To be eligible you must be working for an accredited employer or have a job offer from one, and be paid at least NZD $35.00 an hour (the 2025 median wage) or above.
If you meet all the visa requirements you can apply for a Straight to Residence Visa now. You can apply in New Zealand, come on a work visa and apply, or apply from outside New Zealand.
What you need to qualify
You must have one of the following:
- A Washington Accord accredited (initial) engineering degree.
- A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQCF Level 8).
- A qualification at NZQCF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer status in New Zealand.
- Registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer by Engineering New Zealand.
Where a Washington Accord accredited undergraduate engineering degree is required, the degree must have been awarded on or after the date the country became a signatory, and must be on that country's list of accredited programmes. The same applies to Sydney Accord accredited engineering technology degrees. Check the International Engineering Alliance signatory lists at ieagreements.org.
Study for this occupation
These New Zealand programmes are relevant to this occupation. Check them against the requirement above rather than assuming they satisfy it: several roles ask for an accredited undergraduate degree or a professional registration that a master's does not provide.
Auckland University of Technology
Green List related
University of Waikato
Green List related
University of Canterbury
Green List related
University of Canterbury
Green List related
University of Auckland
Green List related
University of Waikato
Green List related
Green List settings are set by Immigration New Zealand and change from time to time. Always check the official page before relying on this.