Straight to Residence
If you work in a Green List Tier 1 role or have an offer for one you may apply for residence immediately. Immigration New Zealand will assess your job your qualifications or occupational registration and whether your employer is accredited. This page explains what INZ checks and how we help you prepare a strong residence application.
Choose your situation
You work in a Green List Tier 1 role
You may qualify for residence straight away if your current role is on the Green List Tier 1 and you meet all qualification or registration requirements.
We confirm your eligibility and prepare your evidence.
You have a job offer for a Tier 1 role
A job offer in a Tier 1 Green List occupation may qualify for Straight to Residence if the employer is accredited and the job meets wage and registration requirements.
We help assess your offer and prepare your documents.
You want to check if your role qualifies
Many roles require specific qualifications registration or wage levels to meet Tier 1 criteria.
We assess your role against INZ requirements and explain your options.
What INZ looks for in Straight to Residence applications
INZ reviews
• whether your role is on the Green List Tier 1
• employer accreditation status
• proof of qualification or occupational registration
• wage level and job details
• genuine intention to reside in New Zealand
• health and character requirements
Incomplete or inconsistent evidence may delay or affect your residence pathway.
How we prepare your Straight to Residence application
Step 1 Understand your occupation and eligibility
We check your occupation against the Green List and confirm qualification or registration requirements.
Step 2 Prepare documents
We help gather contracts job descriptions qualification assessments and registration certificates required for Tier 1 roles.
Step 3 Submit a decision ready application
We assemble your residence file clearly and accurately so INZ can assess it efficiently.