{"id":27625,"date":"2025-06-20T19:18:50","date_gmt":"2025-06-20T19:18:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/?p=27625"},"modified":"2025-06-20T19:45:23","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T19:45:23","slug":"zealand-care-workforce-residence-visa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/zealand-care-workforce-residence-visa\/","title":{"rendered":"New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa | Work to Residency Pathway"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Want to explore how to get permanent residency through the New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa?\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No age limit, fast-track residency, and employer sponsorship for caregivers and health workers.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Zealand is among the top global destinations offering skilled migrants a clear path to permanent residency. Through the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, international caregivers and healthcare professionals can now live and work in New Zealand while preparing for residency after two years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">With increasing demand in the aged care, disability, and home care sectors, this visa opens opportunities for global workers seeking stability, competitive pay, and a clear migration roadmap. If you&#8217;re a qualified support worker, caregiver, or health assistant, this guide explains everything you need to know to migrate to New Zealand with visa sponsorship and eventually become a permanent resident.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">What is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Introduced as part of New Zealand\u2019s Green List and Sector Agreement policy, the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is a pathway to permanent residency. It allows international care workers to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Enter New Zealand on an accredited employer-sponsored visa<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work full-time for two years in eligible occupations<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apply for residency after 24 months of continuous employment<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This initiative is part of New Zealand\u2019s strategy to fill urgent labor shortages in the aged care and support work sectors while rewarding long-term contributors with a clear, achievable PR pathway.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Key Features and Benefits<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pathway to Permanent Residency after 2 years<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">No age limit to apply<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Family inclusion: Bring your spouse\/partner and dependent children<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Accredited employer sponsorship required<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Fast processing through the Work to Residence category<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High in-demand occupations with job security and competitive wages<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This visa category is tailored to care workers, especially those in disability support, aged care, and mental health services.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eligible Occupations Under the Care Workforce Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you work in caregiving roles or have relevant qualifications\/experience, you may qualify under one of the following ANZSCO occupation codes:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">423111 \u2013 Aged or Disabled Carer<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">423312 \u2013 Nursing Support Worker<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">423313 \u2013 Personal Care Assistant<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">423314 \u2013 Therapy Aide<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">These roles are part of New Zealand\u2019s Sector Agreement Care Workforce list, which provides a dedicated residency pathway after 2 years of work with an accredited employer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salary Requirements and Conditions<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To qualify under this visa, applicants must meet minimum wage requirements:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">As of 2024, the required wage threshold is $28.25 per hour or $58,240 per year (based on a 40-hour work week).<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This aligns with level 4 of the Support Workers Pay Equity Settlement Act.<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Applicants must be employed full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and have an ongoing, valid employment offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work to Residence Visa vs Straight to Residence Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Feature<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work to Residence<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Straight to Residence<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Residency eligible after<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">2 years<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Immediate<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Sectors covered<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Care workforce, trades, transport<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Green List Tier 1 jobs<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Salary requirement<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">$28.25\/hr<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Higher threshold<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Employer accreditation required<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Can I Bring My Family?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Yes! This visa pathway is family-friendly. You can include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Spouse or partner (eligible for an open work visa)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Dependent children (can study on a student visa)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This makes it a powerful option for those seeking long-term relocation with family to a safe, stable, and prosperous country.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Eligibility Criteria<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">To be eligible for the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Be employed in an eligible care workforce occupation<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work at least 30 hours per week<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Earn at least NZD $28.25\/hour<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Hold a valid work visa based on employer accreditation<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work for an Accredited Employer<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Complete 24 months of full-time work in New Zealand<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apply for residency within 6 months after completing the work requirement<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Meet health and character requirements<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">There is no age cap or strict English language requirement, though functional English is expected for both work and residency stages.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Step 1: Secure a Job Offer<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Start by applying for care and support jobs with accredited New Zealand employers. Use job platforms like:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Seek New Zealand<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Trade Me Jobs<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">CareJobz<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ensure your job offer mentions the occupation code and complies with wage and hour conditions.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Step 2: Employer Applies for Accreditation (if not already)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Your employer must hold Accredited Employer status from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Step 3: Apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">This is your initial work visa, valid for up to 3 years. You must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Include job offer details<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submit proof of qualifications or experience<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pay the applicable visa fee<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Step 4: Begin 24-Month Countdown<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Once your visa is granted, you must:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Work continuously for 2 years in the same or similar role<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ensure wage and employer remain compliant<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Document your hours and employment for future residency application<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Step 5: Apply for Residence<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">After completing 24 months of full-time work:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Gather employment history<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Submit residence application under Care Workforce Work to Residence category<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Include family members<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Pay residence processing fees<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Processing times vary, but many receive approvals within 6\u20139 months.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Top Employers Hiring International Care Workers<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Some of the top accredited employers in the care workforce space include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Summerset Group<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Bupa New Zealand<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Oceania Healthcare<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Ryman Healthcare<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Access Community Health<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Geneva Healthcare<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Many of these employers offer relocation support, training, and even housing assistance for international hires.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Why Choose New Zealand?<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">High quality of life and stunning natural beauty<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Free or subsidized public healthcare<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Family-friendly society and inclusive work environment<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">One of the easiest paths to permanent residency<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Shortage of care workers = job security + competitive pay<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">New Zealand\u2019s strong social values and transparent migration system make it an ideal destination for anyone passionate about caregiving.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Tips for Success<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Get your CV New Zealand-ready, use local formatting and terminology<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Highlight relevant experience in aged care, disability, or support work<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Apply only to Accredited Employers (check on INZ\u2019s website)<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Prepare proof of work experience and references<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Be consistent with documentation, wages, hours, contract duration<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If in doubt, consult with a licensed immigration advisor<\/span>&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Final Thoughts on New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is a golden opportunity for international caregivers and support workers to live, work, and permanently settle in New Zealand. With increasing demand for aged and disability care professionals, the country is actively welcoming those with the right skills, and rewarding them with a pathway to residency.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">If you&#8217;re looking to migrate to New Zealand without an age cap, bring your family, and contribute meaningfully to society, this visa stream is your best route forward.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Want to explore how to get permanent residency through the New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa?\u00a0\u00a0 No age&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-27625","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-jobs-and-travel"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27625","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27625"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27625\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27631,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27625\/revisions\/27631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27625"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27625"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coblitob.com\/jobs\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27625"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}