What is “Work to Residence”?
A clear guide to New Zealand’s Work to Residence visa: who it’s for, how it works, and how to move from work visa to residency.
What Is “Work to Residence” in New Zealand?
If you’re planning to build a long-term future in New Zealand, you’ve probably heard the term “Work to Residence.” It sounds straightforward — work first, then get residence — but many people aren’t sure how it actually works.
In simple terms, Work to Residence is a pathway that allows you to come to New Zealand on a work visa and later apply for residency, provided you meet certain conditions. Work to Residence is one of several skilled residence visas available in New Zealand, alongside options like the Straight to Residence pathway.
Residence visa work pathways require you to live in New Zealand and meet specific criteria. To be eligible, you must hold a valid visa and meet health and character requirements. Work experience gained in New Zealand is a key eligibility factor for this pathway.
It’s designed for skilled workers whose experience and employment are considered valuable to New Zealand’s economy, and it sits alongside other work visa options for skilled professionals in New Zealand.
How Does Work to Residence Work?
The most common Work to Residence pathway is through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), especially for roles that appear on New Zealand's Green List skilled residence pathways.
Here’s the general idea:
- You secure a job offer from a New Zealand employer who is accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
- You are granted a work visa (this may be a temporary work visa at first).
- You work in an eligible role for a required period (often 24 consecutive months), in full time employment (at least 30 hours per week) or on a fixed term contract of at least 12 months. Your work experience must be paid, and you must meet the required hours per week over consecutive months. Parental leave and parental leave undertaken can count towards the required work experience period.
- You apply for residence under a residence category if you meet salary and skill thresholds. Registration of qualifications or professional membership may be required for some roles.
Some roles are eligible under the Green List pathways, which offer either:
- Straight to Residence, or
- Work to Residence (after 2 years of work in NZ). The Green List Work to Residence pathway is a specific option for those in eligible occupations.
If your current visa expires while your residence application is being processed, you may be granted an interim visa to allow you to stay lawfully in New Zealand.
To submit your visa application, you must apply online, which requires creating an account on the Immigration New Zealand website. You can check the official details on the Immigration New Zealand website here: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Who Is Work to Residence Suitable For?
Work to Residence may be right for you if:
- You have a job offer in a Green List occupation
- Your employer is accredited
- Your salary meets the required threshold
- You plan to stay in New Zealand long term
- You are eligible to apply based on your occupation, age, and other criteria
Applicants in care workforce sector occupations or those with care workforce work may qualify under specific work to residence pathways, especially within the healthcare sector.
Applicants must also meet character requirements as part of the eligibility process.
Your partner and dependent children can be included in your application, and family members may have their own requirements, such as demonstrating English language proficiency if over the age of 16.
It’s especially common for professionals in healthcare, engineering, IT, and construction, where many roles are advertised as New Zealand immigration jobs with clear visa pathways.
If you’re unsure whether your occupation qualifies, it’s worth reviewing the Green List or getting tailored advice before making a move.
Key Things to Be Careful About
Here’s where many people get confused.
Not every job leads to residence.
Some roles allow you to work in New Zealand temporarily but do not create a clear pathway to residency. Salary thresholds, job classifications, and employer accreditation all matter. Your employment must be genuine and meet all eligibility criteria, including holding a valid visa at all times. You must also meet health and character requirements as part of the application process. Only work experience gained in New Zealand in eligible roles counts towards residence, and some positions require registration of qualifications or professional membership.
Also, immigration policy can change. What qualifies today may be updated next year.
That’s why planning your move strategically — not just accepting the first job offer — is crucial.
How BRIGENAI Can Help
At BRIGENAI, we often see talented professionals accept roles without fully understanding their long-term visa implications.
BRIGENAI can provide further information and support with your visa application, including for skilled residence visas. We also assist with applications for family members and help you understand English language requirements and required documentation.
Before you relocate, it’s smart to map out your career and residency pathway clearly. Our career relocation resources for international professionals and relocation and career planning guides at 👉 https://www.brigenai.com/resources
can help you think through your next steps carefully — from job selection to long-term settlement strategy.
