New Zealand Pathway: Registration (NCNZ) & Green List Visa for Nurses
🇳🇿 New Zealand Pathway: Registration (NCNZ) & Green List Visa
The final steps of the process often require you to be in New Zealand to complete the necessary clinical assessment.
Phase 1: Credential Verification and Initial Application
The first mandatory step for almost all IQNs is to have their qualifications authenticated by a NCNZ-approved third-party verification service.
| Step | Action | Key Agency/Requirement |
| 1. Primary Source Verification (PSV) | Create an account with the NCNZ’s chosen verification service (currently CGFNS or TruMerit). You must submit documents proving: Qualification, Registration (in the last 10 years), and 1,800 hours of post-registration experience (approx. 12 months) within the last five years. | CGFNS/TruMerit. Fee is approx. $300-$380 USD. |
| 2. Apply to the NCNZ | Once your PSV report is completed and authorized, you apply directly to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ). | NCNZ. Application and processing fee is NZ$485. |
| 3. English Language Proficiency | Submit proof of your English language skills. | IELTS Academic (Overall 7.0; min 6.5 in writing, 7.0 in listening, reading, and speaking) OR OET (min C+ in writing, B in listening, reading, and speaking). |
| 4. Fitness to Practice | Complete a self-declaration and undergo an International Criminal History Check (ICHC) facilitated by a NCNZ-approved provider (e.g., Fit2Work). | ICHC. Fee is approx. $155 AUD per country checked. |
Phase 2: Competency Assessment and Licensing
The NCNZ reviews your completed file and decides whether you require a competency assessment. Most IQNs require at least a theoretical assessment.
| Step | Action | Key Requirement |
| 5. Complete Culturally Safe Practice Courses | Complete the required free online courses, such as the ‘Welcome to Aotearoa New Zealand Programme’, which covers culturally safe nursing practice and Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi). | Online NCNZ Courses. Certificates of completion are required for registration. |
| 6. Theoretical Examination (If Required) | If the NCNZ requires an assessment of knowledge, you must pass an online multiple-choice exam that tests nursing knowledge at the NZ Registered Nurse level. | Online Theoretical Exam (Pearson VUE). Fee approx. NZ$140. |
| 7. Clinical Examination (OSCE) (If Required) | If a clinical competence assessment is required, you must travel to New Zealand to complete the final practical exam. | OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). Fee approx. NZ$3,000 (plus NZ$500 orientation course). Conducted in Christchurch. |
| 8. Final Registration and Annual Practising Certificate (APC) | Upon meeting all requirements and passing the necessary exams, you pay the final fees. | NCNZ Registration. Fee NZ$485 plus APC fee (approx. NZ$130 annually). |
Phase 3: Work and Permanent Residency (PR)
Once you are fully registered (holding an APC), your pathway to settlement is direct and highly expedited.
| Step | Action | Key Advantage |
| 9. Secure Job Offer and Work Visa | Find a job with a New Zealand accredited employer. Your APC makes you highly desirable. | Green List Visa (Tier 1). Registered Nurses are on the Green List (Straight to Residence Pathway). This means you can apply for residence immediately or while overseas. |
| 10. Apply for Permanent Residency | You can apply for the Straight to Residence Visa immediately or use the Permanent Resident Visa after two years of continuous residence. | Direct PR Pathway. Processing for the Straight to Residence Visa is typically fast (80% completed within 4 months). |
You can find more details on the registration process and fees in this video New Zealand’s 2025 Nursing Registration Pathway for International Nurses. This video provides a comprehensive overview of the updated steps and associated costs for nurses seeking registration in New Zealand in 2025.
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