New Zealand•Oceania

Open

WTR — 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 $6,450

Stay Duration

Indefinite

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

Yes

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Apply Now Official Information

Overview

Green List Tier 2 residence visa for skilled workers with 24 months of NZ employment in an in-demand role under an accredited employer.

A Green List Tier 2 residence pathway run by Immigration New Zealand for skilled workers who have already proven their commitment to the NZ labour market. It targets professionals aged 55 or younger holding 24 months of qualifying NZ employment with an accredited employer in a designated long-term shortage occupation.

The visa grants indefinite rights to live, work, and study in NZ, with a route to a Permanent Resident Visa after two years. Applications cost NZD 6,450 and are lodged via Immigration Online; partners and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included. The qualifying job must be full-time and permanent (or 12-month fixed-term) at the Green List wage rate or NZD 35.00/hr median.

This visa is ideal for mid-career tradespeople, engineers, health workers, and ICT professionals already in NZ on an AEWV in a Tier 2 Green List role seeking a stable, employer-anchored route to PR.

Cost Breakdown

Resident visa application fee (Band C — rest of world)NZD $2,880

Immigration levyNZD $3,570

TotalNZD $6,450

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Aged 55 or under at the time of application

Must have worked in New Zealand for at least 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List occupation

Must have held a valid work visa (or Critical Purpose Visitor Visa with work conditions) for the 24-month period

Must have a current job offer or employment with an accredited employer

Employment must be full-time and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months

Must meet English language proficiency requirements

Must meet health and character requirements

KEY CRITERIA

Education

bachelor or higher

Experience

2+ years

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or certificate of identity

One acceptable passport-sized photo

Medical and chest X-ray certificates

Police certificates

Evidence of 24 months of work in a Tier 2 Green List occupation (e.g., pay slips, employment contracts, tax records)

Proof of current job offer or employment with an accredited employer

Evidence of English language proficiency

Evidence of relationship for partners and dependent children (if included)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Indefinite right to live, work, and study in New Zealand from day one
Direct pathway to a Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years on the visa
Partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger can be included in the application
Single online application via Immigration Online — no paper form required
24 months of NZ work experience need not be consecutive (within a 30-month window)
Time in a Green List role still counts if the role is later removed from the list
10 additional trade occupations being added to the Green List pathway on 18 August 2025

Worth Knowing

Requires 24 months of prior NZ employment in a Tier 2 Green List occupation
Job must be with an accredited employer and full-time, permanent or 12-month fixed-term
Must be paid at least the Green List wage rate or the NZD 35.00/hr median wage
Application fee of NZD 6,450 plus health, character, and (if needed) IQA assessments
Partner work rights depend on their own visa conditions, not the principal applicant's status
Must be aged 55 or younger at the time of application
Job must be on Tier 2 of the Green List — Tier 1 roles use the separate Straight to Residence pathway
Critical Purpose Visitor Visa pathway is closed; only AEWV/work-visa holders can build the 24-month qualifying period