New Zealand offers two clear pathways to permanent residence for international graduates: the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), a points-based system that rewards NZ qualifications and skilled employment, and the Green List, which provides a straight-to-residence pathway for specific in-demand occupations. This 2026 guide explains both pathways in detail, including the SMC points breakdown, Green List occupations, processing times, and application costs.
New Zealand offers two clear pathways to permanent residence for international graduates: the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), a points-based system that rewards NZ qualifications and skilled employment, and the Green List, which provides a straight-to-residence pathway for specific in-demand occupations. This 2026 guide explains both pathways in detail, including the SMC points breakdown, Green List occupations, processing times, and application costs.
Two Pathways to New Zealand PR
After completing your studies in New Zealand, you have two primary routes to permanent residence. Most Nepali graduates will pursue the Skilled Migrant Category, while those in specific high-demand occupations — particularly in healthcare and education — may qualify for the faster Green List straight-to-residence pathway.
Pathway 1: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
The Skilled Migrant Category is New Zealand’s flagship points-based residence pathway. It uses an Expression of Interest (EOI) system, where applicants submit their points profile to a pool. Immigration New Zealand conducts periodic draws from this pool, selecting applicants who have reached the minimum points threshold. As of 2026, 160 points is the threshold for automatic selection from the pool.
SMC Points Breakdown
| Category | Points Available | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Age (20–29 years) | 30 points | Decreases for ages 30–39; 0 points for 45+ |
| New Zealand bachelor’s degree | 50 points | Must be from a recognised NZ institution |
| New Zealand postgraduate degree | 70 points | Master’s or PhD from any NZ institution |
| Skilled job offer in NZ | 50 points | Must be a skilled role (ANZSCO Skill Level 1–3) |
| Skilled job offer outside Auckland | +30 bonus points | Regional employer incentive |
| NZ work experience (per year, up to 5 yrs) | 10 points/year | Skilled work in NZ only; maximum 50 points |
| Partner’s NZ qualification | 10–20 points | If partner also has NZ degree or employment |
A typical Nepali graduate aged 24–28 with a New Zealand bachelor’s degree and a skilled job offer can realistically score between 130 and 160 points, with additional points from NZ work experience pushing them over the threshold within one to two years of graduation.
Pathway 2: Green List Straight-to-Residence
New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations that are in critical shortage. For occupations on Tier 1 of the Green List, qualifying workers can apply directly for residence — bypassing the SMC points pool entirely. As of 2026, key Green List Tier 1 occupations include:
- Registered Nurse (general, aged care, mental health)
- Medical practitioners (doctors, surgeons)
- Secondary school teachers
- Civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers
- Construction trades professionals
To qualify for the Green List straight-to-residence pathway, you must hold a job offer or current employment in the qualifying occupation with a New Zealand accredited employer, meet the qualification and registration requirements for your occupation, and demonstrate English language proficiency.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) as a Bridge
Many Nepali graduates use the Post Study Work Visa first, then transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) once they secure a skilled job. The AEWV provides a stable employment-tied visa while accumulating the NZ work experience points needed for SMC, or while an employer processes a residence sponsorship application.
Processing Times and Costs
- SMC Expression of Interest: free to submit; residence application fee NZD 4,290
- Processing time once selected from pool: approximately 12–18 months
- Green List straight-to-residence application fee: NZD 4,290
- Processing time for Green List residence: approximately 6–12 months
How many points do I need for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category PR?
You need a minimum of 160 points to be automatically selected from the Skilled Migrant Category pool. Points are awarded for age, New Zealand qualifications (50 points for a bachelor's, 70 for a postgraduate degree), a skilled job offer (50 points), NZ work experience (10 points per year), and partner qualifications.
What is the New Zealand Green List and which occupations are on it?
The Green List identifies occupations in critical shortage in New Zealand where workers can apply directly for permanent residence. Tier 1 occupations include registered nurses, doctors, secondary school teachers, engineers, and some construction trades. Nepali nursing and engineering graduates who complete their studies in New Zealand and obtain registration are well-positioned for this pathway.
How long does NZ PR take after graduation?
For the Skilled Migrant Category, most graduates need one to three years to accumulate enough points (NZ work experience) after graduation, then 12–18 months for the residence application to be processed. For Green List straight-to-residence, qualifying graduates can apply as soon as they have a qualifying job and registration, with processing taking approximately 6–12 months.
How much does it cost to apply for New Zealand PR?
The New Zealand residence application fee is NZD 4,290 (approximately NPR 380,000–400,000 at current exchange rates) for both the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List pathways. This fee covers the primary applicant; additional fees apply for including partners and dependent children.
- Skilled Migrant Category (www.immigration.govt.nz)
- Green List occupations (www.immigration.govt.nz)
Frequently Asked Questions
How many points do I need for New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category PR?
You need a minimum of 160 points to be automatically selected from the Skilled Migrant Category pool. Points are awarded for age, New Zealand qualifications (50 points for a bachelor's, 70 for a postgraduate degree), a skilled job offer (50 points), NZ work experience (10 points per year), and partner qualifications.
What is the New Zealand Green List and which occupations are on it?
The Green List identifies occupations in critical shortage in New Zealand where workers can apply directly for permanent residence. Tier 1 occupations include registered nurses, doctors, secondary school teachers, engineers, and some construction trades. Nepali nursing and engineering graduates who complete their studies in New Zealand and obtain registration are well-positioned for this pathway.
How long does NZ PR take after graduation?
For the Skilled Migrant Category, most graduates need one to three years to accumulate enough points (NZ work experience) after graduation, then 12–18 months for the residence application to be processed. For Green List straight-to-residence, qualifying graduates can apply as soon as they have a qualifying job and registration, with processing taking approximately 6–12 months.
How much does it cost to apply for New Zealand PR?
The New Zealand residence application fee is NZD 4,290 (approximately NPR 380,000–400,000 at current exchange rates) for both the Skilled Migrant Category and Green List pathways. This fee covers the primary applicant; additional fees apply for including partners and dependent children.
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