Resident — Green List Tier 1Verified 2026-04-19New Zealand Green List Straight to Residence Visa (Tier 1) — Informational
The Green List Tier 1 Straight to Residence Visa is NZ's fastest PR pathway — for applicants with job offers in the most critical in-demand occupations. Covers specialist medical professionals, senior engineers, senior ICT roles, vets, teachers in select subjects, construction project managers, etc. Fee NZD 6,450. Resident Visa immediately with qualifying job offer — no need to work 24 months first.
NZ work and residence categories (AEWV, Skilled Migrant, Green List, Parent) require ongoing engagement with NZ employers' accreditation, Job Check approvals, occupation-specific registration, and NZQA qualification assessments. NZ law also requires paid immigration advice (other than for student visas) to come from Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) licensed advisers or NZ-qualified lawyers. SureshotVisa specialises in short-stay visit, business, and student visa applications — please consult an IAA-licensed NZ immigration adviser or lawyer for these categories.
Processing
Varies by visa category — Visitor 80% in 2 weeks; Business Visitor 1 week; Student 8 weeks; Post Study Work 4 weeks; AEWV 6 weeks; SMC/Green List 6-12 months
Stay Duration
Permanent (Resident); PR after 2 years
Starting Fee
NZD 1,540
Apply At
12 VFS centres
Who Can Apply
- Job offer in Green List Tier 1 occupation
- Occupational registration (where required — e.g. medical, engineering, teaching)
- Meets health, character, English requirements
Fees (in INR)
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | NZD 1,540 |
| Partner of NZ Citizen/Resident Work Visa | NZD 1,630 |
| Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa | NZD 6,450 |
| Straight to Residence (Green List Tier 1) | NZD 6,450 |
| Work to Residence (Green List Tier 2) | NZD 6,450 |
| Partnership Resident Visa | NZD 5,810 |
| Parent Resident Visa | NZD 4,290 |
| Active Investor Plus Visa | NZD 28,000 |
All NZ visa fees are set in NZD by Immigration New Zealand and paid online at apply.immigration.govt.nz. The INR amount depends on NZD/INR exchange rate on payment day. Additional costs: medical/TB X-ray at INZ Panel Physician (₹6,000-12,000), Police Clearance Certificate (free from PSK but courier/apostille extra), NZQA International Qualifications Assessment (NZD 746 if below-bachelor), translation, biometrics, and Immigration Levy (separate from base fee). Non-refundable regardless of outcome. Green List occupations update frequently — verify current Tier 1 list at immigration.govt.nz before assuming your role qualifies.
Documents Required
Overview — for informational reference only
- !Valid Indian passport
All Australian visas require a valid passport for the duration of stay.
- !Complete document checklist via the Document Checklist Tool
Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au — the tool generates a visa-specific, country-specific checklist.
- !Sponsorship / nomination / relationship evidence (as applicable)
Exact evidence varies by category — always confirm with a MARA agent.
! = mandatory · ○ = optional / if applicable
🗺️ Step-by-Step Application Process
Get job offer in Green List Tier 1 occupation
Job role must be specifically listed as Tier 1.
Apply online at apply.immigration.govt.nz
Select Green List Straight to Residence category.
Upload qualifications + registration + job offer + NZD 6,450
Full evidence package.
Decision 6-12 months
Straight to Resident Visa — no prior NZ work required.
Download Official Forms
Official forms are hosted by VFS Global — we don't host third-party forms ourselves, so you always get the latest version.
📋 How to download from VFS:
- Click the form name below — opens VFS Switzerland page
- Select the visa category you're applying for (e.g. Tourist, Business, Student)
- Scroll down to the "Download Form" section at the bottom
- Click the PDF icon next to the form name → saves to your device
Immigration NZ Online Application Portal
Create a RealMe account or Immigration Online account. All NZ visas for Indian applicants are lodged here online.
Immigration New Zealand — Official Visa Information
Authoritative source for all NZ visa categories, fee updates, and occupation/wage thresholds (which change frequently).
VFS Global NZ — Biometrics & Document Submission (India)
Where Indian applicants submit biometrics, book appointments, and track passport delivery.
INZ Panel Physicians — Medical Examination (India)
Only INZ Panel Physicians' medical reports are accepted — e-medical system. Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, and others.
NZQA International Qualifications Assessment
Required for below-bachelor foreign qualifications applying for work/residence visas. NZD 746 fee.
Green List Occupations (current)
Check if your occupation is Tier 1 (straight to residence) or Tier 2 (work to residence). Updated frequently — verify before applying.
Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) Register
Check if your advisor is IAA-licensed BEFORE paying for immigration advice. Critical for avoiding scams.
VFS Application Centres
Frequently Asked Questions
What occupations are on Tier 1?+
Do I need NZ registration?+
Why doesn't SureshotVisa process NZ work / residence visas?+
This page is for information only
SureshotVisa does not process this visa category. For other New Zealand visa types we can help with — Tourist, Visitor, Business, Student, or Family Reunification — see the related visa types below.
Other New Zealand Visa Types
New Zealand Visitor Visa (Tourism / Family Visit)
The main tourism and family-visit visa for Indian citizens. Up to 6 months multi-entry or 9 months single-entry. NZD 441. 80% decided in 2 weeks.
New Zealand Business Visitor Visa
For Indian professionals visiting NZ for business meetings, negotiations, conferences, or consultations. NZD 341. Up to 3 months in any 12-month period. Cannot take up NZ employment.
New Zealand Medical Treatment Visitor Visa
For Indian patients travelling to NZ for private medical treatment or consultation. NZD 441. Requires NZ hospital/specialist letter + funds for treatment + stay.
New Zealand Transit Visa
For Indian travellers passing through Auckland airport en route to a third country for up to 24 hours. Free or nominal fee.
New Zealand Culturally Arranged Marriage Visitor Visa
For Indian citizens coming to NZ to marry their NZ citizen/resident fiancé(e) in an arranged marriage — within 3 months of arrival. Pathway to Partnership Resident Visa.
New Zealand Fee Paying Student Visa
Main study visa for Indian students pursuing full-time courses at approved NZ education providers. NZD 850. Up to 4 years per visa. Work rights up to 25 hrs/week during term. Gateway to PR.
New Zealand Pathway Student Visa
A single visa covering up to 3 consecutive study programmes (e.g. English → Foundation → Bachelor's). Valid up to 5 years. NZD 850. Saves money vs 3 separate student visas.
New Zealand Post Study Work Visa — Informational
Critical bridge visa after completing qualifying NZ course. Up to 3 years open work rights. NZD 1,670. Only one PSWV per lifetime. Gateway to AEWV and PR.
Source & Disclaimer
Data on this page is sourced from the official VFS Global New Zealand website and Embassy of New Zealand. Last verified 2026-04-19. Always verify with the official embassy before applying — fees and requirements change without notice.