Care workforce

Overview

The Care Workforce: Work to Residence Visa allows eligible care sector workers to apply for New Zealand residence after working in a qualifying care role for at least 24 months. This pathway recognises the vital role care workers play in our community and offers a clear route to residency.

Who Is This For?

This visa is for people who:

• Have been working in New Zealand in a full-time care sector occupation (at least 30 hours per week),
• Have worked for 24 months in the last 30 months,
• Are paid at least $28.25 per hour, and
• Are 55 years old or younger at the time of applying.

Eligible Occupations

You must be working (or have worked) in one of the following Care Workforce occupations listed in Appendix 14:

Note: Roles must substantially match the official ANZSCO occupation descriptions.

Key Requirements

General Requirements

• Meet health and character requirements.
• Meet the minimum English language standard or pre-purchase ESOL tuition (if eligible).

Work & Income Requirements

• Hold a valid work visa (or a critical purpose visitor visa with work rights) when applying.
• Be working in an eligible role, full-time (30+ hours/week).
• Be paid $28.25/hour or more (or equivalent salary).
• The employment must be genuine, permanent or for at least 12 months fixed-term.
• The employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand.

24-Month Work Requirement

• You must have worked at least 24 months in a qualifying role in New Zealand since 29 September 2021.
• The 24 months can be non-consecutive, as long as it is within the 30 months before you apply.
• You must have held one of the following visas during that work period:
  • A valid work visa
  • A critical purpose visitor visa with work rights
  • An interim visa with work conditions

 If your pay was lower than the required rate, that period will not count.
If the occupation was later removed from the list, your time still counts as long as you remained in the role and met the wage criteria.

Wage Thresholds Over Time

 Example: If you started earning $27/hour in October 2021, you can count that work from 29 September 2021. Even after the wage increased to $28.25 in July 2022, you can continue to count your work if:

• You stayed in the same job, and
• Your wage did not decrease.

Documents You’ll Need

To prove your eligibility, you must submit:

• Employment agreements (past and current),
• Job descriptions showing your role and responsibilities,
• Inland Revenue (IRD) summary of earnings confirming 24 months of work,
• Payslips or bank statements if requested by Immigration NZ,
• Proof of wage (e.g. employment agreement with pay rate and hours),
• Evidence of employer accreditation status.

What If You Have Mixed Work Experience?

If you haven’t worked 24 full months in a care sector role, you may combine time from other eligible categories like:

• Green List – Work to Residence roles
• Transport Sector – Work to Residence roles
• Work at twice the median wage

Your combined total must still meet the 24 months of full-time work requirement.

Genuine Employment

Your job must be real and legitimate. Immigration NZ may check:

• Whether your role and pay match the industry standard.
• That your job offer wasn’t secured by paying someone (this is strictly prohibited).

Important Notes

• Your employer must be fully compliant with New Zealand employment and immigration law.
• If your employment details (job title, pay, etc.) changed after your last visa application, you must provide updated evidence.
• Immigration officers may assess whether your job is a substantial match to the official ANZSCO description.

Need Help Applying?

At JD Immigration Services, we specialise in helping care workers secure their residency under the Care Workforce: Work to Residence pathway. From verifying your job eligibility to guiding you through the paperwork, we’re here every step of the way.

Book your consultation today.