Occupations Eligible for New Zealand Residency Immigration Program

Imagine waking up to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand, where you can live a peaceful, secure, and prosperous life with your family. New Zealand offers a streamlined path to permanent residency, high salaries, and a country that values your expertise, all of which are appealing to those who have ever fantasized about settling down.

New Zealand’s Straight to Residency program provides an exceptional opportunity for professionals in critical sectors to bypass the typical lengthy waiting periods and immediately begin establishing a secure future in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

Although the salaries are undoubtedly impressive, ranging from NZD 70,000 to over NZD 500,000 per year depending on your field (as per wage requirement), this is not solely about securing a high-paying job.

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It involves relocating to a country where your family can flourish, with a guaranteed path to residency that allows you to establish a lifelong foundation. The open arms policy of New Zealand guarantees that your abilities are not only recognized with a remarkable career but also the opportunity to bring your family with you from the very beginning. This is true regardless of whether you are an engineer, doctor, or project manager.

Check Also: Specific Purpose Work Visa Jobs SPWV in New Zealand 2025

The Straight to Residency pathway is as effortless as it appears: secure a position in a critical sector, complete the requisite documentation, and presto—you and your loved ones are on the fast track to permanent residency in a land of limitless opportunities, friendly communities, and natural beauty. If you are prepared to embark on a journey to New Zealand, where financial stability, work-life balance, and a promising future are all achievable, the time is now.

So, let us first review the list of the top 20 tier-1 professions that are eligible for the direct-to-residency program:

List of Occupations Eligible for New Zealand Residency Immigration Program

1# Anesthetist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Anesthesiology.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Anesthetists are specialty physicians who provide anesthesia to patients during obstetric, surgical, and other medical procedures. They are essential in guaranteeing the safety and convenience of patients during these procedures.

2# Cardiothoracic Surgeon

• Average Salary: NZD 300,000 – 500,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Cardiothoracic surgeons are experts in the performing of surgical procedures that involve the heart, lungs, and other organs in the thorax. They are in high demand and possess exceptional surgical skills.

3# Chemical Engineers

• Average Salary: NZD 80,000 – 150,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related discipline. Registration with Engineering New Zealand may be necessary.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Chemical engineers are responsible for the design and development of chemical processes for a variety of industries, including energy production and manufacturing. They are essential in the optimization of production, the prevention of accidents, and the reduction of environmental impact.

4# Civil Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 70,000 – 140,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in civil engineering or a related discipline. Registration with Engineering New Zealand may be necessary.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Civil engineers are responsible for the planning, design, and supervision of infrastructure projects, including the construction of structures, bridges, roads, and water systems. They are indispensable for the advancement and preservation of a nation’s infrastructure.

5# Construction Project Managers

• Average Salary: NZD 90,000 – 180,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in engineering, construction management, or a related discipline. Experience that is pertinent is indispensable.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Construction project managers are responsible for the planning, coordination, and supervision of construction projects from the outset to the conclusion. They ensure that initiatives are completed within the designated timeframe, budget, and to the necessary standards.

6# Dentist

• Average Salary: NZD 120,000 – 250,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand, Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Dentists are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the mouth, teeth, and tissues. They offer oral surgery, restorative remedies, and preventive care.

7# Dermatologist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Dermatology.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Medical physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions are known as dermatologists. They offer medical and surgical treatment for a diverse array of skin diseases.

8# Electrical Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 75,000 – 150,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related discipline. Registration with Engineering New Zealand may be necessary.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Electrical engineers are responsible for the design, development, and maintenance of electrical systems and components that are used in a variety of applications, such as transportation, power generation, and communication.

9# General Practitioners

• Average Salary: NZD 150,000 – 250,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand and a medical degree.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Primary healthcare services are rendered to patients of all categories by general practitioners (GPs). They offer preventive care and health education, as well as diagnose and treat a diverse array of maladies and injuries.

10# Gastroenterologist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Gastroenterology.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Gastroenterologists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of digestive system diseases, which encompass the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

11# Geotechnical Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in geotechnical engineering or a related discipline. Registration with Engineering New Zealand may be necessary.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Geotechnical engineers evaluate the properties of soil and rock to determine their appropriateness for construction projects. They guarantee the safety and stability of subsurface structures, slopes, and foundations.

12# ICT Security Specialist

• Average Salary: NZD 90,000 – 180,000 per year
• A bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, or a related discipline is the minimum educational requirement. Certifications that are pertinent are frequently prioritized.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Information and communication technology (ICT) security specialists safeguard computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They implement security measures, monitor systems for vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents.

13# Internal Medicine Specialist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Internal Medicine.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Internists, or internal medicine specialists, are responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of a diverse array of diseases and conditions that affect adults. They frequently manage complex medical cases and provide comprehensive care.

14# Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Average Salary: NZD 60,000 – 120,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in medical laboratory science or a related field. Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand is mandatory.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Medical laboratory scientists conduct laboratory tests to analyze body fluids and tissues, which assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. They are essential in the administration of diseases and the care of patients.

15# Mental Health Nurse

• Average Salary: NZD 65,000 – 110,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in nursing with a specialization in mental health. Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand is mandatory.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Mental health nurses offer specialized care to individuals with mental health conditions. They offer support and education to patients and their families, as well as assess, plan, and implement care plans.

16# Midwife

• Average Salary: NZD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: A bachelor’s degree in midwifery or a related discipline. Registration with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand is mandatory.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Midwives are responsible for the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postoperative period. They provide medical care, education, and support to guarantee the health and well-being of both the mother and the infant.

17# Neurologist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Neurology.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Neurologists are experts in the field of diagnosis.

18# Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Obstetricians and gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are physicians who specialize in the health of women, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. From adolescence to menopause, they offer care to women.

19# Pediatrician

• Average Salary: NZD 180,000 – 300,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Pediatrics.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Pediatricians administer medical treatment to neonates, children, and adolescents. They offer preventive care and health education, as well as diagnose and treat a diverse array of maladies and injuries.

20# Psychiatrist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, medical degree with specialization in Psychiatry.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Direct Entry to Residence)
• Description: Psychiatrists are medical professionals who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They offer therapy, medication management, and other interventions to assist patients in enhancing their mental health.

Benefits of Occupations Eligible for New Zealand Residency Immigration Program

• Route to Permanent Residency: Programs such as the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List Residency Pathways provide a distinct pathway to New Zealand residency for talented professionals in high-demand occupations. This enables them to establish a permanent residence in New Zealand, where they can continue to study, work, and reside indefinitely.
• Job Security and Stability: Skilled migrants are guaranteed consistent employment opportunities by the New Zealand government, which prioritizes occupations that are in high demand. The employment environment is stable due to the high demand for qualified professionals in industries such as healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and education.
• Priority Occupations’ Fast-Track Residency Options: Registered nurses, construction project managers, and IT specialists are eligible for a fast-track residency option, which is included in New Zealand’s Green List. This enables eligible individuals to register for residency directly upon arrival or within a shorter time frame, thereby expediting their transition to permanent residency.
• Benefits and Salaries that are Competitive: Competitive compensation and benefits are typically associated with high-demand occupations in New Zealand. Employers provide appealing compensation packages to recruit qualified professionals in sectors such as healthcare, engineering, and IT. This facilitates the enjoyment of a comfortable standard of living by migrant laborers in New Zealand.
• Access to a High Quality of Life: New Zealand is distinguished by its exceptional quality of life, which is characterized by a strong work-life balance, breathtaking natural landscapes, clean air, and low crime rates. A peaceful and healthy lifestyle is advantageous to skilled workers and their families, as it provides opportunities for outdoor activities, cultural experiences, and a supportive community.
• Benefits of Family Residency: Skilled migrants who have obtained residency are permitted to bring their family members, who are also eligible for residency. New Zealand is an appealing destination for families seeking to establish themselves abroad, as it offers the opportunity for family members, such as spouses and children, to work, study, and access public healthcare and education.
• Access to Healthcare and Education: Subsidized healthcare and free public education are available to permanent residents of New Zealand. This is a substantial advantage for individuals in eligible occupations, as they and their families can access world-class education and high-quality healthcare services at no additional cost.
• A Supportive Work Environment and Work-Life Balance: Flexible hours, paid leave, and an emphasis on employee well-being are hallmarks of New Zealand workplaces, which prioritize work-life balance. Professionals in high-demand occupations frequently benefit from a lax work culture and shortened workweeks, which enables them to allocate more time to personal pursuits and spend more time with their families.
• Opportunities for Career Advancement and Development: Employers frequently invest in skilled migrants to cover leadership or specialized roles in New Zealand, which opens up career advancement opportunities for those in high-demand occupations. Professional development is a priority for numerous New Zealand companies, which provide funding for training and certifications to assist employees in advancing their professions.
• A Wide Range of Employment Opportunities in Different Sectors: A diverse array of sectors, such as healthcare, engineering, IT, professions, construction, and education, comprise New Zealand’s eligible occupations. This diversity provides skilled migrants with the opportunity to secure employment that is consistent with their career interests and areas of expertise, with opportunities available in both urban and regional areas.

You may submit your application for the New Zealand straight-to-residency program online by demonstrating that you possess the necessary qualifications for any of the aforementioned 20 occupations.

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