How This Tool Works

The NZ Job-Visa Alignment Tool maps your occupation against three official NZ data sources: the Green List (INZ’s curated list of in-demand occupations), the ANZSCO skill level classification, and typical NZ salary data by occupation. The result shows your Green List tier status, market demand level, salary range, and the most direct visa pathway for your profile.

The alignment logic is:

Salary ranges are based on publicly available NZ wage data for each occupation. They represent typical ranges, not guaranteed figures, and vary significantly by employer, region, years of experience, and whether additional qualifications are held.

Understanding the NZ Green List Tiers

Green List Tier 1: Straight to Residence

Tier 1 occupations are those where New Zealand’s need is most acute. Professionals in these roles can apply for permanent residence from the moment they arrive, provided they have a confirmed job offer from an accredited employer, meet the specific qualification and registration requirements for that role, and satisfy the general residence requirements (health, character, English language, age under 56).

There is no minimum time requirement in NZ before applying for Straight to Residence. This is the fastest immigration path available outside of a partnership or family visa. Key Tier 1 occupations include: registered nurses (all specialisations), general practitioners, medical specialists, civil and structural engineers, primary and secondary school teachers (with NZ registration), social workers, and many allied health professionals.

Green List Tier 2: Work to Residence

Tier 2 occupations are in demand but not at the critical shortage level of Tier 1. Professionals in these roles first secure an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), then work in NZ in their Green List occupation for 24 months. After 24 months, they apply for the Work to Residence Visa. The 24-month clock starts from when they begin working in the qualifying role in NZ.

Not on the Green List

Being off the Green List does not mean NZ does not want your skills. For ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupations, the standard route is an AEWV followed by the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa once you have accumulated NZ work experience and meet the 6-point threshold. This route takes longer than the Green List paths (typically 2 to 3 years to residence rather than immediate), but it is available for a wide range of skilled occupations.

Table of Truth: NZ Visa Pathways by Occupation Category

Why Nigerians Are Looking at the NZ Job Market

New Zealand is not the most obvious japa destination for most Nigerians. It comes up in specific professional conversations: healthcare workers who want a smaller, safer environment than the UK or Australia; engineers who want a country building aggressively (Auckland’s housing infrastructure backlog, post-earthquake Christchurch rebuilding); and ICT professionals who want a manageable-sized tech ecosystem.

The practical pull is the Green List. For a Nigerian registered nurse, NZ offers something rare: a direct path to permanent residence from day one of employment, without the years of waiting that characterise UK or Canadian routes. The NZ Nursing Council registration process is demanding but well-documented, and many Nigerian nurses have navigated it successfully.

For engineers and ICT professionals, the job market is smaller than Australia or Canada but the competition for roles is also lower. Auckland’s tech sector is growing, Wellington hosts government IT contracts, and Christchurch has construction and infrastructure demand that is not slowing down.

Edge Cases and Common Questions

What if my exact occupation is not on the Green List?

The Green List is not exhaustive. Many valuable professions are not on it. If your occupation is ANZSCO Level 1 to 3, the AEWV followed by the SMC Resident Visa is your route. If your occupation is Level 4 or 5, you need a higher salary (1.5x median: NZD 52.50/hr) to qualify. From August 2026, the new Trades and Technician pathway under SMC will create an additional route for certain trade occupations with Level 4+ qualifications.

Does my Nigerian experience count toward NZ experience points?

For general eligibility (AEWV, Green List), overseas experience counts. For SMC points, only NZ work experience earns points (up to 3 points, 1 per year). So a 10-year career in Lagos counts for eligibility but adds zero SMC points. Your NZ work experience clock starts when you begin working in NZ on an eligible visa.

What is NZ occupational registration and do I need it?

Certain professions are regulated in NZ. You cannot legally work as a registered nurse, doctor, teacher, engineer (in CPEng roles), or pharmacist without holding the relevant NZ registration. Each registration authority has its own process, which typically includes assessment of overseas qualifications, competency tests, and an English language requirement. The process takes 3 to 6 months for most professions. Start it as early as possible; without registration, Green List Tier 1 visa applications cannot proceed.

What NZ salary should I expect if I am coming from Nigeria?

NZ salaries are significantly higher than Nigerian equivalents in nominal terms, but cost of living in NZ (especially Auckland) is also high. A registered nurse in NZ earns approximately NZD 70,000 to 90,000 per year. A civil engineer earns NZD 80,000 to 130,000. A secondary school teacher earns NZD 55,000 to 90,000. These are gross figures before NZ income tax, which ranges from 10.5% to 33% depending on income level.

FAQ

Can I apply for NZ jobs from Nigeria before getting a visa?

Yes. Many NZ employers consider international applicants, particularly for roles on the Green List or where skill shortages are acute. Job boards include Seek.co.nz, Trade Me Jobs, LinkedIn NZ, and Hays NZ. For healthcare roles, hospital and district health board (now Health NZ) websites list vacancies directly. Note that most AEWV and Green List roles require the employer to be INZ-accredited, so target companies that are already known accredited employers.

Is a job offer always required for NZ immigration?

For most skilled visa pathways, yes. The AEWV requires a confirmed offer from an accredited employer. The SMC Resident Visa requires a current skilled job or job offer. The Green List Straight to Residence requires a job offer in your Green List occupation. The only common NZ visa that does not require a job offer upfront is the student visa. For work and residence, a job offer is typically the first requirement.

What is the NZ median wage and how does it affect my visa options?

The NZ immigration median wage is NZD 35.00 per hour (effective March 2026). It is used as a benchmark for several visa settings. For SMC eligibility, ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 roles must pay at least the median wage. Level 4 to 5 roles must pay 1.5x the median (NZD 52.50/hr). For partner work rights under AEWV, the primary holder must earn at least NZD 28.00/hr. Most Green List occupations pay well above the median wage.

What does this tool not show?

This tool does not show: the exact current list of accredited employers hiring for your role; real-time job vacancy numbers; the specific qualification requirements for each Green List occupation (these vary significantly and must be checked on the INZ Green List directly); salary negotiation ranges by city or employer; or tax and take-home calculations. Use the tool as a starting point, then verify your specific occupation at immigration.govt.nz before taking any steps.