Occupational Registration

In New Zealand, various industries are represented by specific professional bodies. These organisations manage occupational registration for certain occupations, and sometimes assess qualifications.

Occupational Registration in New Zealand

In New Zealand, certain professions require occupational registration, which is mandatory for roles such as teachers, nurses, midwives, medical doctors, occupational therapists, electricians, architects, and accountants. This registration is crucial for individuals seeking to work in these regulated occupations and directly impacts the visa application process in the following ways:

      1. Accredited Employer Work Visa: Before applying for a work visa in New Zealand, individuals must secure provisional or full registration in their respective occupation if it is a job requirement.
      2. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Eligible occupational registration can also contribute points towards the SMC Resident Visa application. For more detailed information about this visa category, please click here.
      3. Post-Study Work Visa: If you are pursuing registration with an authorised professional body, you can apply for an additional 1-year Post-Study Work Visa to complete your registration process. This applies to individuals seeking registration with the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand or the New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors.
      4. Visitor Visa for Occupational Registration: A specific visitor visa is also available for individuals seeking occupational registration in New Zealand.

For certain occupations, registration is essential to legally work in the country or to qualify for points under the Skilled Migrant Category. This registration process, which can be quite involved, is something your Licensed Adviser can help navigate. Each industry has specific requirements, and you may need to show proof of registration when applying for a visa. Failing to follow the correct procedures could delay or put at risk your plans to immigrate.

In certain situations, you might be able to work without registration, depending on your specific sub-occupation or if you work under the supervision of a registered professional or a company with an employer license.

The following occupations require mandatory registration in New Zealand:

Occupation Registration Body
Architect New Zealand Registered Architects Board
Barrister New Zealand Law Society
Barrister and solicitor New Zealand Law Society
Cable jointer Electrical Workers Registration Board
Chiropractor Chiropractic Board of New Zealand
Clinical dental technician Dental Council of New Zealand
Clinical dental therapist Dental Council of New Zealand
Dental hygienist Dental Council of New Zealand
Dental technician Dental Council of New Zealand
Dental therapist Dental Council of New Zealand
Dentist Dental Council of New Zealand
Dietitian Dietitians Board
Dispensing optician Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
Electrician Electrical Workers Registration Board
Electrical appliance serviceperson Electrical Workers Registration Board
Electrical engineer Electrical Workers Registration Board
Electrical inspector Electrical Workers Registration Board
Electrical installer Electrical Workers Registration Board
Electrical service technician Electrical Workers Registration Board
Financial adviser Financial Markets Authority
Immigration adviser Immigration Advisers Authority
Line mechanic Electrical Workers Registration Board
Medical laboratory scientist/technologist Medical Sciences Council
Medical laboratory technician Medical Sciences Council
Medical practitioner Medical Council of New Zealand
Medical radiation technologist Medical Radiation Technologists Board
Nurses and midwives Nursing Council of New Zealand
Occupational therapist Occupational Therapy Board
Optometrist Optometrists and Dispensing Opticians Board
Osteopath Osteopathic Council of New Zealand
Pharmacist Pharmacy Council of New Zealand
Physiotherapist Physiotherapy Board
Plumber, gasfitter, and drainlayer Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
Podiatrist Podiatrists Board of New Zealand
Psychologist Psychologists Board
Real estate agent Real Estate Agents Authority
Social Worker Social Workers Registration Board
Cadastral (land title) surveyor New Zealand Institute of Surveyors
Teacher Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand
Veterinarian Veterinary Council of New Zealand

Need assistance or require further information about your Occupational Registration? Please get in touch!