New Zealand’s Straight to Residence Visa
If you’re a healthcare professional considering an overseas move, New Zealand may be closer than you think – permanently. Thanks to the Tier 1 Green List, many frontline health workers can now apply for residence from day one through the Straight to Residence Visa pathway.
This policy is a game changer for skilled healthcare workers, offering not only the ability to live and work in New Zealand, but the stability of residence right from the start. For many, that means immediate access to a better quality of life, career development, and a place to call home.
Who is Eligible?
A wide range of health-related roles are included on Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List, including:
• General Practitioners (GPs)
• Registered Nurses
• Psychiatrists
• Surgeons
• Radiologists
• Physiotherapists
• Psychologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Sonographers
• Counsellors
and more.
If your occupation is on Tier 1 and you have a job offer from an accredited employer, you may qualify to apply for residence right away.
Key Benefits
✅ Apply from overseas or within NZ – no need to work in New Zealand first
✅ Bring your partner and dependent children in the same application
✅ Pathway to permanent residence and citizenship
✅ Priority processing – Tier 1 roles are fast-tracked by Immigration New Zealand
Basic Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible, you’ll need to:
• Have a full-time job offer (30+ hours/week) from an accredited employer
• Be paid at least the New Zealand median wage
• Meet role-specific Green List requirements (e.g. registration with a professional body)
• Be aged 55 or younger
• Meet English language, health, and character standards
Each profession has its own set of requirements, such as specific qualifications or professional registration (e.g. with the Medical Council of New Zealand or the Nursing Council). It’s important to understand these details before applying.
Why Now?
While some global job markets have cooled, healthcare remains a high-demand sector in New Zealand. With an aging population and ongoing workforce shortages, the country is actively seeking skilled healthcare professionals who are ready to contribute – and stay.
If your occupation is listed, this is not just a job opportunity—it’s an invitation to build a future in New Zealand.
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Need Help Understanding Your Options?
At Relocate Down Under, we specialise in helping healthcare professionals navigate New Zealand’s immigration system. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we are here to support you every step of the way.
👉 Take our free eligibility assessment
