What does “Straight to Residence” mean?
Learn what “Straight to Residence” means in New Zealand, who qualifies, and how this visa pathway can lead directly to permanent residency.
If you’re planning to move to New Zealand for work, you may have come across the term “Straight to Residence” and wondered what it actually means — and whether it applies to you.
In simple terms, Straight to Residence is a visa pathway that allows eligible skilled workers to apply directly for residence in New Zealand, without first spending years on a temporary work visa.
It’s part of the Green List Straight to Residence Visa, introduced by Immigration New Zealand to attract highly skilled professionals in occupations that are in critical shortage.
Let’s break it down clearly.
What Does “Straight to Residence” Actually Mean?
Normally, many migrants come to New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and only later apply for residence after meeting certain conditions.
But under the Straight to Residence pathway, if your job is on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List and you meet all the requirements, you can:
- Apply for residence from offshore, or
- Apply after arriving on a temporary visa
There’s no waiting period like the “Work to Residence” pathway.
That’s why it’s called “Straight” to residence — you skip the long transition phase.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify, you generally must:
- Have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- Be working (or have an offer) in a Tier 1 Green List occupation
- Meet qualification and registration requirements (if applicable)
- Meet health, character, and English language requirements
Common eligible professions often include:
- Doctors and specialist physicians
- Registered nurses
- Engineers
- ICT professionals
- Certain construction roles
You can check the latest Green List directly on the official Immigration NZ website:
👉 https://www.immigration.govt.nz (always verify because lists can change)
What’s the Benefit?
Here’s why many skilled migrants aim for this pathway:
- You get resident visa status sooner
- You can live and work in New Zealand indefinitely
- You can include your partner and dependent children
- You have more job flexibility compared to temporary visas
After holding residence for a certain period and meeting conditions, you may later apply for permanent residence.
Straight to Residence vs Work to Residence
It’s easy to confuse the two.
- Straight to Residence → Apply for residence immediately (if eligible).
- Work to Residence → Work in New Zealand for 2 years first, then apply.
The difference can save you significant time and reduce uncertainty.
Is This the Right Pathway for You?
This visa suits people who:
- Have strong qualifications and experience
- Are in globally competitive, high-demand fields
- Want long-term certainty before relocating
If you’re unsure whether your occupation qualifies, it’s important to check the Green List carefully or speak to a migration advisor.
At BRIGENAI, we help overseas professionals understand which New Zealand visa pathway matches their background and career goals. You can explore more visa guidance here:
👉 https://www.brigenai.com/destination/new-zealand
