Tools — 01
Migration Pathway Finder
Not sure which residence route fits you? Answer 6 quick questions and we'll rank the realistic pathways — Green List Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, SMC 6-point, or study-first — with the exact tools and guides for your next step.
Question 1 of 6
Is your occupation on the INZ Green List?
Official source: INZ — Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa · INZ — Green List · Data last verified: 2026-08-31 / 2026-09-02
Frequently asked questions
- How does the Pathway Finder decide which route to recommend?
- It replays the logic of INZ’s published rules: Green List Tier 1 occupations go Straight to Residence, Tier 2 goes Work to Residence after 2 years, and everyone else is scored on the SMC 6-point system (one skill category — qualification, registration or income — plus up to 3 points of NZ skilled work experience). If work-based points fall short and you’re open to it, the study-first route via a Post-Study Work Visa is suggested.
- How accurate is the SMC points estimate here?
- It’s an approximation from your six answers. The full calculation has edge cases — IQA assessments for overseas qualifications, which registrations count and for how many points, and wage thresholds that must be sustained through claimed experience. Use the SMC Points Calculator next for a precise number.
- Do I need a job offer for every pathway?
- For every work-based residence pathway, yes — SMC, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence all require skilled employment with an accredited employer. That’s why most people land first on an AEWV work visa. The study-first route is the exception: it starts with a student visa and converts later.
- Is this immigration advice?
- No. It’s an indicative self-assessment built from INZ’s public rules (SMC rules verified 2026-08-31; Green List verified against INZ’s list). Policies change and individual circumstances differ — confirm everything on the official INZ pages or with a licensed immigration adviser before you act.