New Zealand visas
New Zealand's immigration system is administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), a branch of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the primary points-based residence pathway. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the main employer-sponsored temporary route, replacing the former Essential Skills visa in 2022. Working Holiday Schemes, Post-Study Work Visas, and investor categories round out the system.
7 routes · 5 without a sponsor · 3 lead to settlement
Official portal
Regulators of immigration advice
- Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) — Licenses immigration advisers in New Zealand. Only licensed advisers, lawyers, or exempt persons may provide immigration advice for profit.
- New Zealand Law Society (NZLS) — Regulates New Zealand lawyers who may provide immigration advice.
Visa routes (7)
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
Residence visa for skilled workers through one of New Zealand's three current Skilled Migrant Category pathways.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 10 September 2026
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Employer-sponsored temporary work visa — New Zealand's main route for skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Working Holiday Visa
Temporary visa for young people (18–30 or 18–35) from partner countries to work, travel, and study in New Zealand.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Post-Study Work Visa
Open work visa for international graduates of eligible New Zealand qualifications — 1 to 3 years depending on qualification level and location.
No sponsor needed · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
Residence visa for partners (married, civil union, or de facto) of New Zealand citizens or residents.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Active Investor Plus Visa
Residence visa for investors committing at least NZD 5 million in the Growth category or NZD 10 million in the Balanced category.
No sponsor needed · Leads to settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Student Visa
Visa for international students studying full-time at approved New Zealand education providers.
Sponsor required · Non-settlement · Last reviewed 8 July 2026
Recent New Zealand policy changes
·material
New Zealand moves most visitor-visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online
From 24 September 2026, most new New Zealand visitor-visa applications must use enhanced Immigration Online. Submit covered old-system drafts by 7 October; remaining drafts will be deleted from 8 October.
·material
New Zealand to add Build-to-Rent funds as an Active Investor Plus Growth option
Immigration New Zealand announced that eligible Build-to-Rent developments will become an additional Growth-category investment option under the Active Investor Plus Visa in December 2026.
·significant
New Zealand announces a Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expanded post-study eligibility
Immigration New Zealand announced a new six-month Short-Term Graduate Work Visa and expanded Post-Study Work Visa eligibility for qualifying Level 7 graduate diplomas, with applications for the new visa planned from 16 November 2026.
·significant
New Zealand: SMC reform is in force and the immigration median wage is NZD 35/hour
Immigration New Zealand raised the immigration median wage and implemented the announced Skilled Migrant Category changes on 24 August 2026.
Planning life after your move?
Organise documents, arrival money, housing and the practical steps after visa approval. Your route conditions remain the starting point.
Frequently asked questions
How many visa routes does New Zealand have?+
We cover 7 New Zealand visa routes in these categories: skilled migration, sponsored work, youth mobility, unsponsored work, family, investor, and study. Each one links to its primary government source and carries a last-reviewed date.
Which New Zealand visas do not need an employer sponsor?+
5 of the 7 New Zealand routes we cover can be pursued without an employer sponsor, which helps if you do not have a job offer yet. The remaining 2 are employer-sponsored.
Which New Zealand visas lead to permanent residence?+
3 of the 7 routes can lead to settlement or permanent residence; the others are temporary. Open each route for its settlement detail and qualifying period.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in New Zealand