Work visas with an accredited employer (AEWV) and Green List jobs can lead to residence. Students need NZ$20,000 a year for living.
Why Nepalis go: Safe, friendly, and the Green List gives a direct route to residence for jobs like nursing, engineering and some trades.
The catch: Smaller job market, lower salaries than Australia for many jobs, and AEWV jobs are sometimes sold illegally.
Most common route: Student visa → Post-Study Work Visa → AEWV or Skilled Migrant residence; or AEWV directly in a Green List job.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
A New Zealand employer that is 'accredited' offers you a full-time job, passes a job check, and you apply for the visa.
Who it's for: Workers with the qualifications or experience the job needs (usually at least 2–3 years for lower-skilled jobs).
Cost: About NZ$1,540 (≈ Rs 1.3 lakh). The employer must pay recruitment costs — charging you is illegal.
Time: Often 1–2 months.
Stay: Up to 5 years for higher-paid or Green List roles; shorter for lower-paid jobs.
Family: Yes for most roles; lower-paid roles have limits on bringing children.
Leads to permanent residence: Yes if the job is on the Green List or you qualify for the Skilled Migrant Category.
Green List & Skilled Migrant residence
Some jobs (like registered nurses, doctors, engineers) give direct residence. Others need 2 years of work first. The Skilled Migrant Category uses a simple 6-point system.
Who it's for: Workers in Green List jobs or with registered qualifications, high pay, or NZ skilled work experience.
Cost: Residence fees from about NZ$4,900.
Time: Several months.
Stay: Permanent.
Family: Yes.
Leads to permanent residence: This is residence.
Fee Paying Student Visa
Study at a New Zealand institution, with money for tuition plus NZ$20,000 a year to live.
Who it's for: Students with an offer of place.
Cost: Visa from about NZ$850.
Time: Often 1–3 months.
Stay: Length of course.
Family: Partners can get work visas for some study levels.
Leads to permanent residence: Through a Post-Study Work Visa and then work-to-residence routes.
Scams to avoid
AEWV job offers sold in Nepal for Rs 15–30 lakh are illegal; many led to no job on arrival.
Nepal is not eligible for New Zealand's Working Holiday Scheme.