Straight to Residence Visa

If you are an employer, HR professional, or recruiter in sectors such as medical/healthcare, construction, engineering, information technology, or primary industry/science, you may not be aware of an alternative pathway that allows you to bring migrants directly to New Zealand as residents.

While most employers are familiar with the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) as the standard pathway for hiring workers from overseas, there is another option called “Straight to Residence” (STR) available for certain occupations. This pathway allows migrant workers with job offers in Tier 1 of the Green List to apply directly for residence while outside of New Zealand. They can include eligible family members and arrive in New Zealand on a resident visa.

Benefits of the Straight to Residence Pathway

Unlike the AEWV process, which involves employer accreditation and a job check, STR applications are generally faster, with an average processing time of 43 days and 90% of applications decided within 87 days, according to Immigration New Zealand's website.

There are several reasons why the STR pathway may be a better option for prospective migrant employees and your business compared to the AEWV:

• Faster Processing: Since applications are made directly for residence, processing times are significantly reduced compared to the AEWV pathway.

• No Job Check Required: The STR pathway eliminates the additional step of a job check, which is mandatory for the AEWV process.

• Direct Residence Visa: Successful applicants can come directly to New Zealand on a resident visa, providing certainty for both employers and candidates, and eliminating the need for further work visa renewals.

• Family Included: Eligible family members of the candidate can also receive residence visas, allowing candidates to settle in and make New Zealand their new home without worrying about separate pathways to residence for their families.

Who Qualifies for the Straight to Residence Pathway?

To qualify for the STR pathway, applicants must meet specific requirements, which include:

• Job Offer and Green List Occupation: Holding a job offer in Tier 1 of the Green List from an accredited employer. The Green List is divided into Tier 1 and Tier 2 occupations, with only Tier 1 occupations eligible for the Straight to Residence pathway. Migrants in Tier 2 occupations need to work in New Zealand for two years in that role to qualify for a Work to Residence pathway.

• Occupation Requirements: Meeting the specific requirements of the occupation listed in the Green List. Each occupation has its own set of requirements that must be met to qualify for Straight to Residence. For example, a Construction Project Manager must meet minimum qualifications, registration, or experience requirements. IT roles often require a minimum remuneration of $61.69 per hour or the equivalent annual salary. If employment is based on a contract for services, the remuneration must be $86.54 per hour or the equivalent annual salary, with a minimum of 10 years' work in a relevant role.

• Age Requirement: Being 55 years of age or younger.

• Immigration Requirements: Meeting Immigration New Zealand's (INZ) good health and character requirements, as well as the English language requirements.

Considering the Straight to Residence Pathway?

If you are an employer, HR professional, or recruiter seeking to bring migrant workers to New Zealand, consider scheduling a complimentary chat with our senior Licensed Immigration Advisers. They can help you explore the most effective approach for your organisation and your employees, including determining if the STR pathway is the right fit for your specific needs.