Live and work in New Zealand: Straight to Residence Visa now extended for range of professions

If you or someone you know is thinking of moving to New Zealand, a recent change to immigration laws means certain professions are now fast-tracked to gain residence in Aotearoa New Zealand.

On 15 December 2022 it was announced that Straight to Residence visas would be available for migrant nurses, midwives, doctors, vets, other health professionals, and engineers – with auditors being added from March 2023.

What is a Straight to Residence visa?

A Straight to Residence Visa means nurses, doctors, midwives, other health professionals, vets, and engineers can now apply for visas (auditors from March 2023) that will fast-track them to becoming residents of Aotearoa New Zealand.

A Straight to Residence visa holder has the right to live, work and study in the country indefinitely. Visa holders will have the right to travel in and out of New Zealand for two years from the date they first arrive in the country. In order to travel freely after this, visa holders will need to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.

The full list of professions that are eligible for a Straight to Residence visa is on the Green List.

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Who can apply for a Straight to Residence visa?

The Green List outlines the New Zealand Government’s highly-valued, and hard-to-fill professions. These professions have a simplified process when applying for visas and residency.

The list categorises roles into either Tier 1 or 2.

Tier 1 professions qualify for straight to residence visas. Engineers, doctors, nurses, midwives, vets, other health professionals, and auditors, are examples of Tier 1 professions from the Green List.

Tier 2 professions are not eligible for straight to residence visas. Tier 2 professions qualify for work to residence visas, where applicants must work for two years before they are eligible to apply for residence. Some examples of the professions which qualify for work to residence visas are various construction roles, both primary and secondary teachers, and select skilled workers.

Requirements for straight to residence visa

There are three main requirements applicants must meet to qualify for a straight to residence visa:

Applicants must either work for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one
They must be 55-years-old or under
Their profession must be on Tier 1 of the ‘Green List.’

A few extras to note:

A straight to residence visa also includes your partner and dependent children under the age of 24-years-old. Adult children who qualify must be single, childless, and must solely rely on you for financial support.
Applicants can apply for this visa from both within and outside of New Zealand.
Applicants must meet the English language requirement for this visa and must include any supporting documents for the application translated in English.

The benefits of becoming a New Zealand resident

There are many benefits to becoming a New Zealand resident beyond having the right to live, work or study. Residents have the right to vote in general elections (after a stay of 12 months), and they can be eligible to join KiwiSaver.

KiwiSaver is a voluntary government initiative that helps you save for your retirement. You make regular contributions; your employer contributes; and if you meet certain criteria each year, the government also provides a contribution. Here’s more on how to contribute.

KiwiSaver will help you invest and grow your money for retirement while you work. You’ll have the opportunity to join KiwiSaver when you start your first job, however New Zealand residents and citizens are encouraged to join KiwiSaver at any time.

Find out more about how KiwiSaver works.

The MAS KiwiSaver Scheme is a signatory to the United Nation Principles of Responsible Investment, and each fund in the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme is certified by the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA). MAS also set up the MAS Foundation to address health inequities in New Zealand, and by joining the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme you help contribute towards this goal.

A hand reaches out stacking coins into savings for retirement

MAS Retirement Savings Scheme

Along with the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme, MAS also offers a Retirement Savings Scheme, a superannuation scheme that allows Members to choose from a range of funds and, if eligible, can access their funds up to a decade earlier than the retirement age of 65. The MAS Retirement Savings Scheme is recognised by large health employers as a workplace savings option that may include matching employer contributions. The MAS Retirement Savings Scheme is also a Recognised Overseas Pension Scheme (ROPS) meaning it can accept money transferred from UK pension schemes. Join or learn more here.

MAS can help

MAS is a membership-based insurance and investment company for New Zealand professionals. As a mutual society, our customers become Members. We're owned by our Members so we don't have to generate big profits for external shareholders. MAS Advisers are paid a salary with no commission, so you can be sure we have your best interests at heart.

To find out more, talk to one of our helpful advisers today or sign up here.

MAS only provides financial advice on products offered by its subsidiary companies. Advice is provided by MAS or by its nominated representatives (who are all MAS employees).

Our financial advice disclosure statement is available on our website or you can call 0800 800 627.

You can read the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) for the MAS KiwiSaver Scheme or the PDS (Product Disclosure Statement) for the Retirement Savings Scheme. Medical Funds Management Limited is the issuer and manager of both Schemes.