Express Entry Visa in New Zealand – Relocate to New Zealand

New Zealand has become one of the best places for immigrants seeking jobs, immigration opportunities, and a stable visa pathway to work abroad.

With thousands of foreign professionals relocating yearly, salaries often range from NZD $45,000 to over NZD $150,000 depending on the industry.

The country’s Express Entry-style immigration system makes it easier for skilled workers to secure long-term employment, earn competitive wages, and begin a new life in one of the world’s safest economies.

Why Consider a New Zealand Express Entry Visa as an Immigrant?

New Zealand offers one of the best fast-track immigration options for skilled foreign workers, especially those seeking stable jobs with high salaries.

The system prioritizes workers who can fill shortages in sectors such as IT, healthcare, construction, engineering, finance, and agriculture.

Average salaries in these industries range from NZD $60,000 to NZD $170,000 yearly, giving immigrants the financial strength to settle abroad comfortably.

The Express Entry-style visa is designed to assess applicants based on points such as age, education, work experience, and language skills.

This increases your chance of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Most professionals who qualify for this visa relocate within 3–6 months after approval.

Employers in New Zealand actively hire foreigners because the nation currently faces workforce shortages. Salaries also increase annually by an average of 3–5%, giving skilled immigrants long-term financial stability.

The visa also offers faster processing, easier employer sponsorship, and a pathway to PR and eventually citizenship.

With over 40,000 job openings projected yearly, the New Zealand Express Entry Visa has become one of the most attractive immigration pathways for globally mobile workers wanting to build a better future abroad.

High Paying Jobs for Immigrants Seeking New Zealand Express Entry Visa

New Zealand’s labor market is booming, and foreign workers have access to some of the highest-paying jobs abroad.

Many of these careers come with visa sponsorship and Express Entry preference. Below are top industries offering strong salaries:

High-Paying Jobs & Salary Estimates

• Software Engineers – NZD $95,000–$150,000 yearly

• Civil Engineers – NZD $90,000–$145,000 yearly

• Registered Nurses – NZD $70,000–$110,000 yearly

• Medical Doctors – NZD $150,000–$250,000 yearly

• Construction Managers – NZD $100,000–$160,000 yearly

• Accountants & Auditors – NZD $60,000–$120,000 yearly

• Electricians & Technicians – NZD $55,000–$100,000 yearly

• Farm Managers – NZD $70,000–$120,000 yearly

• Aged Care Workers – NZD $50,000–$80,000 yearly

• IT Project Managers – NZD $120,000–$180,000 yearly

These roles appear frequently on New Zealand’s Skill Shortage Lists, making them highly compatible with the Express Entry Visa pathway.

The demand for skilled immigrants is rising because New Zealand’s population is small, and industries are expanding faster than the local workforce can support.

Foreign workers with 3–5 years of experience earn higher salaries and have greater chances of being selected in the points-based system.

Many Fortune-level companies in New Zealand offer relocation bonuses worth NZD $3,000–$8,000, depending on the job.

Qualifications to Secure New Zealand Express Entry Visa

To qualify for a New Zealand Express Entry Visa, immigrants must meet specific educational, professional, and financial standards.

These qualifications help prove that you can fill critical job shortages and contribute positively to the country’s economy.

Salaries in eligible professions typically start at NZD $50,000 and can extend to NZD $180,000, depending on the occupation.

Common Qualification Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution

• For trade jobs like plumbing, welding, or electrical work, a diploma or certification is acceptable

• Minimum of 2–3 years of work experience in your skilled field

• Proof of English proficiency

• A skilled job offer with salary aligned to New Zealand standards

• Ability to meet minimum income thresholds, often NZD $29–$30 per hour, depending on industry

• Clean criminal and medical record

Skilled workers with postgraduate degrees or specialized certifications earn additional points and can qualify with higher salary expectations.

Skilled migrants earning above NZD $80,000 often enjoy faster visa processing because their qualification aligns closely with industries facing shortages.

New Zealand evaluates immigrant qualifications using the NZQA framework, and many foreign credentials are recognized instantly. If not, an assessment may be required.

Salary Expectations for Immigrants Seeking New Zealand Express Entry Visa

Immigrants applying for a New Zealand Express Entry Visa enjoy competitive salaries across multiple industries.

Average earnings start from NZD $50,000 for entry-level roles and rise to more than NZD $200,000 for senior technical and medical careers.

The typical working week is 40 hours, and overtime rates vary between 1.25x to 1.5x depending on employer policies.

Immigrants in IT, engineering, finance, and healthcare earn some of the best salaries in the country. Software developers, for instance, earn NZD $95,000–$140,000, while registered nurses earn NZD $70,000–$110,000.

Skilled trades like electricians and mechanics earn NZD $55,000–$95,000, while construction professionals earn NZD $80,000–$160,000 yearly.

Those who secure job offers before arriving abroad have higher chances of receiving points under the Express Entry system.

Employers often provide benefits such as relocation allowances, paid vacation days, health insurance, and employer-funded KiwiSaver contributions of up to 3% of salary.

Below is a structured salary table covering major high-demand immigrant jobs.

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Express Entry Visa

To qualify for the New Zealand Express Entry Visa, immigrants must meet several important eligibility criteria.

These rules help ensure that only skilled foreign workers with the right qualifications are selected for high-demand jobs across the country. New Zealand uses a points-based immigration system, and applicants must score above the minimum threshold.

Most immigrants who meet the criteria usually secure sponsorship jobs with salaries between NZD $60,000 and $180,000 yearly.

Key Eligibility Requirements

• Must be aged between 20–55 years

• Must have a recognized qualification (degree, diploma, or trade certification)

• Must have skilled work experience of at least 2–3 years

• Must have a job offer that meets the median wage (NZD $31.61/hour or higher)

• Must meet health and character standards

• Must meet English language proficiency levels

• Must score enough points under the Skilled Migrant Category

The system favors immigrants with higher salaries, advanced education, and specialized experience. For example, earning above NZD $80,000 annually can significantly improve an applicant’s ranking.

In sectors like healthcare and IT, meeting employer sponsorship requirements increases visa approval chances quickly. Many applicants receive invitations to apply within 4–8 weeks, depending on their score and job category.

Language Requirements for New Zealand Express Entry Visa

New Zealand requires immigrants to demonstrate English proficiency before securing an Express Entry Visa. Language skills are crucial because employers rely on clear communication in the workplace.

Strong English proficiency also increases your earning potential, with many high-paying jobs offering NZD $80,000–$150,000+ yearly for skilled English-speaking foreign workers.

Accepted English Tests

• IELTS Academic or General – Minimum score: 6.5 overall

• TOEFL iBT – Minimum score: 79–93

• PTE Academic – Minimum score: 58–64

• Cambridge English (C1 Advanced) – Minimum score: 176

Immigrants who have completed a degree in an English-speaking country may be exempt from testing. Better scores can improve migration points, especially for roles in healthcare, engineering, education, and IT.

Language ability also influences job placement. For example, nurses and engineers with higher English test scores often earn at the upper end of salary ranges: NZD $100,000–$160,000.

Strong language proficiency doesn’t just increase visa acceptance; it also boosts workplace performance, career growth, and long-term settlement outcomes in New Zealand.

Visa and Work Permit Requirements for New Zealand Express Entry Visa

Immigrants applying for the New Zealand Express Entry Visa must meet essential visa and work permit requirements.

These rules ensure that foreign workers entering the country are skilled, employable, and suitable for long-term residency.

Salaries for immigrants entering under this pathway usually start at NZD $55,000 and can reach $200,000+ depending on the job and region.

Main Visa Requirements

• A valid job offer from a New Zealand employer paying at least the median wage

• Proof of qualifications and work experience

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical examination and chest X-ray

• Demonstration of English language proficiency

• Proof of financial stability for initial settlement abroad

Work Permit Requirements

• Employment agreement stating salary, hours, and job description

• Employer accreditation (mandatory under AEWV rules)

• Labor market test results (if applicable)

New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) aligns perfectly with Express Entry-style migration.

Most immigrants obtain temporary work permits before transitioning to permanent residency within 1–2 years. Higher salaries, such as NZD $90,000+, often lead to faster PR processing.

Documents Checklist for New Zealand Express Entry Visa

Every immigrant applying for the New Zealand Express Entry Visa must prepare a complete set of documents. Missing documents can delay visa approval by weeks or months.

Salaries and job offers must be clearly documented to prove eligibility, especially for roles paying above NZD $29.66/hour or $60,000+ yearly.

Required Documents

• Valid international passport

• Passport photographs (recent and clear)

• Educational certificates (degree, diploma, transcript)

• Work experience letters with job roles and salary history

• Updated CV/resume aligned with New Zealand standards

• English test results (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE)

• Police clearance certificate

• Medical certificate

• Job offer letter with stated salary

• Employment agreement

• Proof of funds (bank statement)

• NZQA assessment (if required)

Immigrants with technical or healthcare qualifications must provide extra licensing documents. For example, nurses may need registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand.

Salaries mentioned in job agreements help determine whether applicants meet wage thresholds for visa sponsorship.

Submitting correct documents increases approval chances by up to 90%, making this checklist crucial for all foreign workers planning to relocate abroad.

How to Apply for New Zealand Express Entry Visa

Applying for the New Zealand Express Entry Visa involves several steps. The process rewards skilled immigrants who have strong job offers, competitive salaries, and recognized qualifications.

Many immigrants relocating abroad through this pathway secure jobs paying between NZD $70,000 and $180,000.

Step-by-Step Application Process

• Step 1: Check eligibility based on education, age, salary level, and work experience.

• Step 2: Gather required documents, including test scores, certificates, and job offers.

• Step 3: Create an Expression of Interest (EOI) and submit your profile online.

• Step 4: Wait for selection, based on points such as salary level, skill shortage category, and qualifications.

• Step 5: Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if your score meets the cutoff.

• Step 6: Submit your visa application with required documents and pay the visa fee.

• Step 7: Undergo medical and police checks to complete your profile.

• Step 8: Receive visa approval and begin relocation to New Zealand.

Immigrants with job offers paying above NZD $100,000 often receive priority because high salaries indicate that employers urgently need their skills.

The entire application process takes 4–12 weeks, depending on workload and applicant accuracy.