Mechanical Engineering Technician

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.

You must have one of the following:

• Bachelor of Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering (NZQCF Level 7).
• A diploma at NZQCF Level 6 or higher, with the minimum equivalent of 240 credits, which includes the knowledge requirements of the New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical Engineering) (Level 6).
• A Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited undergraduate (initial) engineering degree in Mechanical Engineering.
• A qualification at NZQCF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer status in New Zealand.
• New Zealand registration in Mechanical 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.