The importance of choosing the right course
Studying in New Zealand can be a great way to map out your permanent relocation. To maximise your chances, it is important that you choose a course that brings benefit in terms of eligibility for a resident visa, and to maximise your employability, as most residency pathways involve securing a job offer from a New Zealand company.
Study a Green list course
The New Zealand government create the Green list of occupations to identify and acknowledge key shortages on the job market. This list identifies highly skilled occupations urgently needing workers from outside NZ, as these positions cannot be filled locally.
Studying a qualification that may lead to securing a role on the Green list brings benefit not only in terms of your post-study options, but also what you and your family may or may not be eligible for while the principal applicant studies.
Key benefits of Green list courses
Applying for roles on the Green List offers several benefits:
Simplified and Prioritised Applications: Applications for these roles are streamlined and given priority in processing.
Fast-Track to Permanent Residency: Successful applicants can expedite their path to permanent residency, either through work-to-residence or directly to residence.
Post-Study Work Rights: Tertiary education students can study for one of these roles, obtain post-study work rights, and potentially move directly to permanent residency.
Encouraging High-Quality Applicants: Some roles have minimum salary requirements to attract high-quality applicants.
You will find the list of Green list occupations on our immigration website New Zealand Shores.
Get in touch with our consultants
Study a course for points under the Skilled Migrant Residence Category
Studying a qualification for which you can gain points under the Skilled Migrant Residence category has the obvious benefit of offering a pathway to New Zealand residency.
Under current immigration instructions, you may claim:
- 3 points for a level 8 Postgraduate Certificate or a level 7 Bachelor's Degree
- 4 points for a level 8 Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelor Honours Degree
- 5 points for a Master's Degree
- 6 points for a PhD/Doctorate
