Migrate to New Zealand
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Migrate to New Zealand

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Eligibility criteria to immigrate New Zealand

While each program to migrate to New Zealand has different criteria, there are a few common factors. New Zealand immigration officials typically assess migration applications based on:

Educational Profile

Professional Profile

Score

Language skills

References & legal documentation

Employment documentation

Migrate to New Zealand in 2025 from Australia

Planning to migrate to New Zealand in 2025? As Australia’s trusted immigration consultants, Y-Axis helps professionals, families, and students move to New Zealand through pathways like the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), New Zealand PR, Work to Residence, and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

With rising demand in healthcare, construction, IT, and engineering, New Zealand immigration is a popular option for Australians seeking long-term career growth, a stable lifestyle, and access to world-class public services. Our Australia-based consultants understand the requirements of migrating to New Zealand from Australia, offering tailored support to improve your chances of visa approval.

Expert visa solutions from Y-Axis Australia – your trusted partner for New Zealand migration success.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

Migrate to New Zealand permanently based on your skills and qualifications. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Aged 55 or under
  • Recognised qualification (Level 7 or above preferred)
  • Minimum 6.5 IELTS or equivalent English
  • Relevant skilled work experience
  • Meet health and character requirements

Post Study Work Visa

Stay and work in New Zealand after completing an eligible NZ qualification. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Completed eligible Level 7+ qualification in NZ
  • Applied within 3–6 months of course completion
  • Valid NZ student visa held during study
  • Meet health and character criteria

Student Visa

Study full-time at an approved education provider in New Zealand. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Offer of place from an NZQA-approved institution
  • Sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses
  • Health and character clearance
  • Valid medical/travel insurance

Visitor Visa

Visit New Zealand for tourism, family, or short-term business activities. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Genuine visitor intent
  • Proof of funds for stay
  • Return ticket or ability to purchase
  • Health and character requirements

Partner of a New Zealander or Work/Student Visa Holder

Join your partner or spouse who lives or works in New Zealand. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Genuine and stable relationship
  • Living together (de facto/married)
  • Partner must hold valid NZ visa or citizenship/residency
  • Proof of relationship (photos, communications, joint documents)

Parent Resident Visa

Live in New Zealand with your adult children who are NZ residents or citizens. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Child must be a NZ citizen or resident
  • Meet income threshold as a sponsor
  • Meet the balance of family test
  • Health and character criteria apply

Entrepreneur Work & Residence Visa

Move to New Zealand to start or invest in a business. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Minimum NZD $100,000 capital investment (some exclusions apply)
  • Viable business plan that benefits NZ
  • 120+ points under Entrepreneur Work Visa scale
  • English language ability required

Investor Visa (Investor 1 & 2 Categories)

Invest in New Zealand to obtain residence for you and your family. Eligibility Highlights (Investor 2):

  • NZD $3 million minimum investment over 4 years
  • Age 65 or under (Investor 2 only)
  • 3 years business experience
  • English language and health/character clearance

Work to Residence Visa

Transition to permanent residency after working in NZ under specific schemes. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Hold an eligible work visa (e.g., AEWV)
  • Work in an approved role or industry
  • Be employed for 24 months full-time in NZ
  • Meet health, character, and English language criteria

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Work in NZ for an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Job offer from an accredited NZ employer
  • Role must meet ANZSCO and wage thresholds
  • Employer must complete Job Check process
  • Meet health and character requirements

Essential Skills Work Visa (Legacy visa for ongoing cases)

Temporary visa to fill roles where no NZ citizen or resident is available. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Employer must prove labor market shortage
  • Pay and role must align with skill shortage list
  • Temporary stay conditions apply
  • Replaced largely by AEWV since July 2022

Dependent Child Visa

Bring your dependent children to live with you in New Zealand. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Parent must hold NZ residency or eligible visa
  • Child must be single and financially dependent
  • Under 24 years old (varies by visa type)
  • Health and character check for older dependents

Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa

Short-term visa for agricultural or horticultural workers. Eligibility Highlights:

  • Must be sponsored by a Recognised Seasonal Employer
  • Valid job offer and accommodation arrangements
  • Return home after contract ends
  • Often used by Pacific Island nationals

Visa Application Process 

1. Free Consultation

2. Eligibility Assessment

3. Document Collection

4. Application Preparation & Lodgement

5. Ongoing Support

6. Decision & Post-Visa Guidance

Why Choose Y-Axis ? 

  • Licensed Immigration Advisers for NZ (IAA registered)
  • Over 25 years of global immigration experience
  • Offices in Australia, UAE, UK and India
  • End-to-end service: Eligibility → Documentation → Lodgement → Approval
  • High success rate across skilled, family, and student categories

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I migrate to New Zealand from Australia in 2025?
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What are the requirements for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) visa for New Zealand?
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Can Australian citizens work in New Zealand without a visa?
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What are the in-demand occupations in New Zealand for skilled migrants?
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Is it possible to get permanent residency in New Zealand after working there?
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What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?
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What is the cost of migrating to New Zealand?
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