Construction Project Manager
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:
- Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQCF Level 8).
- Bachelor of Engineering Technology (NZQCF Level 7).
- Bachelor of Construction (NZQCF Level 7).
- A bachelor's degree at NZQCF Level 7, or higher, with the minimum equivalent of 360 credits, which includes the requirements of a New Zealand major in construction management, civil engineering or highway engineering.
- A Graduate Diploma at NZQCF Level 7 or higher, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Graduate Diploma in construction management, highway engineering, civil engineering or construction project management.
- A diploma at NZQCF Level 6 or higher, with the minimum equivalent of 240 credits, which includes the knowledge requirements of a New Zealand Diploma in civil engineering, highway engineering, construction or construction management.
- A Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate (initial) engineering degree in Civil Engineering.
- 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.
- New Zealand registration in civil engineering as a Chartered Professional Engineer or an Engineering Technologist 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.
Master of Construction
Master of Engineering Management
Master of Building Science
Green List settings are set by Immigration New Zealand and change from time to time. Always check the official page before relying on this.