For those new to New Zealand and in search of gainful employment, there is a wide array of opportunities in many different sectors of the economy. Opportunities for employment exist in a diverse number of industries including agribusiness, manufacturing, service and professional sectors, hospitality and tourism, among others. New Zealand is proud to boast the lowest unemployment rate for an OECD (Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development) nation with the unemployment rate currently at 3.4%.

As with any country, the more skilled and qualified a person, the more likely they will be able to find work, and the more likely they will be successful in their application for residency under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC). Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is principally interested in migrants who can contribute skills and experience to the economy and to New Zealand as a whole.

In most instances an individual is required to obtain a full time offer of skilled employment to qualify for New Zealand residence under the main category of residence being the SMC. For further more detailed information regarding applicable immigration policy we refer you to our New Zealand Immigration Policy section.


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