Submit an expression of interest with a job or job offer from an accredited employer and meet one of the SMC pathways.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $6,450
- Processing
- EOI first
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Live in New Zealand · Permanent residency
Make New Zealand home.
The Skilled Migrant Category, Green List residence, ballots for Pacific citizens and the Permanent Resident Visa. We map your points, wage and work history against the rules that apply on the day you apply.
At a glance
7visas in this pathway
2INZ updates this year
Facts checked 14 Oct 2026
Who this is for
Is this your situation?
01
Skilled migrants
SMC pathways including the new Trades and Technician and Skilled Work Experience routes.
02
Green List workers
Straight to Residence and Work to Residence.
03
Resident visa holders
Moving to a Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years.
Visas in this pathway
The options, with official facts.
Length of stay, cost and processing time as published by Immigration New Zealand on 14 October 2026. Tick up to three to compare.
For a job or job offer with an accredited employer in a Green List Tier 1 role.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $6,450
- Processing
- 80% within 3 months
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
After 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 job with an accredited employer.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $6,450
- Processing
- See INZ page
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
After 24 months in a selected care workforce job with an accredited employer.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- NZD $6,450
- Processing
- See INZ page
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
After holding a resident visa for more than 2 years. Travel in and out without conditions.
- Stay
- Live here permanently
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $315
- Processing
- 80% within 2 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
A ballot for citizens of Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga and Tuvalu. Selected registrations are invited to apply.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,389
- Processing
- Ballot first
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
A ballot for Samoan citizens. Selected registrations are invited to apply for residence.
- Stay
- Live, work and study indefinitely
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $820
- Processing
- Ballot first
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Recent changes
What’s changed for live & residence.
Official announcements affecting this pathway, summarised in plain English.
In effect
Hepatitis B and C removed from the high-cost health list
For resident visa applications made on or after 3 August 2026, hepatitis B or C no longer means an automatic finding that you don’t meet the health standard.
Source: Immigration New ZealandIn effect
Skilled Migrant Category changes took effect on 24 August
Most SMC applicants now meet a single wage threshold — generally the one in effect when they started skilled work. New Trades and Technician and Skilled Work Experience pathways are live.
Source: Immigration New ZealandHow we help
From first question to final decision.
- 01
Assessment
We check your eligibility against the rules in force on the day you apply.
- 02
Strategy
The right visa, the right order and the right timing.
- 03
Documents
A checklist for your case and a review of every document.
- 04
Lodgement
We lodge online and deal with INZ for you.
- 05
Decision
We stay with you through the decision and what comes next.
Live & Residence FAQs
Your live & residence questions, answered.
Straight answers to common questions. If yours isn’t here, ask our AI or a licensed adviser.
What changed for the Skilled Migrant Category in 2026?
From 24 August 2026 most SMC applicants only need to meet one wage threshold, generally the one in effect when they started their skilled work experience, and points for a bachelor’s degree rose from 3 to 4.
Do health conditions stop residence?
Not automatically. From 3 August 2026 hepatitis B and C were removed from the high-cost conditions list and are assessed individually.
When can I get permanent residence?
Usually after holding a resident visa for more than 2 years and meeting the conditions of that visa.
Side by side
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