New Zealand Work to Residence Visas

Another way of getting your feet on the ground in New Zealand is by applying for a Work to Residence visa. This will take you part of the way to gaining permanent residence but it relies on your having skills that are required in New Zealand and a good job offer.

It may be a good visa to apply for if you fall just short on points for Permanent Residence, and tends to be processed faster than Permanent Residence visas. You may be offered a Work to Residence visa as a “second chance” if your application under the Skilled Migrant Category falls a bit short.

Work to Residence visas are generally granted for up to 30 months. Your partner and children cannot be included in your application – they will need to apply for their own visitor, student or work visas. Your partner will probably be eligible for a work permit once your visa has been approved.

You lodge your application for New Zealand permanent residence after two years under the Residence from Work category. You will still need to be working full time in your field of specialisation, and you may need to meet minimum salary requirements. You can apply for permanent residence for your spouse or partner and dependent children at this point.

You need to meet the same health, character and age requirements under the Work to Residence visa program as with other New Zealand residence visas.

You can apply for a Work to Residence visa under the Long Term Skills Shortage stream if you an offer of a job that is on the Long Term Skills Shortage List. The job needs to be full time and for at least two years.

You can also apply for a Work to Residence visa under the Talent (Accredited Employers) stream if you have an offer of a job that is not on the Long Term Skills Shortage List but your prospective employer is an Accredited Employer – that is, an employer who has registered with the New Zealand Immigration Service as an employer interested in and capable of offering firm job offers to migrants. There are minimum salary requirements and the job offer needs to be for full time work lasting for at least two years.

There is also a Work to Residence visa Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) stream for people with exceptional talent in arts, sport and culture who have sponsorship from an organisation.

Check our Eligibility on a New Zealand Work Visa article to find out what your and your family are entitled to in terms to health, education and other services in New Zealand on a Work to Residence Visa.

Broadbase International will work with you every step of the way to help you make a confident start to your new life in New Zealand. Please contact us if you have any questions about the financial side of life in New Zealand, and don't forget to order your free copy of our comprehensive New Zealand Guide.