🔬
⭐ Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence

Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound)
Immigration to New Zealand

Perform diagnostic ultrasound examinations to assist in the diagnosis and monitoring of medical conditions.

ANZSCO Code
251213
ANZSCO Skill Level
Level 1
Sector
Healthcare
NZ Salary Range
NZ$80,000 – NZ$130,000
Visa Pathway
Straight to Residence

Free Visa Assessment

Talk to a licensed NZ immigration adviser about your Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound) visa pathway.

Get Free Assessment →

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.

Sonographers are highly specialised medical imaging professionals who are in significant shortage across New Zealand's radiology and obstetric services. With an ageing population and growing demand for non-invasive diagnostic imaging, qualified sonographers are sought after by public and private radiology providers nationwide. Green List Tier 1 status means eligible sonographers can gain New Zealand residence directly with an accredited employer job offer. New Zealand offers sonographers a high standard of living, modern equipment, and the opportunity to work across a range of clinical specialties.

NZ Salary Range for Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound)

NZ$80,000 – NZ$130,000
Experienced sonographers in specialist areas (cardiac, vascular, obstetric) command the highest salaries. Private radiology pays a premium.

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 Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound)

Green List Straight to Residence

⏱ 4–8 months processing 💰 NZ$3,370 principal applicant
  • MRTB registration (Medical Ultrasound scope)
  • Accredited employer job offer
  • Meets median wage threshold

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

⏱ 3–5 months 💰 NZ$700
  • MRTB registration or pathway
  • Accredited employer job offer
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

  • Postgraduate Diploma in Medical Ultrasound or equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years post-qualification clinical sonography experience
  • Competency in general, obstetric, vascular or cardiac ultrasound (specialist area preferred)

Registration / Licensing: Registration with the Medical Radiation Technologists Board (MRTB) of New Zealand in the scope of Medical Ultrasound. English language requirements apply.

How to Immigrate to New Zealand as a Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound)

1
Check your ultrasound qualification meets MRTB equivalency requirements
2
Apply for MRTB registration in the Medical Ultrasound scope
3
Source a job offer from a radiology practice, hospital, or imaging centre
4
Apply for Green List Straight to Residence visa
5
Commence practice in New Zealand

Is Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound) on the NZ Green List? — FAQs

Is Sonographer on the NZ Green List?

Yes. Sonographer / Medical Ultrasound Technologist (ANZSCO 251213) is Green List Tier 1 — Straight to Residence.

What qualifications do I need?

A Postgraduate Diploma or Bachelor in Medical Ultrasound (or equivalent) plus at least 2 years of clinical experience. MRTB assesses overseas qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

Is there a shortage of sonographers in NZ?

Yes — New Zealand has a well-documented shortage of qualified sonographers, particularly in rural and provincial regions and in subspecialties like cardiac and vascular ultrasound.

✉️

Get a personalised assessment for Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound)

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 Sonographer (Medical Ultrasound) 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.