Professions/Registered Nurse

Registered Nurse

Healthcare

Healthcare professionals on the Green List Tier 1 with a direct path to residence. NZ has critical nursing shortages, especially in aged care and regional hospitals.

Recommended Pathway

Primary

Green List (Tier 1) - Straight to Residence

Direct pathway to residence for highly sought-after occupations with critical skill shortages.

Direct path to residence for registered nurses

Other Available Pathways

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Work Visa

Alternative if not ready for residence application

Processing: 3-8 weeks (after Job Check approved)

Last verified: 1/5/2026

Requirements for Registered Nurses

Registration

Registration with Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)*

Qualifications

Bachelor of Nursing or equivalent recognized by NCNZ*

Language

IELTS Academic: 7.0 overall with minimum 7.0 in each band (or equivalent)*

Other

May need to complete OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) or CAP (Competence Assessment Programme)
Requirement depends on qualification and country of training

* Mandatory requirement

Quick Overview

Available Pathways

Requirements

Industry

Healthcare

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Official Resources

Immigration New Zealand New Zealand Now

Disclaimer: Requirements for registered nurses may vary based on your specific qualifications and experience. This information is for general guidance only. Always verify with Immigration New Zealand and relevant professional bodies.