Visa-Sponsored Jobs in New Zealand 2025–2026: Earn NZD $70,000–$150,000+ Even Without a Degree – Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Green List Pathways & Direct PR in 2 Years
Searching for New Zealand visa sponsorship jobs 2025 no degree, AEWV jobs New Zealand for foreigners, high-paying jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship 2025–2026, or New Zealand Green List jobs without IELTS? This is the most updated (November 2025) and realistic post you need.
New Zealand is desperate for over 40,000 skilled and semi-skilled workers annually and has streamlined the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to sponsor thousands of non-EU foreigners every year – no degree always needed, basic English often enough, and a fast track to permanent residency (PR) in 2–5 years. Employers cover flights, relocation up to NZD $5,000–$10,000, and even registration fees.
With the median wage now at NZD $33.56/hour (updated August 2025), salaries start at NZD $70,000 for entry-level sponsored roles and hit NZD $150,000+ for specialists – plus 4–5 weeks paid leave, subsidized healthcare, and unbeatable work-life balance.
Why New Zealand is Aggressively Sponsoring Foreign Talent in 2025–2026
- Economy growing 2–2.5% in 2025, with massive shortages in healthcare (aging population), tech (digital boom), engineering (infrastructure rebuilds), and trades (housing crisis).
- AEWV Reforms (2025): Median wage threshold removed (March); experience down to 2 years; visa up to 5 years; 87 new occupations added to National Occupation List (NOL) from November.
- Green List Expansion: 10 new trades added August 2025 (e.g., crane operators, diesel mechanics) for Work to Residence; 222+ roles total, many without degree if 2+ years exp.
- Opportunity Card Equivalent: No exact match, but Straight to Residence for Tier 1 Green List; interim work rights extended to all applicants.
- Family Perks: Partners get open work visas if you earn NZD $55,844+ (updated 2025); kids study free.
- Processing: 80% in 6 weeks; fees NZD $1,540 (employer pays most).
Result: Indians, Filipinos, Nigerians, Pakistanis, Nepalis, and South Africans are landing sponsored roles weekly – full relocation, no bonds.
Top 25 Highest-Paying Visa-Sponsored Jobs in New Zealand 2025–2026 (No Degree Often Needed)
All on Green List or NOL – 100% AEWV eligible; many accept 2+ years exp over degrees.
| Rank | Job Title (ANZSCO/NOL) | Salary NZD/year | Monthly Take-Home (approx.) | Top Regions & Employers | Minimum Exp/Reqs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Engineer (Tier 1, $120k thresh) | $120,000–$160,000 | $7,000–$9,000 | Auckland, Wellington – Xero, Datacom | 2+ yrs Python/Java; no degree if exp |
| 2 | Registered Nurse (Tier 1) | $75,000–$110,000 | $4,500–$6,500 + shifts | Nationwide – Te Whatu Ora, private hospitals | Nursing qual/exp; registration covered |
| 3 | Civil Engineer (Tier 1) | $90,000–$140,000 | $5,500–$8,000 | Christchurch, Auckland – Fletcher Building | 2+ yrs; IPENZ reg; exp over degree |
| 4 | General Practitioner (Tier 1) | $150,000–$250,000 | $9,000–$14,000 | Rural areas – rural practices | Medical qual; MCNZ reg |
| 5 | ICT Security Specialist (Tier 1, $120k) | $120,000–$170,000 | $7,000–$10,000 | Auckland – Spark, Vodafone | 2+ yrs cyber; certs like CISSP |
| 6 | Diesel Motor Mechanic (Tier 2, $80k) | $80,000–$120,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | Hawke’s Bay – Fonterra, transport firms | 2+ yrs heavy vehicle; trade qual optional |
| 7 | Construction Project Manager (Tier 2) | $110,000–$150,000 | $6,500–$8,500 | Auckland – Downer, Hawkins | 3+ yrs mgmt; PMP helpful |
| 8 | Data Scientist (Tier 1) | $100,000–$140,000 | $6,000–$8,000 | Wellington – Stats NZ, tech startups | 2+ yrs ML; degree preferred but exp ok |
| 9 | Electrician (Tier 2) | $85,000–$120,000 | $5,200–$7,000 | Nationwide – Electrix, lines companies | 2+ yrs; practicing license |
| 10 | Anaesthetist (Tier 1) | $200,000–$300,000 | $12,000–$17,000 | Major hospitals – Auckland DHB | Medical qual; specialist reg |
| 11 | Plumber (Tier 2) | $75,000–$110,000 | $4,500–$6,500 | Christchurch rebuild – plumbing firms | 2+ yrs; PGDB reg |
| 12 | ICT Manager ($120k thresh) | $130,000–$180,000 | $7,500–$10,500 | Auckland – Fisher & Paykel | 3+ yrs leadership; exp-based |
| 13 | Aged Care Worker (sector agreement) | $55,000–$80,000 + housing | $3,500–$5,000 | Nationwide – Bupa, Ryman | 6–12 mths; no degree |
| 14 | Crane Operator (Tier 2, $80k) | $80,000–$120,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | Construction sites – Higgins | 2+ yrs; high-risk license |
| 15 | Multimedia Specialist ($95k thresh) | $95,000–$130,000 | $5,800–$7,500 | Wellington – Weta Digital | 2+ yrs design; portfolio |
| 16 | Welder (Tier 2) | $70,000–$100,000 | $4,300–$6,000 | Manufacturing – NZ Steel | 2+ yrs MIG/TIG; cert optional |
| 17 | Clinical Psychologist (Tier 1) | $100,000–$140,000 | $6,000–$8,000 | Mental health services – Health NZ | Masters; NZ reg |
| 18 | Bricklayer (Tier 2) | $75,000–$110,000 | $4,500–$6,500 | Auckland housing – building firms | 2+ yrs; trade exp |
| 19 | Environmental Research Scientist (Tier 2) | $90,000–$130,000 | $5,500–$7,500 | Dunedin – NIWA | 2+ yrs; science background |
| 20 | Carpenter (Tier 2) | $70,000–$105,000 | $4,300–$6,300 | Residential builds – Frame & Truss | 2+ yrs; Site Safe |
| 21 | Food Technologist (Tier 2) | $80,000–$115,000 | $5,000–$6,800 | Hawke’s Bay – Pams, food processors | 2+ yrs; lab exp |
| 22 | Heavy Vehicle Inspector (Tier 2, $80k) | $80,000–$120,000 | $5,000–$7,000 | Transport – NZTA depots | 2+ yrs inspection |
| 23 | Spatial Scientist (Tier 2) | $85,000–$125,000 | $5,200–$7,300 | Surveying firms – nationwide | 2+ yrs GIS; exp over degree |
| 24 | Metal Fabricator (Tier 2) | $70,000–$100,000 | $4,300–$6,000 | Engineering – fabrication shops | 2+ yrs; trade tools |
| 25 | Veterinary Nurse (Tier 2) | $60,000–$90,000 | $3,700–$5,500 | Rural clinics – vet practices | 1+ yr; NZVA reg |
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your New Zealand Work Visa in 2025–2026
Route 1 – Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Fastest: 4–8 Weeks
- Secure Job Offer: From accredited employer (check INZ list); full-time, market rate pay.
- Employer Handles: Accreditation + Job Check (prove no Kiwi available; 10–20 days).
- Your Docs: Passport, exp proof (2+ yrs refs/payslips), English (if level 4/5), health/character checks, police certs.
- Apply Online: Via INZ portal (link from employer); NZD $1,540 fee; upload all.
- Decision & Entry: 80% in 6 weeks; interim rights if in NZ; fly with eVisa.
Route 2 – Green List Straight to Residence (Tier 1) – PR Immediate
- Job in Tier 1 role + quals/exp; apply for residence visa directly (no work visa needed first).
Route 3 – Green List Work to Residence (Tier 2) – PR After 2 Years
- Start on AEWV; apply residence after 24 months in role, meeting wage (e.g., $80k for trades).
No IELTS for most if English-medium exp; CLB 5 equivalent ok.
Can I Bring My Family & Get Permanent Residency?
YES – family-focused:
- Family: Partners open work visa (if you earn $55,844+); kids free schooling/healthcare.
- PR Timeline:
- Tier 1 Green List: Immediate Straight to Residence.
- Tier 2: After 2 years Work to Residence.
- AEWV General: 5 years → Skilled Migrant Category (points-based).
- Citizenship: After 5 years PR; dual allowed for most.
- Max Stay: 5 years AEWV (3 for levels 4/5); reset after 12 months out.
Example: Filipino nurse on Tier 1 → PR in 3 months, family joined Day 1.
FAQ – New Zealand Visa Sponsorship Jobs 2025–2026
Q: Do I need a degree?
A: No for many – 2+ years exp or Level 4 qual suffices; Green List exempts evidence if met.
Q: English test required?
A: Only for ANZSCO 4/5; IELTS 5.0 or exp/qual proof; no for higher skills.
Q: Minimum salary?
A: Market rate (min $23.50/hr from April 2025); Green List specifics (e.g., $120k IT).
Q: Family can work/study?
A: Yes – partners full work rights; kids free public education.
Q: Age limit?
A: None; under 55 favored for points, but sponsorship open.
Q: Costs covered?
A: Employers pay flights/relocation often; no recruitment fees allowed.
Q: Processing time?
A: 6 weeks AEWV; 9 months residence; faster for Green List.
Q: Unskilled possible?
A: Limited – sector agreements (care, meat) for levels 4/5; upgrade to skilled.
Best Places to Apply Right Now (November 2025)
- SEEK.co.nz – Filter “visa sponsorship” (210+ listings).
- TradeMe.co.nz/Jobs – Search “sponsorship” or “AEWV”.
- Immigration.govt.nz/Work – Official Green List jobs.
- LinkedIn – “Visa sponsorship New Zealand” + connect recruiters.
- Indeed.co.nz – 100+ sponsorship roles.
- visasponsor.jobs – Verified global list, NZ filter.
- Agencies: Working In New Zealand, FRENZ Recruitment (trades/agri), Malcolm Pacific (skilled).
Facebook Groups: “Jobs in New Zealand for Foreigners 2025”, “Indians in NZ Jobs”.
Final Message – Your Kiwi Dream Starts Today
New Zealand visa sponsorship jobs 2025–2026 without degree are a government-backed reality – with AEWV reforms and Green List expansions, it’s easier than ever.
If you have 2+ years hands-on skills, employers are ready to sponsor you now.
Action plan:
- Tailor CV (Kiwi style: 2 pages, achievements-focused).
- Apply to 20–30 jobs daily on SEEK/Trade Me.
- Network in groups; get police/medical ready.
Your NZD $5,000–$10,000 monthly pay, fjords, and PR path await.
Which job matches your exp? Comment below!
Kia ora from Aotearoa in 2026! 🇳🇿🦘