A residence visa for people who have worked in New Zealand for 24 months or more in an eligible care workforce role, meet the required care workforce wage rate, and have a current job or job offer with an accredited employer in New Zealand.
Live, work and study
80% WITHIN
Starting From
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa provides a pathway to residence for applicants who have contributed to New Zealand’s care sector in an eligible role and meet the pathway requirements.
Age Limit: You must be 55 years or younger
Work Experience : Have completed 24 months (or more) of qualifying full-time work in an eligible care workforce job in New Zealand
Employment: Have a current job or job offer in an eligible care workforce role with an accredited employer
Meet income requirements: Have been paid at or above the care workforce wage rate during the qualifying period
Language Obligation: They must understand and speak English fluently or pay for lessons
Health and Character Requirements: They must meet health and character requirements
Other Requirements: They must meet the other requirements of their pathway visa.
Our licensed immigration professionals dedicated to provide the fastest, most cost-effective solutions for your New Zealand visa needs. We're thorough in our approach to ensure your visa application succeeds at minimal cost.
This visa is suitable for applicants who:
Have a stable work history in the care sector in New Zealand
Can show they worked full-time (30+ hours per week) and met the required wage rate
Are continuing in the care workforce with an accredited employer (or have a qualifying offer)
You must have worked in a full-time care workforce job such as:
Māori Health Assistant - Kaiawhina (Hauora)
Disabilities Services Officer
Residential Care Officer
Aged or Disabled Carer
Nursing Support Worker
Personal Care Assistant
Therapy Aide
Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant
Diversional Therapist
If a job is removed from the list after you start working, your time may still count if you remain in that role and continue to meet the wage requirement for the full qualifying period.
This visa is suitable for applicants who:
Live, work, and study anywhere in New Zealand
Travel in and out of New Zealand while travel conditions are valid
Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years
Progress toward New Zealand citizenship once residence requirements are met
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa offers care workers a clear and reliable pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand.
To qualify, you must have been paid at least:
NZD $27/hour (or equivalent salary) between 29 September 2021 and 30 June 2022, and
NZD $28.25/hour (or equivalent salary) from 1 July 2022
Immigration New Zealand may ask for evidence that you met the wage requirement throughout the relevant period.
You must show that you can speak and understand English, usually through:
An approved English language test, or
Evidence of eligible citizenship/study/work background
Partners and dependent children aged 16 or older must also meet English requirements or, where permitted, pre-purchase English language tuition.
You may include:
Your partner
Your dependent children aged 24 or younger
All included family members must meet health, character, and (where applicable) English language requirements.
Care Workforce Work to Residence applications often turn on the detail: confirming the role is eligible, ensuring wage thresholds were met across the qualifying period, and presenting clear evidence for the full 24 months. We help you prepare an accurate application that aligns with Immigration New Zealand expectations.
Disclaimer: Immigration requirements can change, and every case is different. This page offers a simplified summary only. Unite Immigration will assess your situation carefully and guide you with personalised advice.
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