From Student to Resident: How Studying in New Zealand Could Lead to Residency 

New Zealand is a popular study destination known for its world-class education, diverse experiences, and a welcoming environment.   

If you choose to come to our shores, you will gain globally recognised qualifications from top-tier institutions, learn practical skills employers value worldwide, and study in a relaxed lifestyle with stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and a healthy work-life balance.  

There are also exciting pathways to long-term opportunities in New Zealand which includes the Green List.

By studying a course that aligns with an in-demand job, you could improve your chances of securing relevant employment and becoming eligible to apply for New Zealand residency after your studies.  

The Green List is a list of high-demand occupations where there are skill shortages in the country. These identified occupations can offer more accessible pathways to residency for qualified workers.   

For international students interested in study pathways that lead to these in-demand jobs, the Green List may support a more direct path to applying for a resident visa after graduation – if all criteria are met.  

The real benefit of studying for a course that may lead to a Green List role is the increased employability. These are jobs are currently needed in New Zealand and can offer greater opportunity to work and gain hands-on experience during and after your study. Many of these skills are also in demand globally, opening the door to career opportunities around the world.  

Start by exploring the wide range of roles on New Zealand’s Green List that match with your interests and passion. These include high-demand fields such as Agriculture, Civil Engineering, Teaching, Healthcare, and more.   

Search for Green List roles based on your preferred industry or role to find more information on the Green List pathway and requirements.   

While Green List roles can support your chances, they don’t guarantee residency or employment. Use it as a guide to help shape your study pathways and programmes and give you a better understanding of possible career pathways. 

Once you’ve found a role that inspires you, you can plan out your study pathway!   

Choosing the right study programme is very important as you will need to focus on accredited courses in New Zealand that align with your identified occupation and requirements of Immigration New Zealand.  

Use our course finder tool to find a course that will equip you with the skills to succeed in that field. You can easily filter to suit your needs, learn more about the courses and send an enquiry directly to the education provider.   

It’s highly recommended that you get in touch with the specific education provider you’re interested in to get guidance with the study application including any study requirements, discuss your study pathway and how it aligns with the Green List roles.   

Once you’ve finalised your courses, you can apply for a student visa and start living and studying in New Zealand.  

Remember, your study is just the first step. Gaining relevant work experience, securing employment and meeting visa criteria are also necessary steps to be considered for residency.  

Your time as an international student in New Zealand is a great opportunity for more than gaining a highly reputable education—it’s about building a foundation for your future.   

Get involved in campus life and build networks within your community. Take advantage of career support services, workshops and job fairs as these are often readily available from your education provider. This will help you prepare for the workforce and connect with industry professionals before you even graduate.  

You can also gain real-world experience through internships or part-time work. A student visa generally allows students to work up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled holidays. Make sure to check the work rights of your student visa as they vary depending on the specific visa conditions.  

After graduation, begin your job search and focus on roles that match the Green List criteria. Remember that job offers are competitive and depend on a range of factors including employer needs.  

Use job platforms like Seek, LinkedIn Jobs and GradConnection NZ. Alumni networks and recruitment fairs can also be valuable to connect directly with potential employers. Tailor your CV to New Zealand standards and update with any new skills or relevant experience.  

International graduates from New Zealand are often seen as adaptable, globally-minded professionals with strong communication skills, resilience, and a willingness to learn, which are strong qualities that many employers value.  

Once you’ve gained the right qualifications and secured relevant employment, you may be eligible to apply for residency through one of the Green List pathways: Straight to Residence Visa (for Tier 1 jobs), and Work to Residence Visa (for Tier 2 jobs).  

Straight to Residence visa allows qualified workers to apply for residency immediately upon securing a job offer from an accredited employer.  

Work to Residence visa allows qualified workers to apply for residency after working in the role for two years.  

It’s important to understand that meeting the minimum requirements doesn’t automatically guarantee or result in a resident visa. Immigration New Zealand assesses each application individually and immigration policies may change over time.   

To access the most up-to-date and official information regarding New Zealand’s Green List and resident visa applications, visit the Immigration New Zealand website. 

By choosing to study in New Zealand, you’re not just earning a qualification; you’re gaining globally respected skills and experiences that will prepare you for a successful future.  

Whether you choose to stay and build a life in New Zealand or use your degree to explore opportunities elsewhere, a New Zealand education will put you on solid ground with many of our international graduates thriving in New Zealand and all around the world.  

Curious about study and career pathways that could fast-track your residency in New Zealand? Discover how the right courses could open doors for you.