Graduating with an engineering degree from New Zealand opens a wide range of career opportunities in various sectors. Here are some examples:  

• Civil Engineer: The main role of a civil engineer is to design, construct, and maintain infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, tunnels, buildings, and water supply systems. 

• Mechanical Engineer: Mechanical engineers work in the manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, energy, robotics fields to develop, design, and test mechanical devices, tools, engines, and machines. 

• Electrical Engineer: Electrical engineers are professionals working on projects involving power generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as developing new electrical devices and components.  

• Software Engineer: Software Engineers can work in information technology, software development, telecommunications, finance areas and their main roles include writing code, debugging software, developing new features, and maintaining software performance. 

• Chemical Engineer: A chemical engineer can normally work in pharmaceuticals, energy, food processing, chemical manufacturing areas to develop processes transforming raw materials into useful products such as fuels, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. 

• Mechatronics Engineer: The main responsibilities of mechatronics Engineers are to integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to develop and improve automated systems and robotics. 

Engineering is in high demand in New Zealand, so it is one of the prioritised occupations for migration. Follow the below steps to migrate to this beautiful country.  

Step 1. Study an engineering program in New Zealand  

• Enrol in a bachelor’s or master’s degree in engineering at a recognised New Zealand university. 

• You must ensure that your qualification is accredited by Engineering New Zealand, which is important for professional recognition and future employment. 

Step 2. Post-study work visa 

• After completing your degree, you can apply for a post-study work visa. 

• This visa allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level and where you studied. 

Step3. Get a job in New Zealand 

• To apply for a permanent residency (PR) in New Zealand, you must have a job and get paid at least median wage (NZ$31.61 as of 2024).  

Step 4. Apply for a PR  

Depending on your engineering field and occupation, you can choose from one of the following pathways.  

Pathway 1: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) 

To be eligible for this visa, applicants need to have at least 6 points, and the points can be claimed from one of the below categories: 

• NZ professional registration 

The points can be rewarded based on the length of training required for your occupational registration in New Zealand.  

• More than 2 years of trading/work experiences: 3 pts 

• More than 4 years of trading/work experiences: 4 pts 

• More than 5 years of trading/work experiences: 5 pts 

• More than 6 years of trading/work experiences: 6 pts  

• Qualification: The points are claimable based on the following criteria: 

• Level 7 (bachelor’s degree): 3 pts 

• Level 8 (post-graduate certificate): 3 pts 

• Level 8 (honours, post-graduate diploma): 4 pts 

• Level 9 (Master’s): 5 pts 

• Level10 (PhD): 6 pts 

• High income 

If the applicant’s annual income meets certain criteria (comparing to median wages), you can claim points based on the annual income.  

• 1.5 x Median Wages or more: 3 pts 

• 2 x Median Wages or more: 4 pts 

• 3 x Median Wages or more: 6 pts 

• Work experience 

The applicants can gain additional points from their working experiences in NZ.  

• 1-year experiences 1 pt 

• 2-year experience: 2 pts 

• 3-year experience: 3 pts 

Work experience must be in a full-time job (minimum 30 hours per week) and meet wage thresholds based on the ANZSCO level of the job. 

• Additional Criteria 

In addition to the point requirement, the applicants must also meet the following criteria: 

• Age: Less than 55years old 

• Employment: You need have evidence of current job or job offer (30hrs/week) 

• English requirement: IELTS 6.0 (overall) or equivalent  

Pathway 2: Green List Tier 1 

If your engineering occupation is in the Green List Tier 1, you can apply straightly for permanent residency as soon as you get a job offer and get paid at least the median wage. As of 2024, the median wage in NZ is 31.61 per hour. 

Regarding the qualification requirement, you must meet one of the following requirements to be eligible for this pathway: 

• A Washington Accord accredited (initial) engineering degree 

• A Bachelor of Engineering with Honours (NZQF Level 8) 

• A qualification at NZQF Level 7 or higher, with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the degree and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand 

• NZ registration as a Chartered Professional Engineer by Engineering New Zealand. 

If you wish to know more about the PR pathway information, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call 07 3003 1899.