New Zealand offers a stable, rewarding work environment for internationally trained nurses with clear pathways to permanent residency and opportunities to transition to Australian healthcare roles.
Processing Timeline:
Estimated 5–6 months depending on documentation and exam completion.
Salary & Compensation:
Minimum Salary: 80,000 NZD per year (Approx. INR 44 Lakhs annually)
Eligibility Criteria
Requirements to qualify for RN roles in New Zealand.
Education
G.N.M. / B.Sc. / M.Sc. in Nursing
Experience
Minimum 1 year of full-time clinical experience
English
IELTS: 7 in S/R/L & 6.5 in W OR OET: B in R/S/L & C+ in W
Licenses
Home state nursing license, CGFNS, IQN clearance
Certificates
BLS, ACLS recommended
Age
Generally accepted between 22–50 years
Benefits & Opportunities
What international nurses gain when working in New Zealand.
Estimated Salary
80,000 NZD+ (varies by employer)
Visa
Work permit (2 years, extendable)
Family
Dependents allowed in most visa categories
Accommodation
Temporary accommodation support
Medical Insurance
Coverage provided by employers
PR Pathway
Eligibility for PR after 1 year in many cases
Step-by-step Timeline
Overview of the New Zealand RN application journey.
Eligibility assessment & document preparation
CGFNS + IQN credential verification
English exam completion (IELTS/OET)
Employer selection & interview
Visa application
Pre-departure & relocation support
Frequently Asked Questions
Is NCLEX required for New Zealand?
No — New Zealand follows IQN and CGFNS assessment routes instead of NCLEX.
How long does the process take?
Approximately 5–6 months depending on credential verification and visa processing.
Can I move to Australia later?
Yes — after obtaining NZ registration, many nurses can transition to Australia without additional exams.