New Zealand visa types at a glance: visitor, student, work, and residence
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
New Zealand's immigration system runs on a ladder of temporary visas that can lead to residence. Most work and residence paths funnel through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) for workers, or the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for residence.
Visitor Visa — short trips, no work
For tourism, visiting family, or short business trips. Lets you stay up to 6 months per 12-month period on a multiple-entry visa, or up to 9 months in an 18-month period on a single-entry visa. You cannot work, but you can study for up to 3 months. Best for: tourists and short-term visitors.
Student visa — study first, work later
For full-time study at an approved education provider. After graduation, the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) lets you stay and work for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level. Best for: people using NZ study as a route into the labour market and eventually into residence.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) — the main work visa
The main temporary work visa. Requires a job offer from an accredited employer (at least 30 hours a week), an approved Job Check for the role, and then your visa application. Maximum continuous stay: 5 years for ANZSCO skill level 1–3 jobs, 3 years for level 4–5 jobs. Your visa is tied to that employer, occupation, and location. Best for: skilled workers with a NZ job offer.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) — residence on points
Residence, not a temporary visa. You need 6 points: 3–6 from one skill category (qualification, income, or occupational registration) plus up to 3 from NZ skilled work experience (1 point per year). Baselines: age 55 or younger, a full-time job (at least 30 hours a week) with an accredited employer, meeting the English standard, and health and character requirements. Process: Expression of Interest (EOI), then an invitation to apply, then a resident visa. Best for: skilled workers ready to settle in NZ.
Green List — fast track for shortage occupations
In-demand occupations on the Green List have dedicated residence pathways: Straight to Residence or Work to Residence. Best for: people in listed shortage roles such as healthcare and construction.
Frequently asked questions
Which visa leads to permanent residence fastest?
For most people: AEWV, then skilled NZ work experience, then SMC residence on 6 points. Green List roles can be faster.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a work visa?
Yes. The AEWV requires a job offer from an accredited employer, and the Job Check must be approved before you apply.
Can a student visa lead directly to residence?
Not directly. The usual chain is student visa, then Post-Study Work Visa, then AEWV with an accredited employer, then SMC residence on 6 points.
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