to-work-to-residency = 3–5 years.
No official discrimination — decisions are based on skills, English, and health/character checks. New Zealand actively recruits healthcare and tech professionals from Africa.
If you already have in-demand skills, a work visa may be faster. If not, studying in New Zealand builds local qualifications and networks, opening future residency options.
Nursing, aged-care, engineering, IT, construction, mechanics, and electricians. These jobs are often on the Green List.
Very safe. New Zealand ranks among the world’s top 5 safest countries, with low crime and strong community support for families.
Yes. After 5 years of residency, you can usually apply for citizenship and a New Zealand passport, one of the most powerful globally.
Not legally, but it’s highly recommended to use a licensed IAA immigration adviser to avoid costly mistakes and rejections.
New Zealand offers clearer Green List pathways, lower visa backlogs, and faster work-to-residency for priority occupations, especially healthcare and trades.
Yes. Most African migrants support families back home through remittances, as salaries in New Zealand are significantly higher than in many African countries.
There are strong African communities, churches, cultural associations, and support networks across Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Hamilton.
Not usually. For AEWV, the focus is on the job offer and salary. For Student Visas, financial proof is required.
Step 1: Check if your job is on the Green List.
Step 2: Run an eligibility check for AEWV, Student Visa, or SMC.
Step 3: Contact a licensed immigration adviser for a strategy tailored to your profile.
Sources :
- Green List (Skill Shortage List equivalent)
- Stats NZ – Migration & Employment Data
- Tax in New Zealand (IRD — Inland Revenue Department)
- Student Visa
- English Language Requirements for Visas
- View Immigration advisers authority home page IAA-
- https://www.iaa.govt.nz/assets/documents/guide-licensed-advisers-english.pdf