🌿
🔵 Green List Tier 2 — AEWV Eligible

Landscape Architect
Immigration to New Zealand

Landscape Architects design outdoor spaces, urban environments, and ecological restoration projects across New Zealand. Infrastructure projects and urban intensification are driving strong demand.

ANZSCO Code
232112
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Engineering
NZ Salary Range
NZ$65,000 – NZ$110,000
Visa Pathway
AEWV Eligible

Free Visa Assessment

Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Landscape Architect visa pathway.

Get Free Assessment →

About This Occupation in New Zealand

🔵 AEWV Eligible — Skill Level 3

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.

Landscape Architects in New Zealand design outdoor and open spaces — parks, urban streetscapes, waterfronts, residential subdivisions, industrial site restoration, and ecological revegetation projects. New Zealand's commitment to environmental protection (Resource Management Act), urban intensification programmes, infrastructure investment (transport corridors, flood resilience), and Māori landscape design all create consistent demand for qualified landscape architects. NZILA (New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects) membership is the professional standard, though not a mandatory licence. Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch are the main employment centres.

NZ Salary Range for Landscape Architect

NZ$65,000 – NZ$110,000
Registered landscape architects with 5+ years experience, those managing large infrastructure or ecological restoration projects, and NZILA Fellows earn toward the top.

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 Landscape Architect

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
  • ANZSCO Skill Level 1 — 5-year visa
  • Meets NZ immigration median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)
  • No English test required
  • Landscape architecture degree or equivalent

Skilled Migrant Category (after 2 years)

⏱ 12–18 months 💰 NZ$4,050
  • 2 years NZ skilled work experience
  • SMC points threshold met
  • Relevant landscape architecture degree
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

  • Bachelor of Landscape Architecture or equivalent IFLA-accredited degree (NZQCF Level 7)
  • 3+ years post-graduation landscape architecture experience
  • AutoCAD, Civil 3D, Revit, or SketchUp proficiency
  • Knowledge of NZ native plants, ecological restoration principles (beneficial for NZ context)
  • Resource Management Act (RMA) familiarity an advantage

Registration / Licensing: No mandatory NZ licensing. NZILA (New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects) full membership is the professional standard and is achieved after completing NZILA's Registered Landscape Architect (RLA) assessment. Overseas IFLA (International Federation of Landscape Architects) affiliate members can apply for NZILA membership.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Landscape Architect

1
Contact NZILA (nzila.org.nz) about the RLA (Registered Landscape Architect) pathway for overseas practitioners
2
Build a portfolio of work demonstrating ecological restoration, urban design, or infrastructure landscape experience
3
Target NZ landscape architecture firms, infrastructure consultancies (Beca, WSP, Jacobs), and local councils
4
Secure a job offer from an INZ-accredited employer paying at or above NZ$35.00/hr
5
Apply for AEWV — 5-year visa, no English test required

Is Landscape Architect on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Can a Landscape Architect get an AEWV in New Zealand?

Yes. Landscape Architect (ANZSCO 232112) is ANZSCO Skill Level 1, qualifying for a 5-year AEWV with no English test required. Landscape architect roles in NZ typically pay NZ$65,000–NZ$110,000, comfortably above the NZ$35.00/hr immigration median wage.

Is NZILA membership required to practise as a landscape architect in NZ?

No — there is no mandatory licensing. However, NZILA membership (and the RLA — Registered Landscape Architect — designation) is highly valued by NZ employers and clients. Most reputable NZ practices expect NZILA membership or active progress toward it. Contact NZILA (nzila.org.nz) for the RLA pathway for overseas practitioners.

What types of landscape architecture projects are common in NZ?

NZ landscape architects work across: urban design (streetscapes, plazas, civic spaces), residential subdivision master planning, ecological restoration and riparian revegetation, infrastructure projects (transport corridors, stormwater systems), parks and reserves design, coastal and waterfront development, and Māori landscape and cultural heritage design. The RMA and NZ Urban Development Act shape most project types.

✉️

Get a personalised assessment for Landscape Architect

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.

Related Green List Occupations

🏛️
🏗️
🏙️
FREE CONSULTATION

Get a Free Assessment for Your Landscape Architect Visa Pathway

Speak with a licensed NZ immigration adviser. We'll review your qualifications, registration requirements, and visa options — no obligation.

  • ✓ Licensed NZ immigration advisers (NZAMI members)
  • ✓ Review of your specific qualifications and pathway
  • ✓ Clear timeline and cost estimate
  • ✓ Response within 24 hours

We'll respond within 24 hours. Your info is kept private.