Discover Permanent Residency in New Zealand for Job Holders

Of course, it’s about securing a position with an accredited employer, not just any job. I’ve encountered numerous individuals who spent three years working in convenience stores on an open work visa, only to return home afterward.

If all other factors are zero, the job is the critical one that makes the difference.

Other conditions can be broken down quite simply; although there are certain thresholds, many people actually meet them.

**Age:** Around 30-35, whether you have a partner or children is irrelevant. This age group typically has valuable experience but remains adaptable and open to new challenges.

**Education:** A bachelor’s degree from the Green List is sufficient, but for the 6-point system, a master’s degree or higher is ideal, as it reduces the required work duration.

**Language:** An IELTS score of 6.5 is the minimum requirement for New Zealand, but for finding a job, the higher the better. Proficiency in English can significantly enhance your employability.

**Work Experience:** 3-5 years of domestic work experience in a Green List occupation is acceptable, especially if it’s from a reputable company. For the 6-point system, local work experience is a must.

This applies to both domestic and international bachelor’s and master’s degrees, excluding fields like humanities, social sciences, and philosophy (no discrimination intended).

Now, let’s delve into the key point: “work.”

1. **Limited Demand and Economy:** The country is small, and its economy is primarily based on agriculture and livestock. Even if you excel in high-tech, you might struggle to find a relevant job.
2. **Networking and Referrals:** Networking is crucial. Without connections, landing a job is nearly impossible.

Only positions that are extremely hard to fill are advertised publicly.
3. **Prioritization:** Local work experience trumps education and major. Employers value practical, local experience over academic credentials.
4. **Occupational Demand:** Shortage occupations such as IT, engineering, and accounting are in high demand, followed by general science and engineering majors.

Finance, humanities, social sciences, philosophy, and arts are at the bottom of the list.
5. **Hiring Order:** Employers prefer to hire local Kiwis first, followed by those with residency, then work visa holders, and finally others.

Given these factors, it’s incredibly challenging to secure a job offer, let alone a long-term one from an accredited employer. As a result, many people choose to separate the job and residency processes, obtaining residency first before focusing on finding a job. This approach has its advantages, as it alleviates the constant anxiety about your status and gives you time to build experience and potentially work for a well-established company.