20 Occupations Eligible for New Zealand Straight to Residency Immigration Program

Imagine waking up to the breathtaking landscapes of New Zealand—where you can enjoy a peaceful, safe, and prosperous life, not only for yourself but also for your family. If you’ve ever dreamed of settling down in a country that values your expertise, offers high salaries, and provides a streamlined path to permanent residency, New Zealand is calling your name. For professionals in critical sectors, New Zealand’s Straight to Residency program offers an incredible opportunity to skip the typical long waiting periods and dive right into building a secure future in one of the world’s most sought-after destinations.

This isn’t just about securing a high-paying job—though the salaries are certainly impressive, often ranging from NZD 70,000 to over NZD 500,000 per year depending on your field (as per wage requirement https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/wage-rate-requirements-for-visas). It’s about moving to a country where your family can thrive, with a guaranteed route to residency that means you can lay down roots for life. Whether you’re an engineer, doctor, or project manager, New Zealand’s open arms policy ensures that your skills are rewarded with not only a fantastic career but also the ability to bring your family along from day one.

The Straight to Residency pathway is as smooth as it sounds: land your role in a critical sector, complete the necessary paperwork, and voilà—you and your loved ones are on the fast track to permanent residency in a land of natural beauty, friendly communities, and limitless opportunities. If you’re ready for a life where work-life balance, financial stability, and a bright future are all within reach, now is the time to make the move to New Zealand.

So lets first go through the list of top 20 tier-1 professions that are eligible for straight to residency program starting from November 2024:

1# Anesthetist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Anesthesiology, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Anesthetists are specialist doctors who administer anesthesia to patients during surgical, obstetric, and other medical procedures. They play a critical role in ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout these procedures.

2# Cardiothoracic Surgeon

• Average Salary: NZD 300,000 – 500,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Cardiothoracic Surgery, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Cardiothoracic surgeons specialize in surgical procedures involving the heart, lungs, and other organs in the chest. They are highly skilled surgeons in very high demand.

3# Chemical Engineers

• Average Salary: NZD 80,000 – 150,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering or a related field. May require registration with Engineering New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Chemical engineers design and develop chemical processes for manufacturing, energy production, and other industries. They play a crucial role in optimizing production, ensuring safety, and minimizing environmental impact.

4# Civil Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 70,000 – 140,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related field. May require registration with Engineering New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Civil engineers plan, design, and oversee the construction of infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and water systems. They are essential for the development and maintenance of a country’s infrastructure.

5# Construction Project Managers

• Average Salary: NZD 90,000 – 180,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field. Relevant experience is essential.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Construction project managers plan, coordinate, and supervise construction projects from beginning to end. They ensure projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required standards.

6# Dentist

• Average Salary: NZD 120,000 – 250,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or equivalent, registration with the Dental Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Dentists diagnose and treat conditions related to the mouth, teeth, and gums. They provide preventive care, restorative treatments, and oral surgery.

7# Dermatologist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Dermatology, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Dermatologists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions. They provide medical and surgical care for a wide range of skin diseases.

8# Electrical Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 75,000 – 150,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or a related field. May require registration with Engineering New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Electrical engineers design, develop, and maintain electrical systems and components for various applications, including power generation, transportation, and communications.

9# General Practitioners

• Average Salary: NZD 150,000 – 250,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: General practitioners (GPs) provide primary healthcare services to patients of all ages. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and provide preventive care and health education.

10# Gastroenterologist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Gastroenterology, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Gastroenterologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, liver, and pancreas.

11# Geotechnical Engineer

• Average Salary: NZD 80,000 – 160,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Geotechnical Engineering or a related field. May require registration with Engineering New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Geotechnical engineers investigate the properties of soil and rock to assess their suitability for construction projects. They ensure the stability and safety of foundations, slopes, and underground structures.

12# ICT Security Specialist

• Average Salary: NZD 90,000 – 180,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field. Relevant certifications are often preferred.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: ICT security specialists protect computer systems and networks from cyber threats. They implement security measures, monitor systems for vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents.

13# Internal Medicine Specialist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Internal Medicine, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Internal medicine specialists (also known as internists) diagnose and treat a wide range of diseases and conditions affecting adults. They often provide comprehensive care and manage complex medical cases.

14# Medical Laboratory Scientist

• Average Salary: NZD 60,000 – 120,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Medical Laboratory Science or a related field. Registration with the Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand is required.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Medical laboratory scientists perform laboratory tests to analyze body fluids and tissues, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. They play a vital role in patient care and disease management.

15# Mental Health Nurse

• Average Salary: NZD 65,000 – 110,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, with specialization in mental health. Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand is required.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Mental health nurses provide specialized care to individuals with mental health conditions. They assess, plan, and implement care plans, and provide support and education to patients and their families.

16# Midwife

• Average Salary: NZD 60,000 – 100,000 per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Bachelor’s degree in Midwifery or a related field. Registration with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand is required.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They offer support, education, and medical care to ensure the health and well-being of both mother and baby.

17# Neurologist

• Average Salary: NZD 250,000 – 400,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Neurology, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis.

18# Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Obstetricians and gynaecologists (OB/GYNs) specialize in women’s health, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the female reproductive system. They provide care for women throughout their lives, from adolescence to menopause.

19# Pediatrician

• Average Salary: NZD 180,000 – 300,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Pediatrics, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Pediatricians provide medical care to infants, children, and adolescents. They diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries, and provide preventive care and health education.

20# Psychiatrist

• Average Salary: NZD 200,000 – 350,000+ per year
• Minimum Educational Requirement: Medical degree with specialization in Psychiatry, registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
• Occupation Category: Tier 1 (Eligible for Straight to Residence)
• Description: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who specialize in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They provide therapy, medication management, and other interventions to help patients improve their mental health.

If you are a professional with required qualifications of any of these above 20 occupations then you can pursue your application for New Zealand straight to residency program online here https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/straight-to-residence-visa.

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