New Zealand•OceaniaCare Workforce Work to Residence Visa
At a Glance
Varies
NZD $6,450
Indefinite
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
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.
Cost Breakdown
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandRequirements
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 NZD/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
Work 24 months
In qualifying care role at required wage
Complete application
Care Workforce Work to Residence application
Gather documentation
Employment history, wage evidence, health
Employer verification
Confirm employment details
Health examination
Medical assessment required
Police certificate
Good character certificate
Pay fee
NZD 6,450 (NZD 2,880 application fee + NZD 3,570 immigration levy)
Await decision
Usually 6-8 weeks
Application Forms
| Care Workforce Work to Residence Application | — |
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