New Zealand Work to Residence Visas

Your Pathway to Permanent Residency Through Employment
New Zealand offers a Work to Residence (WTR) visa pathway for migrants employed in high-demand occupations under specific policy categories. This allows skilled workers to transition from a temporary visa (like AEWV) to residence after completing 2 years of eligible work.

• Hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
• Are working in a Green List Tier 2 occupation OR in a role under a Sector Agreement with a residence pathway
• Have completed 24 months (2 years) of full-time work in that role
• Meet wage, qualification, registration, and English requirements
• Are aged 55 or under

If your job is listed under Green List Tier 2, you can apply for residence after 2 years of work in New Zealand.

Residence pathway is available after 24 months of eligible employment in the same occupation.

Some specific sectors have negotiated agreements with Immigration NZ to allow residence after 2 years of work under AEWV, even if the role pays below the standard wage threshold.

• Care Workforce
• Transport (Bus & Truck Drivers)
• Construction & Infrastructure (Limited roles)

You must complete 2 years of continuous employment in the same role for eligibility.

• Be 55 years or younger
• Have completed 24 months of work in the specified role (same ANZSCO code)
• Be employed by an accredited employer
• Meet the wage threshold (median wage or specified sector rate)
• Hold relevant qualifications, experience, and licenses
• Meet health, character, and English language requirements

You must provide one of the following:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5
• TOEFL iBT: 79
• PTE Academic: 58
• Cambridge: 176
• Or a recognized qualification taught in English

1. Complete 24 Months of Work – Must be in the same occupation and employer type (accredited). Meet wage and registration/licensing requirements.
2. Gather Documentation – Proof of work (job offer, payslips, tax records, employment letter), evidence of qualifications, licenses, and registrations, police clearance, medicals, and English test results.
3. Apply Online for Residence – Apply via Immigration New Zealand's online portal. Upload supporting documents and pay the application fee.

Processing Time: 4 to 6 months (average), may vary

Yes! You can include your partner and dependent children (aged under 24 and unmarried) in your WTR residence application. They’ll also be granted residence if approved.

• Smooth transition from temporary to permanent residency
• Access to public health, education, and employment benefits
• Work and live anywhere in New Zealand
• Secure future for your entire family
• Eligibility for permanent residency and later New Zealand citizenship