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Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
VisasNew ZealandCare Workforce Work to Residence Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
Open

Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa

Work PR PathwayThis visa can lead to permanent residency, the right to live and work here indefinitely without renewing your visa. Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Estimated Cost

NZD $4,290

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Residence visa for care workers in New Zealand with 24+ months at NZD $28.25/hr or more under an accredited employer, leading to PR after 2 years.

New Zealand's Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa offers permanent settlement for migrants in aged care, disability support, and mental health roles under the country's sector pathway. Issued by Immigration New Zealand, it converts 24 months of full-time care work into residency, provided the applicant is aged 55 or younger and earns at least NZD $28.25 per hour.

Holders live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, and after two years may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa. The fee is NZD $6,450 and the role must be permanent or fixed-term for 12+ months with an accredited employer. Partners and dependent children aged 24 or younger may be included, and spouses can work without restriction.

This visa is ideal for experienced care, disability-support, or mental-health workers already in New Zealand who have completed 24 months under an accredited employer and want a direct residency pathway.

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

PRV — Parent Resident Visa
New Zealand flagNew Zealand

PRV — Parent Resident Visa

ValidityIndefinite
Processing10 months – 1 year
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must be 55 years of age or under.

Must be employed by an accredited employer.

Must have a full-time job offer that is permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months.

Must have worked in the care workforce for at least 24 months in the 30 months prior to application.

Must have been paid at least the required sector wage rate (Level 4 support worker rate).

Must meet English language, health, and character requirements.

KEY CRITERIA

Experience

2+ years

Min. Income

58,760 EUR/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport.

Employment contract and job description.

Proof of 24 months of care workforce experience (e.g., pay slips, IRD summaries).

Medical and police certificates.

Evidence of English language proficiency.

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Direct pathway to indefinite residence in New Zealand from day one.
  • Qualifying for Permanent Resident Visa after just 2 years on this visa.
  • Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger may be included.
  • Spouse can work in New Zealand without restriction.
  • Counts work experience even if the role is later removed from the care list.
  • Recognises a wide range of care roles including disability and mental health.
  • Applications are currently open with no annual cap published.

Worth Knowing

  • Application fee of NZD $6,450 is high relative to many work visas.
  • Requires 24 months of prior care work in NZ in the 30 months before applying.
  • Job must be with an INZ-accredited employer that maintains its accreditation.
  • Wage must remain at or above NZD $28.25 per hour throughout work experience.
  • Applicants must satisfy English language, health, and character requirements.
  • Applicants aged over 55 at time of application are non-qualifying.
  • No qualifying 24 months in an approved NZ care workforce role means no qualification.
  • Wages below the NZD $28.25 per hour threshold disqualify the work experience.

Application Process

1

Work 24 months: In qualifying care role at required wage

2

Complete application: Care Workforce Work to Residence application

3

Gather documentation: Employment history, wage evidence, health

4

Employer verification: Confirm employment details

5

Health examination: Medical assessment required

6

Police certificate: Good character certificate

7

Pay fee: NZD 4,290

8

Await decision: Usually 6-8 weeks

Application Forms

Care Workforce Work to Residence Application—

Verified Claims (8)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Fee Breakdown · 0 · amount
6450
immigration.govt.nz
Fees
NZD 6,450
immigration.govt.nz
Job Offer Required
true
immigration.govt.nz
Official Info
https://immigration.govt.nz/visas/care-workforce-work-to-residence-visa
immigration.govt.nz
Max Child Age
24
immigration.govt.nz
Max Stay
Indefinite
immigration.govt.nz
Min Income
58760
immigration.govt.nz
Renewable
true
immigration.govt.nz
Official Information

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