Mariam SulaimonWant to explore how to get permanent residency through the New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa?
No age limit, fast-track residency, and employer sponsorship for caregivers and health workers.
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.
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’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.
What is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?
Introduced as part of New Zealand’s 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:
- Enter New Zealand on an accredited employer-sponsored visa
- Work full-time for two years in eligible occupations
- Apply for residency after 24 months of continuous employment
This initiative is part of New Zealand’s 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.
Key Features and Benefits
- Pathway to Permanent Residency after 2 years
- No age limit to apply
- Family inclusion: Bring your spouse/partner and dependent children
- Accredited employer sponsorship required
- Fast processing through the Work to Residence category
- High in-demand occupations with job security and competitive wages
This visa category is tailored to care workers, especially those in disability support, aged care, and mental health services.
Eligible Occupations Under the Care Workforce Visa
If you work in caregiving roles or have relevant qualifications/experience, you may qualify under one of the following ANZSCO occupation codes:
- 423111 – Aged or Disabled Carer
- 423312 – Nursing Support Worker
- 423313 – Personal Care Assistant
- 423314 – Therapy Aide
These roles are part of New Zealand’s Sector Agreement Care Workforce list, which provides a dedicated residency pathway after 2 years of work with an accredited employer.
Salary Requirements and Conditions
To qualify under this visa, applicants must meet minimum wage requirements:
- As of 2024, the required wage threshold is $28.25 per hour or $58,240 per year (based on a 40-hour work week).
- This aligns with level 4 of the Support Workers Pay Equity Settlement Act.
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.
Work to Residence Visa vs Straight to Residence Visa
| Feature | Work to Residence | Straight to Residence |
| Residency eligible after | 2 years | Immediate |
| Sectors covered | Care workforce, trades, transport | Green List Tier 1 jobs |
| Salary requirement | $28.25/hr | Higher threshold |
| Employer accreditation required | Yes | Yes |
Can I Bring My Family?
Yes! This visa pathway is family-friendly. You can include:
- Spouse or partner (eligible for an open work visa)
- Dependent children (can study on a student visa)
This makes it a powerful option for those seeking long-term relocation with family to a safe, stable, and prosperous country.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, you must:
- Be employed in an eligible care workforce occupation
- Work at least 30 hours per week
- Earn at least NZD $28.25/hour
- Hold a valid work visa based on employer accreditation
- Work for an Accredited Employer
- Complete 24 months of full-time work in New Zealand
- Apply for residency within 6 months after completing the work requirement
- Meet health and character requirements
There is no age cap or strict English language requirement, though functional English is expected for both work and residency stages.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Secure a Job Offer
Start by applying for care and support jobs with accredited New Zealand employers. Use job platforms like:
- Seek New Zealand
- Trade Me Jobs
- CareJobz
Ensure your job offer mentions the occupation code and complies with wage and hour conditions.
Step 2: Employer Applies for Accreditation (if not already)
Your employer must hold Accredited Employer status from Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
Step 3: Apply for Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
This is your initial work visa, valid for up to 3 years. You must:
- Include job offer details
- Submit proof of qualifications or experience
- Pay the applicable visa fee
Step 4: Begin 24-Month Countdown
Once your visa is granted, you must:
- Work continuously for 2 years in the same or similar role
- Ensure wage and employer remain compliant
- Document your hours and employment for future residency application
Step 5: Apply for Residence
After completing 24 months of full-time work:
- Gather employment history
- Submit residence application under Care Workforce Work to Residence category
- Include family members
- Pay residence processing fees
Processing times vary, but many receive approvals within 6–9 months.
Top Employers Hiring International Care Workers
Some of the top accredited employers in the care workforce space include:
- Summerset Group
- Bupa New Zealand
- Oceania Healthcare
- Ryman Healthcare
- Access Community Health
- Geneva Healthcare
Many of these employers offer relocation support, training, and even housing assistance for international hires.
Why Choose New Zealand?
- High quality of life and stunning natural beauty
- Free or subsidized public healthcare
- Family-friendly society and inclusive work environment
- One of the easiest paths to permanent residency
- Shortage of care workers = job security + competitive pay
New Zealand’s strong social values and transparent migration system make it an ideal destination for anyone passionate about caregiving.
Tips for Success
- Get your CV New Zealand-ready, use local formatting and terminology
- Highlight relevant experience in aged care, disability, or support work
- Apply only to Accredited Employers (check on INZ’s website)
- Prepare proof of work experience and references
- Be consistent with documentation, wages, hours, contract duration
- If in doubt, consult with a licensed immigration advisor
Final Thoughts on New Zealand Care Workforce Residence Visa
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.
If you’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.
Abdulqaadir Olomu