New Zealand is facing an ongoing shortage of nurses, and the government has made it one of the easiest healthcare professions for overseas candidates to get sponsored for. Registered Nurses are on the Green List Straight to Residence pathway, meaning qualified nurses from abroad can move to New Zealand with a job offer and be on a direct track to residency. Here’s what you need to know before applying in 2026.
Job Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Title | Registered Nurse / Enrolled Nurse |
| ANZSCO Code | 254411 (Registered Nurse) |
| Industry | Healthcare / Hospitals & Aged Care |
| Visa Route | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
| Residency Pathway | Green List – Straight to Residence |
| Employment Type | Full-time, Permanent |
| Salary Range | NZD 60,000 – 95,000 per year |
| Location | Nationwide (Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and regional hospitals) |
| Registration Required | Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) |
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Visa Sponsorship Route
Registered Nurses qualify for New Zealand’s Green List, the government’s list of occupations facing critical shortages. Nurses fall under the Straight to Residence category, which means once you have a job offer and meet the requirements, you can apply for residency without first spending years on a temporary work visa.
The general pathway looks like this:
- Register with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) — choose the pathway that matches your current qualification and apply online.
- Complete a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP), if required, to confirm you meet New Zealand’s clinical standards.
- Once registered, apply for an Occupational Registration Visitor Visa (if you need to enter New Zealand to complete practical CAP requirements) or move directly to a job offer.
- With a confirmed job offer from an accredited healthcare employer, apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- After meeting the Green List requirements, apply for residence under the Straight to Residence category.
Applicants from the Philippines may also be eligible for a Specific Purpose Work Visa if sponsored by a district health board or Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora).
Salary Expectations
| Experience Level | Approximate Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|
| New Graduate / Enrolled Nurse | NZD 55,000 – 65,000 |
| Registered Nurse (2–5 years) | NZD 65,000 – 80,000 |
| Senior / Specialist Nurse | NZD 80,000 – 95,000+ |
Public hospital roles (through Health New Zealand) generally follow set pay scales, while private hospitals and aged care facilities may negotiate individually.
Requirements
- A recognized nursing qualification (Bachelor’s degree in Nursing or equivalent)
- Registration with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ)
- Successful completion of the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP), if applicable
- English language proficiency (IELTS, OET, or equivalent)
- A genuine job offer from a New Zealand healthcare employer
- Good health and character clearance
Where to Find These Jobs
- Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) careers portal
- Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) website for registration guidance
- Seek.co.nz and Trade Me Jobs (search “Registered Nurse”)
- Private hospital and aged care group career pages
- International nurse recruitment agencies specializing in New Zealand placements
Application Process
- Check your eligibility for NCNZ registration based on your current nursing qualification and experience.
- Apply for NCNZ registration and complete the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) if required.
- Search and apply for nursing vacancies with New Zealand employers once registration is underway or complete.
- Attend an interview, typically conducted online for overseas applicants.
- Receive a formal job offer from an accredited healthcare employer.
- Apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) using your job offer and NCNZ registration.
- Apply for residence under the Green List Straight to Residence pathway once eligibility requirements are met.