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Most immigrant come to New Zealand to work towards building qualifications to retrieve their residency. Many applicants are confused on which residency pathway they could get their residency. 

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New Zealand Residence Pathways – What You Need to Know

In recent years, New Zealand has introduced significant changes to its residence visa system to better respond to ongoing skill shortages and evolving labor market need

 

Work to Residency

The Work to Residence pathway was originally introduced to help retain skilled workers already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce during periods of labor shortage. It allows eligible applicants to transition to residency after meeting specific work and time-based requirements.

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Green List

The Green List provides a clear and structured pathway to residence for individuals working in occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand.

You may qualify under,

• Straight to Residence - eligible applicants can apply for residency indefinitely. 

• Work to Residence (Green List roles) - may require a relevant period of work in New Zealand before applying.

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Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)​

The Skilled Migrant Category has been restructured to provide a more streamlined and transparent pathway to residence. The updated system is based on a simplified six-point framework, making it easier for applicants to understand their eligibility.

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