ICT Systems Test Engineers design and execute test plans, ensure software quality, and automate testing processes for NZ technology organisations. Automation testing skills are in high demand across NZ's growing tech sector.
Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your ICT Systems Test Engineer visa pathway.
Get Free Assessment →This is an ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupation, qualifying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) with up to 5 years duration. After 2 years of NZ work experience you can apply for Skilled Migrant Category residence.
ICT Systems Test Engineers (also known as QA Engineers, Test Automation Engineers, or Software Testers) design test strategies, write automated test scripts, execute functional and performance tests, and manage defects across software development projects. New Zealand's growing technology sector — including fintech, government digital services, healthcare IT, and SaaS companies — relies heavily on test engineers to maintain software quality. Automation testing skills (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, Robot Framework) are in particularly high demand as NZ teams shift to Agile/DevOps methodologies. Auckland and Wellington are the main employment centres.
Salaries are based on NZ market data. Regional and rural positions may offer allowances, relocation support, and retention bonuses in addition to base salary.
Source: Immigration NZ Operational Manual (WA3.16) — updated 9 March 2026
Yes. ICT Systems Test Engineer (ANZSCO 261212) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English test required. QA/test engineering roles in NZ typically pay NZ$70,000–NZ$120,000, above the NZ$35.00/hr immigration median wage.
Automation experience is increasingly essential rather than optional. NZ tech teams expect QA engineers to write and maintain automated test scripts (Selenium, Cypress, Playwright, or Robot Framework) and integrate with CI/CD pipelines. Manual testing skills alone are less competitive in Auckland and Wellington's tech markets.
NZ's biggest demand is in: government digital services (Te Whatu Ora, MBIE, NZ Police digital, IRD), banking and financial services (ANZ, ASB, Westpac online banking), telecommunications (Spark, One NZ), SaaS companies, and technology consultancies (Datacom, Spark Digital, Assurity Consulting). Test engineering is a critical role in any software delivery team.
Enter your email and we'll match you to the best visa pathway for your situation — no commitment, no spam.
We'll be in touch within 24 hours. Unsubscribe anytime.
Speak with a licensed NZ immigration adviser. We'll review your qualifications, registration requirements, and visa options — no obligation.