New Zealand visa types
New Zealand has more than 170 visas. These are the 16 most people are actually choosing between. Each page gives who the visa is for, the criteria, the fee, the processing time and where to apply — exactly as Immigration New Zealand publishes them, with the source link and the date checked.
Checked against immigration.govt.nz on 2026-09-15
Work visas
Temporary visas that let you work for a New Zealand employer.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
For the main temporary work visa for people with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
Read the published criteria →Specific Purpose Work Visa
For a work visa for a defined purpose or event rather than an ongoing job.
Read the published criteria →Post-Study Work Visa
For a work visa for people who have just finished an approved qualification in New Zealand.
Read the published criteria →Working Holiday Visa
For a visa to holiday, work and study in New Zealand for young people from countries with a working holiday scheme.
Read the published criteria →Residence visas
Visas that let you live, work and study here indefinitely.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (SMC)
For the points-based residence pathway for skilled workers with a job at an accredited employer.
Read the published criteria →Straight to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 1)
For immediate residence for people in a Green List Tier 1 role with an accredited employer.
Read the published criteria →Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2)
For residence after two years of New Zealand work in a Green List Tier 2 role.
Read the published criteria →Partner and family visas
Visas based on a relationship with a New Zealander, a resident or a visa holder.
Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
For residence for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Read the published criteria →Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
For a work visa for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Read the published criteria →Partner of a Worker Work Visa
For a work visa for the partner of someone here on an eligible work visa.
Read the published criteria →Dependent Child Resident Visa
For residence for the dependent child of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Read the published criteria →Parent Resident Visa
For residence for the parent or grandparent of a New Zealand citizen or resident.
Read the published criteria →Parent Boost Visitor Visa
For a long visitor visa for parents of New Zealand citizens and residents.
Read the published criteria →Student visas
Visas for studying with an approved education provider.
Visitor visas and the NZeTA
Short stays, holidays and transit.
Sources
Read on 2026-09-15. Immigration rules change: if this page and the source disagree, the source is right.