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About the Straight to Residence
The Straight to Residence is New Zealand's skilled worker visa programme and one of the most direct routes to permanent residence. Permanent residency granted immediately on arrival for green-list occupations, with no temporary stage required. One of the most generous skilled-worker pathways in the developed world.
Applications are processed in 1–3 months on average. Government fees start at $4,300, and the visa is valid for 5 years. Employer sponsorship is required. You must have a qualifying job offer before applying.
To qualify, applicants generally need 2+ years of skilled work experience, along with a recognised language test result. A minimum salary of $48,000 per year is also required.
The Straight to Residence is suited to work in tech, relocate with family.
The catch: it is Green List Tier 1 only
Straight to Residence is one of the most generous skilled pathways anywhere: permanent residence granted on arrival, with no temporary stage to serve first. The entire route hinges on one condition, your occupation must be on New Zealand's Green List Tier 1. If it is not, this visa is simply not open to you, no matter how strong the rest of your profile is.
Assuming you qualify, the rest is straightforward by comparison: a job offer in the eligible role, roughly two years of experience, an English test, and a salary at or above the threshold (around USD 48,000). Processing is quick at one to three months.
Straight to Residence vs the AEWV-then-SMC route
If your role is Green List Tier 1, Straight to Residence beats every alternative on speed and certainty, because you land as a resident rather than working toward it. There is no points calculation and no multi-year wait.
If your occupation is not on the list, the realistic path is the Accredited Employer Work Visa first, then the Skilled Migrant Category once you meet the points. It is slower, but it does not depend on a single occupation list, which is why most skilled applicants end up there rather than on Straight to Residence.
What you need lined up first
Everything depends on the employer and the occupation, so confirm two things before you spend on the roughly USD 4,300 application. First, that your specific role appears on Green List Tier 1 as currently published. Second, that the offer meets the salary and accreditation conditions. Get those right and this is the cleanest residence visa New Zealand offers.
Weighing New Zealand against another destination? See how it stacks up on visa speed, cost, and permanent residency:
See how the Straight to Residence stacks up head-to-head against related pathways:
Eligibility requirements
Key facts
Best for
Path to permanent residence
This visa is a direct permanent residence grant.
Validity period
5 years (tied to employer)
Employer sponsorship required
You need a qualifying employer to sponsor your application.
How to apply for the Straight to Residence
- 01
Complete a language test
Book and sit a recognised English language test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or equivalent). Scores are typically valid for two years, so time this carefully against your intended application date.
- 02
Secure a qualifying job offer
Find an employer in New Zealand willing to sponsor your STR application. The role must meet occupation and salary requirements (minimum $48,000/year).
- 03
Gather your supporting documents
Compile educational credentials, employment history, passport, and any certificates. Have foreign documents officially translated.
- 04
Submit your STR application
File online through the official New Zealand immigration portal and pay the government fee of $4,300. Double-check all forms for errors before submission. Mistakes cause delays.
- 05
Attend biometrics and medical (if required)
You may be asked to provide biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an approved centre. Some visa categories also require a medical examination by an approved physician.
- 06
Receive decision (1–3 months)
Standard processing takes 1–3 months. Premium or expedited processing may be available for an additional fee. Avoid booking travel until you have a confirmed outcome.
What it costs
Attorney fees and document costs not included. Total spend is typically 2–5x the government fee.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main requirements for the Straight to Residence?
2+ years of relevant work experience, A qualifying job offer from a New Zealand employer, A recognised language test result, A salary of at least $48,000/year
How long does the Straight to Residence take to process?
Processing time for the Straight to Residence is typically 1–3 months from the date a complete application is received. Timelines vary depending on application volume, the completeness of your documents, and whether additional checks are requested. Check the official New Zealand immigration website for current processing times before applying.
How much does the Straight to Residence cost?
The government application fee for the Straight to Residence is $4,300 USD. Total costs (including legal fees, document translations, medical exams, and biometrics) typically run 2–5x the base government fee. Budget accordingly before starting your application.
Does the Straight to Residence lead to permanent residence?
Yes. The Straight to Residence grants permanent residence directly on approval.
Do I need a job offer for the Straight to Residence?
Yes. A confirmed job offer from a qualifying New Zealand employer is required before you can apply for the Straight to Residence. The employer typically needs to demonstrate they could not find a suitable local candidate and must meet specific sponsorship obligations.