Overview
This visa is designed for migrant workers who have made a significant contribution to New Zealand's care sector. It provides a structured route to permanent residence after you have completed two years of qualifying work. You must be currently employed or have a job offer from an accredited employer in an eligible care role.
Who qualifies
To qualify, you must be 55 years of age or younger and have worked in an eligible care workforce role for at least 24 months within the 30 months prior to your application. Your employment must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week), permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months, and you must have been paid at or above the required care workforce sector wage rate (currently NZD $28.25/hour) for the duration of that period. You must also meet health and character requirements and demonstrate a suitable level of English.
Application steps
- 1
Step 1: Secure Qualifying Employment
Ensure you are working for an accredited employer in an approved care workforce role (e.g., Aged or Disabled Carer, Personal Care Assistant).
- 2
Step 2: Complete 24 Months of Work
Work full-time (minimum 30 hours/week) for at least 24 months while being paid at or above the sector-specific wage rate.
- 3
Step 3: Prepare Documentation
Gather evidence of your work history, wage records, English proficiency, and health/character documents.
- 4
Step 4: Submit Application
Apply for the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa online through the Immigration New Zealand portal.
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Evidence of employment with an accredited employer
- Proof of 24 months of qualifying care workforce experience
- Evidence of meeting the required wage rate
- English language test results (if required)
- Medical and police certificates for health and character
PR, family, language & arrival
Path to longer stay / PR
This visa grants residence. After holding this visa for two years, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely.
Family options
You may include your partner and dependent children aged 24 or younger in your residence application.
Language notes
You must demonstrate a suitable level of English. Check the official Immigration New Zealand website for accepted English language tests and minimum score requirements.
After arrival
Once granted, you have the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely. You should ensure you maintain your residence conditions and consider applying for a Permanent Resident Visa once you meet the time-in-country requirements.
Common pitfalls
- Failing to meet the minimum hourly wage rate for the entire 24-month period.
- Working in a role that does not strictly match the approved care workforce occupation list.
- Applying while over the age of 55.
- Not holding a valid work visa for the entirety of the 24-month qualifying period.
FAQs about Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
Who is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa for?+
Care and support workers currently employed in New Zealand in specific roles (such as aged care or disability support) who have met the required 24-month work experience threshold.
What are the eligibility requirements for Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?+
To qualify, you must be 55 years of age or younger and have worked in an eligible care workforce role for at least 24 months within the 30 months prior to your application. Your employment must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week), permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months, and you must have been paid at or above the required care workforce sector wage rate (currently NZD $28.25/hour) for the duration of that period. You must also meet health and character requirements and demonstrate
How much does the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa cost?+
Typical fees listed for Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa: NZD $6,450. Always confirm on the official government site.
How long does Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa processing take?+
ImmigraPath currently lists processing time as: Varies; check Immigration New Zealand website for current service standards..
How long can I stay on the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?+
Indefinite (Residence)
Can I work on the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?+
Full work rights; you may work for any employer in any role.
Does Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa lead to permanent residence in New Zealand?+
This visa grants residence. After holding this visa for two years, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa, which allows you to travel in and out of New Zealand indefinitely.
What are common mistakes with Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?+
Failing to meet the minimum hourly wage rate for the entire 24-month period. Working in a role that does not strictly match the approved care workforce occupation list. Applying while over the age of 55.