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⭐ Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence

Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer)
Immigration to New Zealand

Perform X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine imaging for patient diagnosis.

ANZSCO Code
251211
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Healthcare
NZ Salary Range
NZ$70,000 – NZ$105,000
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.

Medical Imaging Technologists (radiographers) perform X-ray, CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, and mammography procedures that are central to modern diagnosis and treatment. NZ faces a significant shortage of imaging technologists, particularly CT and MRI specialists, in both public hospital radiology departments and private diagnostic imaging clinics. Green List Tier 1 status means qualified and registered medical imaging technologists can apply for NZ residence directly upon securing a job offer with an accredited employer, without needing to first work in NZ for two years. New Zealand's public health system (Health NZ — Te Whatu Ora) employs the majority of radiographers across 20 district hospital networks, with strong union representation and good career progression into senior and charge technologist roles.

NZ Salary Range for Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer)

NZ$70,000 – NZ$105,000
Senior technologists and team leads earn NZ$95k–NZ$115k.

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 Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer)

Green List Straight to Residence

⏱ 4–8 months processing 💰 NZ$3,370 principal applicant
  • MRTB registration
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Pay at or above NZ median wage (NZ$35.00/hr)

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • Job offer from accredited employer
  • MRTB registration or pathway to registration
  • Median wage threshold met
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 Medical Imaging (Radiography), Bachelor of Health Science (Medical Imaging), or equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years post-registration clinical experience
  • Demonstrated competency across at least two imaging modalities

Registration / Licensing: Registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) of New Zealand. MRTB assesses overseas qualifications via an equivalency process. English requirements: IELTS 7.0 or OET B.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer)

1
Submit your medical imaging qualification to the MRTB for recognition — allow 3–4 months
2
Provide evidence of clinical experience across required modalities
3
Apply for MRTB registration and obtain your practising certificate
4
Secure a job offer from a Health NZ district hospital radiology department or private imaging clinic
5
Apply for Green List Straight to Residence visa and plan your relocation

Is Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer) on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Is Medical Imaging Technologist (Radiographer) on the NZ Green List?

Yes. Medical Imaging Technologist (ANZSCO 251211) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence. Registered technologists with an accredited employer job offer can apply for NZ residence directly.

Which imaging specialties are most in demand in NZ?

CT and MRI technologists are in highest demand, followed by ultrasound (sonographers in ANZSCO 251212) and general radiographers. Nuclear medicine technologists are also sought, particularly in main centres.

Does my overseas imaging registration count in NZ?

Overseas qualifications are assessed by the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB). Many internationally-recognised degrees from the UK, Australia, India, South Africa, and the Philippines are accepted, though a competency assessment may be required.

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