Nursing & Healthcare
Registered Nurse · Midwife · Paramedic · Medical Technician
Level 7+ Required
Study Pathways to PR
Choose the right course to maximise your points and secure permanent residency in New Zealand.
Why Planning Matters
The Right Course Creates the Right Pathway
New Zealand’s immigration system rewards students who plan ahead. Choosing a qualification at the right NZQF level, in a Green List occupation or a Skilled Migrant Category-eligible field, means you can move from study to work to residence without dead ends. The pathways below explain how each route works, and our advisers help you identify exactly which one fits your background and goals.
Whether you want to qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category’s 6-point system, apply directly through the Green List, or use a Post-Study Work Visa to build skilled employment, every route starts with the right enrolment decision. Book a free consultation and we’ll map your specific pathway from day one.
Green List Careers in Demand
New Zealand's Green List identifies occupations facing critical shortages. Studying in these fields gives you a direct fast-track to residency.
Information Technology
Software Engineer · Cybersecurity Analyst · Data Scientist · DevOps Engineer
Level 7+ Required
Engineering
Civil Engineer · Electrical Engineer · Mechanical Engineer · Structural Engineer
Level 7+ Required
Construction & Trades
Builder · Electrician · Plumber · Quantity Surveyor · Project Manager
Level 5+ Required
Education & Teaching
Primary Teacher · Secondary Teacher · Early Childhood Educator · ESOL Teacher
Level 7+ Required
Agriculture & Primary Industries
Farm Manager · Agricultural Scientist · Viticulturist · Environmental Planner
Level 6+ Required
Understanding NZ Qualification Levels
New Zealand uses a 10-level qualification framework (NZQF). Under the updated Skilled Migrant Category, degree-level qualifications (Level 7+) earn residence points on a 6-point scale.
5
Certificate
Trade
6
Diploma
Work Visa
Most Popular
7
Bachelor / GradDip
3 pts
8
Postgrad / Honours
4 pts
9
Masters
5 pts
10
Doctorate
6 pts
Entry Level Highest Points
Under the Skilled Migrant Category (updated October 2023), a minimum of 6 points is required for residence. Points are awarded for NZ qualifications at Level 7 (degree) and above. Levels 5–6 support trade pathways via the Green List or work-to-residence routes.
Popular Study-to-PR Pathways
Step-by-step roadmaps from your first day of study to holding a New Zealand Resident Visa.
IT Graduate Pathway
Approx. 3–4 years to PR
1
Level 7 Diploma
IT / Computer Science
1–2 years
2
Post-Study Work Visa
Gain NZ work experience
Up to 3 years
3
Skilled Migrant
6-point system (2023)
Job offer + NZ qualification
Permanent Residency
Resident Visa granted
Live & work permanently
Nursing Pathway
Approx. 2–3 years to PR
1
Level 7 Degree
Bachelor of Nursing
3 years full-time
2
Job Offer
Registered Nurse role
DHB or private hospital
3
Green List Visa
Straight to Resident
Visa (Tier 1)
Permanent Residency
Fastest Green List route
No EOI draw needed
Construction Pathway
Approx. 4–5 years to PR
1
Level 5 Certificate
Construction / Trade
1 year full-time
2
Apprenticeship
Employer-based training
2–3 years on-the-job
3
Green List / SMC
Skilled trade + NZ experience
Work-to-residence route
Permanent Residency
Resident Visa granted
Trades in high demand
Free Consultation
Not Sure Which Pathway
is Right For You?
Our licensed immigration advisers will assess your qualifications, goals, and circumstances and map out the fastest route to your New Zealand PR.
Get Expert Advice