New Zealand

New Zealand's Green List places registered nurses and aged-care assistants on the Straight to Residence pathway — permanent residency on arrival.

Demand

Very High

Language

English

Processing

5–9 months

Currency

NZD

Apply for New Zealand

Caregivers

Demand & salary

NZ$52,000–$62,000

Average annual gross for full-time caregiver roles.

Home care, residential and hospital positions available
Minimum 1 year of experience typically required
Employer-sponsored relocation and orientation

Auxiliary nurses

Demand & salary

NZ$68,000–$88,000

Average annual gross for full-time auxiliary nurse roles.

Acute care, geriatrics, and community nursing openings
Nursing diploma or degree required
Continuing education funded by most employers

Requirements & benefits

Working conditions, licensing, and immigration essentials for New Zealand.

Language requirement

IELTS 7.0 / OET B

Licensing

Nursing Council of New Zealand

Visa pathway

Green List Work to Residence

Working hours

40 hrs/week

Paid leave

20 days + 11 public holidays

Healthcare

Public healthcare

Pension

KiwiSaver

Permanent residency

Straight to Residence via Green List

Relocation cost

NZ$5,000–$8,000

Cost of living

Moderate to High

Also in Asia Pacific

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Australia

Superannuation, sun, and PR pathway

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Japan

Advanced elder care, cultural depth

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South Korea

Cutting-edge healthcare technology