New Zealand Visa and Immigration Guide

Practical New Zealand guidance for skilled workers, students and families

Visa types, Skilled Migrant residence points, the Accredited Employer Work Visa, student visas, documents, IRD and bank setup, cost of living and healthcare for people moving to New Zealand.

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New Zealand guide topics

Pick the stage you are at, from checking Skilled Migrant points and verifying a job offer to your first weeks after landing.

Visa TypesA plain-language overview of New Zealand visa categories: visitor, student, Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant residence and family routes.6 checklist items Skilled MigrantHow the Skilled Migrant Category residence visa works, the points system, the 2026 changes adding new skilled pathways, and how applicants should prepare.6 checklist items Work Visa (AEWV)How the AEWV works, what accredited employers and job checks are, the salary and skill conditions, and how to avoid the job-offer scams targeting South Asian workers.6 checklist items Student VisaWhat South Asian students need for a New Zealand student visa: offer of place, proof of funds, genuine student assessment, work rights and post-study options.6 checklist items DocumentsThe documents New Zealand visas require from South Asian applicants: police certificates, TB screening and full medicals, English tests and qualification assessments.6 checklist items First WeeksThe settling-in sequence for new arrivals in New Zealand: IRD tax number, opening a bank account, SIM and transport cards, and the 12-month overseas licence rule.6 checklist items Cost of LivingRealistic New Zealand budgets for new migrants: rent by city, weekly-rent culture, groceries, transport and how Auckland compares with regional centres.6 checklist items Healthcare & SafetyWho qualifies for publicly funded healthcare in New Zealand, how ACC accident cover protects everyone, GP enrolment, and the emergency numbers to save.6 checklist items

Start at immigration.govt.nz

NZ visa settings, wage thresholds and the Skilled Migrant rules keep changing, including major 2026 reforms. Always confirm on Immigration New Zealand's official site.

Verify every job offer

Fake New Zealand job offers target South Asian workers. Check employer accreditation and never pay anyone for a job or visa sponsorship, it is illegal in NZ.

Plan the first weeks

A SIM, bank account and IRD number in the right order make you work-ready within days. Remember NZ rents are quoted weekly, not monthly.