Aotearoa - one of the world's most peaceful, safe and clean countries. Stunning landscapes, a welcoming culture, strong skill demand and a quality of life quite unlike anywhere else.
New Zealand is consistently ranked among the world's safest, cleanest and most liveable nations. With ongoing skill shortages across key industries and one of the most welcoming immigration systems globally, skilled professionals are warmly received and well supported.
Consistently ranked in the Global Peace Index top tier, New Zealand offers genuine safety, stability and a low crime environment for families.
Residents benefit from New Zealand's publicly funded healthcare system, with access to hospitals, GPs, and pharmaceutical subsidies.
Children of migrants gain entry to New Zealand's world-class schools and universities, including free primary and secondary education.
From fiords to beaches, mountains to vineyards - New Zealand's extraordinary landscape supports an active, adventurous outdoor life.
Immigration New Zealand publishes a Green List of priority occupations experiencing critical shortages. Workers in these sectors have access to fast-tracked residency pathways unavailable to other migrants.
Civil engineers, project managers, building surveyors and construction tradespeople are in critical shortage nationally.
Doctors, nurses, midwives, aged care workers and allied health professionals are urgently needed across all regions.
Software developers, cybersecurity analysts, data engineers and ICT managers are sought by employers nationwide.
Electricians, plumbers, refrigeration mechanics and automotive technicians continue to appear on the occupation shortage lists.
New Zealand offers distinct visa pathways to suit different skill profiles and employer situations. Horizon will identify the most suitable route and manage your application end-to-end.
The primary points-based pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand. The current system uses a simplified 6-point framework based on qualifications, income, and professional registration - combined with skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Introduced to address critical shortages, the Green List offers accelerated residency for occupations New Zealand needs most urgently. Two tiers apply depending on your occupation's demand level.
The AEWV allows skilled workers to work in New Zealand under an accredited employer. Employers must demonstrate they were unable to source a suitable New Zealander first - with exceptions for Green List occupations.
New Zealand's Green List identifies occupations experiencing the most critical shortages. Workers in these roles benefit from significantly faster residency pathways - in some cases bypassing the standard EOI queue entirely.
Horizon monitors Green List updates and will advise you immediately if your occupation is added or its tier changes - maximising your window to apply.
Tier 1 roles can apply for residence immediately, without needing prior New Zealand work experience. These are the most critically needed occupations.
Tier 2 roles must first work in New Zealand for 2 years in the relevant occupation before applying for residency - still significantly faster than the standard pathway.
New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category now uses a streamlined 6-point framework. You need at least 6 points across three criteria - qualifications, income, and professional registration - combined with skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Important: In addition to the 6 points, applicants must have skilled work experience in New Zealand in their nominated occupation. The combination of points plus New Zealand work experience forms the complete eligibility requirement.
From your first consultation through to arrival in Aotearoa, Horizon manages every stage of the process with transparency and expertise.
Your Horizon consultant reviews your occupation, qualifications, income level and work history to identify your most eligible New Zealand visa pathway and advise whether the Green List, Skilled Migrant, or AEWV route is best for you.
We map out a personalised immigration strategy, prepare a comprehensive checklist, and assist with gathering qualifications, employment references, identity documents and any required professional registrations.
For Skilled Migrant applicants, Horizon prepares and lodges your EOI with the optimal profile. For AEWV applicants, we coordinate directly with your employer to ensure their accreditation and job check are in order.
Once invited, Horizon compiles your complete residency or work visa application - health checks, police clearances, character documents, relationship evidence - and lodges it with Immigration New Zealand.
With your visa approved, Horizon provides pre-departure briefings, settlement guidance and practical tips on IRD numbers, bank accounts, schools and healthcare - so you land ready to call New Zealand home.
Complete the form and a Horizon consultant will contact you within one business day with a personalised assessment of your New Zealand visa eligibility - at absolutely no cost and with no obligation.