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⭐ Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence

General Practitioner (GP)
Immigration to New Zealand

Diagnose and treat patients across all ages in community and primary care settings.

ANZSCO Code
253111
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Healthcare
NZ Salary Range
NZ$150,000 – NZ$250,000
Visa Pathway
Straight to Residence

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About This Occupation in New Zealand

⭐ Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence

This occupation qualifies for direct New Zealand residence. With a job offer from an accredited employer and the right qualifications, you can apply for residence immediately — no need to wait two years.

General Practitioners (GPs) are in critical shortage across New Zealand, particularly in rural and provincial communities. As a GP on the Green List Tier 1, you can apply for New Zealand residence as soon as you secure a job offer with an accredited employer — no need to wait two years. New Zealand's healthcare system is under-resourced relative to population, making skilled GPs among the most sought-after immigrants in the country.

NZ Salary Range for General Practitioner (GP)

NZ$150,000 – NZ$250,000
GP partners and locums can earn NZ$300k+. Rural bonuses common.

Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.

Visa Pathways for General Practitioner (GP)

Green List Straight to Residence

⏱ 4–8 months processing 💰 NZ$3,370 principal applicant
  • MCNZ registration
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Skill level & pay threshold met

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–6 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Meets pay threshold (median wage NZ$31.61/hr)
ANZSCO Skill Level 1 Skill Level 1 — Bachelor's degree or higher
What this means for AEWV applications:
Visa duration: Up to 5 years (Skill Level 1 is eligible for the 5-year AEWV maximum)
English evidence: Not required for Skill Level 1–3 occupations
Partner work visa: Available if earning ≥ NZ$28.00/hr (from March 2026)
Dependent children: Eligible if family income ≥ NZ$55,844/year

Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026

Required Qualifications

  • Medical degree (MBBS, MBChB or equivalent)
  • Postgraduate general practice qualification (FRNZCGP or equivalent)
  • Minimum 3 years post-registration experience

Registration / Licensing: Registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ). Fellowship with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) required for independent practice.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a General Practitioner (GP)

1
Verify your medical qualifications are recognised by MCNZ
2
Apply for MCNZ registration (allow 3–6 months)
3
Find a vacancy with an INZ-accredited NZ employer (district health boards, GP clinics)
4
Apply for Green List Straight to Residence visa
5
Arrive in NZ and begin work within 12 months

Is General Practitioner (GP) on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Is General Practitioner on the NZ Green List?

Yes. GP (ANZSCO 253111) is Tier 1 on the NZ Green List, meaning eligible GPs can apply for residence directly without needing two years of prior work in NZ.

Do I need NZ registration before applying?

Yes. MCNZ registration is required before you can work as a GP in NZ and before a Green List residence application is approved.

Can my family come with me?

Yes. Dependent partner and children are included in your residence application at no extra processing fee.

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