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Migrate to New Zealand
Student Visa · Skilled Migrant · Work Visa · Resident Visa
Overview
Why New Zealand?
New Zealand is the world's most peaceful country with stunning landscapes, safe cities, and a welcoming multicultural society. With a skills shortage in IT, Engineering, Construction, Healthcare and Agriculture, New Zealand actively recruits skilled Indians. The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) points system and Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) offer clear PR pathways.
Aagman Overseas has successfully guided 3,200+ clients to New Zealand and other top destinations. Our experts know every visa category, documentation requirement, and timeline. Call us for a free profile assessment today.
165+
Nationalities Welcomed
5 Yrs
To NZ Permanent Residence
#1
World Peace Index
NZD 70K+
Average IT Salary
All Visa Options
New Zealand Visa Categories
Click on any visa type below to see full details — fees, documents, step-by-step process, and expert tips from our immigration advisors.
Student Visa
Duration
Course duration
English Requirement
IELTS 5.5–6.0 (varies by institution and level)
Funds Required
NZD 15,000/yr + tuition fees
Govt Visa Fee
NZD 375 (~₹19,000)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Receive Offer of Place from New Zealand institution
- 2Apply Student Visa online at Immigration NZ
- 3Provide health and character declarations
- 4Receive visa — travel to NZ
💡 Expert Tip: NZ is more affordable than Australia/UK for studies. Post-Study Work Visa of 1–3 years available. Smaller cities (Hamilton, Dunedin, Christchurch) offer lower cost of living than Auckland.
✅ After This Visa: Post-Study Work Visa: 1–3 years. Then Skilled Migrant PR pathway.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Duration
Up to 5 years
English Requirement
IELTS 5.0+ (NZETA English standard)
Funds Required
Job offer from Accredited Employer at NZD 29.66+/hr
Govt Visa Fee
NZD 750 (~₹38,000)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Find job with NZ Accredited Employer (check Immigration NZ list)
- 2Employer completes job check
- 3Apply for AEWV with job offer and accreditation number
- 4Arrive NZ and begin work
💡 Expert Tip: AEWV replaced many previous work visas in 2022. Agriculture, Construction, IT, Healthcare are most common categories. Regional employers often find it easier to hire migrants.
✅ After This Visa: Residence after 2 years of employment. Contributes toward Skilled Migrant PR.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
Duration
Permanent Residence
English Requirement
IELTS 6.5 each band (NZCEA Level 4 or higher)
Funds Required
Points-based: age, qualifications, work experience, job offer in NZ
Govt Visa Fee
NZD 4,190 (~₹2,13,000)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Submit EOI (Expression of Interest) with minimum 100 points
- 2Selected by ballot (random draw every fortnight)
- 3Lodge full Resident Visa application
- 4Attend health check and character clearance
💡 Expert Tip: Having a NZ job offer in a skilled role adds 50 points instantly — nearly guaranteed selection. Work in NZ first on AEWV, get job offer, then apply SMC.
✅ After This Visa: NZ Permanent Residence → Citizenship after 5 years
Visitor Visa
Duration
Up to 9 months
English Requirement
Not required
Funds Required
Bank statements + return ticket + accommodation
Govt Visa Fee
NZD 246 (~₹12,500)
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Apply online at Immigration NZ
- 2Upload documents and passport copy
- 3Answer health and character questions
- 4Receive visa decision
💡 Expert Tip: NZ Visitor Visa is straightforward. Show financial ability, clear itinerary, and genuine tourism intent. ETA also available at border for eligible nationalities — Indian passport requires full visa.
✅ After This Visa: N/A — purely for tourism/family visits
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is New Zealand PR easier than Australia?
Generally yes — NZ's SMC system is less competitive than Australia's points pool. Having a NZ job offer gives 50 points and near-certain selection. NZ actively needs skilled workers and welcomes Indian professionals.
Can I include my family in NZ migration?
Yes! Spouse and dependent children can be included in your residence application. Spouse gets open work rights. Children get free schooling in NZ public schools.
What jobs are in demand in New Zealand?
Construction workers, Civil Engineers, IT professionals, Nurses, Midwives, Chefs, Agricultural workers, Truck drivers, and Teachers are consistently on the shortage list. Check the NZ Immigration Green List for highest-priority roles.
What is the NZ Green List?
The Green List is Immigration NZ's list of occupations in critical shortage. Tier 1 (most critical — nurses, midwives, civil engineers) can apply for residence directly after getting any job offer in NZ. Tier 2 needs 2 years of work experience in NZ first.
Ready to Move to New Zealand? 🇳🇿
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