4 routes into New Zealand.
Permanent residence
New Zealand
Run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Skilled workers aged 55 or younger with a full time job or job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, who reach 6 points through qualifications, registration or income. You submit an Expression of Interest and must be invited.
- Job offer
- Required. A full time job or job offer from an accredited employer, at least 30 hours a week, permanent or fixed term for at least 12 months.
- Language
- IELTS overall 6.5 or more for the principal applicant (or TOEFL iBT 79, PTE Academic 58, B2 First 176, OET C+). Tests must be no more than 2 years old.
- Education
- No fixed minimum. Points come from 1 skill category: qualification, New Zealand occupational registration, or income.
- Work experience
- Points pathway: up to 3 more points from skilled work in New Zealand. Other pathways need at least 5 years of relevant experience with 2 years in New Zealand, or for trades and technicians at least 4 years after qualifying with 18 months in New Zealand.
- Government fee
- From NZD 6,450. The exact fee depends on your nationality and where you apply.
- Processing time
- Not stated on the official page
- Money you must show
- Not stated on the official page
- When and to whom you pay
- Paid online when you submit the application after being invited.
Read the official page
Checked on 18 October 2026. What the page says
Read on immigration.govt.nz on 2026-10-18: "You need 6 skilled resident points"; cost: "From NZD $6450"; English page: "IELTS Overall score of 6.5 or more". Another official page.
Permanent residence
New Zealand
Run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
People aged 55 or younger with a job or offer in a Green List Tier 1 role from an accredited employer, who meet the Green List registration or qualification requirements.
- Job offer
- Required. A Green List Tier 1 job with an accredited employer, paid at the specified rate or at least NZD 35.00 an hour (the 2025 median wage) where that applies.
- Language
- Not stated on the official page
- Education
- You must meet the registration and qualification requirements on the Green List for your role. An International Qualification Assessment may be needed.
- Work experience
- Depends on the Green List role. Not stated as a general rule on the page.
- Government fee
- NZD 6,450 application cost, shown for a Nigerian national applying from Nigeria. It includes a non refundable immigration levy.
- Processing time
- 80% of applications are decided within 3 months, according to the page.
- Money you must show
- Not stated on the official page
- When and to whom you pay
- Paid online by Visa, Mastercard or UnionPay when you apply. Application costs are not refunded if the application is declined.
Read the official page
Checked on 18 October 2026. What the page says
Read on immigration.govt.nz on 2026-10-18 with Nigeria selected: "$ 6,450NZD Application cost"; "80% within 3 months"
Work visa
New Zealand
Run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Workers with a full time job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer, with 2 years of relevant experience or a level 4 qualification. Horticulture and viticulture crop work, fishing crew and self employed work are excluded. Partners and children cannot be included.
- Job offer
- Required. A full time offer of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer with an approved job check, paid at least the market rate.
- Language
- English is required if the job is at ANZSCO skill level 3 to 5. The level is not stated on the page read.
- Education
- A qualification at level 4 or higher on the NZQCF, or 2 years or more of relevant job experience.
- Work experience
- 2 years or more of relevant job experience, or a level 4 qualification instead.
- Government fee
- From NZD 1,540. The exact fee depends on your nationality and where you apply.
- Processing time
- 80% of applications are decided within 5 weeks, according to the page. The visa lasts up to 5 years, or 3 years for skill level 4 or 5 jobs.
- Money you must show
- Not stated on the official page
- When and to whom you pay
- Paid online when you apply. INZ will decline the application if money was offered to the employer for the job offer.
Read the official page
Checked on 18 October 2026. What the page says
Read on immigration.govt.nz on 2026-10-18: "2 years or more of relevant job experience, or a qualification at level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF)"; "From NZD $1540"; "80% within 5 weeks".
Study, then work
New Zealand
Run by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
Students with an offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider who can pay tuition and show living funds. You can work up to 25 hours a week while studying.
- Job offer
- Not required.
- Language
- Set by your course and education provider.
- Education
- An offer of place from an approved education provider.
- Work experience
- Not required.
- Government fee
- From NZD 850. The exact fee depends on your nationality and where you apply.
- Processing time
- 80% of applications are decided within 7 weeks, according to the page. The visa lasts up to 4 years.
- Money you must show
- NZD 20,000 for each year of study if you study for 1 year or more, or NZD 1,667 a month for shorter study, plus tuition fees.
- When and to whom you pay
- Paid online when you apply.
Read the official page
Checked on 18 October 2026. What the page says
Read on immigration.govt.nz on 2026-10-18: "NZD $20,000 for each year if you are studying for 1 year or more"; "From NZD $850"; "80% within 7 weeks".