Back to pathways

Skilled visas

Some pathways get you there straight away, others take a little longer. Either way, they all start here.

My occupation is in high demand

New Zealand

Straight to Residence Visa

Tier 1 Green List roles for residence, no waiting.

Australia

Skilled Independent visa (189)

Points-tested, no sponsorship needed.

Check eligibility

My employer supports my residence

New Zealand

Work to Residence Visa

Tier 2 roles or high enough pay, after 2 years in the job.

Australia

Employer Nomination Scheme (186)

Permanent residence through your employer.

Check eligibility

Skilled but not on the fast-track list

New Zealand

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The general points-based pathway.

Australia

Skilled Nominated visa (190)

Points-tested, with state or territory nomination.

Check eligibility

I'm open to living regionally

Australia

Skilled Work Regional visa (491)

A provisional visa, leads to permanent residence after time spent working in a regional area.

Check eligibility

Not sure where you fit?

Tell us what you do and we'll tell you honestly which door is open.

Send a message

What we do

  • Check if your job qualifies for a faster residence pathway.
  • Get an honest estimate of how long it may take.
  • We prepare your application and handle all communication.
  • Keeping an eye on list and policy changes that could affect your case while it's underway.

Common questions

What's the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 on the Green List? +

Tier 1 lets you apply for residence straight away, once you have a qualifying job offer. Tier 2 means working in the role for 24 months first. Which tier your occupation falls under can change, so we'll check the current list for you.

Is the 491 visa permanent residence? +

Not immediately. It's provisional, meaning you live and work in the visa's conditions for a period first, and permanent residence follows through a separate application after that.

What if my occupation isn't on the Green List? +

You may still qualify through the general Skilled Migrant Category in New Zealand, or a points-tested visa in Australia. Being off the Green List doesn't mean there's no pathway, it usually just means a different one.

Can my partner and children be included in my residence application? +

Often, yes, most residence pathways allow you to include a partner and dependent children. The exact requirements depend on the visa, so we'll confirm what applies to your family.

Looking for another visa option or some extra support?

Here's where else to look.