How to get direct New Zealand PR for Engineers in 2025?

Are you an engineer looking to build your career in New Zealand? Good news — under Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) Green List (Tier 1) Straight to Residence visa category, qualified engineers with a job offer can apply directly for residency.

This pathway makes New Zealand one of the most attractive destinations for engineers worldwide, offering not just employment but also the security of permanent residence from the very beginning.

Engineering is one of the most in-demand professions in New Zealand, reflected by the 28 engineering occupations listed on the Green List.

If you secure a full-time role with an accredited New Zealand employer in one of these occupations, you can apply straight for residency — even if you are currently overseas.

However, eligibility depends on meeting the specific qualification and professional requirements outlined for each role. In some cases, you may also need a certification letter from Engineering New Zealand (ENZ) to support your application.

To qualify under this pathway, you generally need a job offer in a Green List occupation and meet one of the following:

1. Specified qualification listed for that occupation on the Green List.

2. A Washington Accord accredited engineering degree (or in some cases, a Sydney Accord qualification).

3. An NZQA Level 7 or higher qualification, plus a certification letter from Engineering New Zealand confirming it meets Chartered Professional Engineer standards.

4. Registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer with Engineering New Zealand.

• Your degree must exactly match the qualification stated on the Green List.

• If your qualification was earned overseas, you may need an International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) from NZQA to verify its equivalency.

• If your qualification is on INZ’s “Exempt from Assessment” list, you don’t need an IQA.

NZQA Fees & Timelines:

• Standard IQA: NZ$445

• Skill Shortage List IQA: NZ$610

• Processing time: 30 working days

• Washington Accord applies to Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) qualifications (NZQA Level 8).

• Sydney Accord applies to Engineering Technology qualifications (NZQA Level 7).

Important notes:

• The degree must be from a country that was a full signatory at the time of your graduation.

• Only undergraduate engineering degrees are recognised.

You can check if your degree is accredited via the International Engineering Alliance website.

If your degree is not directly listed but is assessed at Level 7 or above, you can apply for a Credential Check with Engineering New Zealand.

• This confirms if your qualification is equivalent to a Washington Accord degree.

• If not, you may undergo an Equivalent Knowledge Assessment (EKA), where your postgraduate studies, professional development, and work experience are reviewed.

Fees & Processing:

• Credential Check: NZ$550 (free for ENZ members) – 7–10 working days

• Equivalent Knowledge Assessment:

  • Standard: NZ$1,397

  • Fast Track: NZ$1,938

  • Processing: 6–8 weeks

Another pathway is obtaining registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer (CPEng) through Engineering New Zealand.

• This process is thorough and usually pursued after gaining residence.

• However, it provides a strong professional standing within New Zealand’s engineering community.

Engineering New Zealand is the peak professional body supporting engineers across all disciplines.

Benefits of ENZ membership include:

• Nationwide networking and mentoring opportunities

• Access to professional development and resources

• Free Credential Check for members

• Guidance for migrant engineers relocating to New Zealand

ENZ also runs a Special Interest Group for Immigrant Engineers, open to members and non-members alike, providing community and support for engineers new to New Zealand.

The Straight to Residence pathway allows engineers to bypass temporary visa uncertainty and settle directly in New Zealand. However, preparing your application with the right qualifications, assessments, and documents can be complex.

That’s where our team at SOL Edu & Migration can help.

At SOL Edu & Migration, we:

• Assess your qualifications and eligibility for the Green List.

• Guide you through the IQA and ENZ assessment processes.

• Work alongside Engineering New Zealand to strengthen your application.

• Provide ongoing support to permanent residence.

New Zealand offers engineers an exciting career path and a secure future. Don’t let the paperwork hold you back.

📩 Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your eligibility for the Straight to Residence pathway and start your journey towards a new life in New Zealand.