Skilled Migrant Category Visa

A Skilled Migrant Category Visa allows holders to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. At least six skilled resident points from skills and work in New Zealand are required to be eligible to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Full membership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) can be used to claim the full six points required.

Even with all six points, applicants for the visa must be already be working in, or have an offer for, a role which meets the following criteria:

• Is with an accredited employer
• Is either in ANZSCO Level 1 to 3 occupation and pays at least the 2024 median wage, or in an ANZSCO Level 4 to 5 occupation and pays at least 1.5 times the 2024 median wage
• Is full time (at least 30 hours a week), and
• Is permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months, or a contract or continuous contracts for at least 6 months.

CA ANZ offers a number of international membership pathways for members of overseas accounting bodies to become a CA ANZ member. Pathways differ depending on the overseas body that the applicant is part of.

Straight to Residence Green List visa

The Straight to Residence Green List visa is available to auditors. Tier 1 of New Zealand’s Green List includes occupations that allow for a Straight to Residence visa, enabling skilled workers to apply for residency without needing prior work experience in New Zealand. Holders of the Straight to Residence visa are eligible to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. Applicants must:

Already be working for an accredited employer, or have a job offer from one

• Have or be offered a Green List Tier 1 job that is full-time
• Speak and understand English
• Meet the other requirements of the visa.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a temporary work visa which allows holders to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years, depending on their job, skill level and how much they are paid when they applied apply for the visa. A job offer of full-time work from an accredited employer is required to apply for this visa. There are additional requirements to be met, which may include work experience or other qualification requirements depending on the job.

All categories of visa may have additional requirements, which can be found on the Immigration New Zealand website.