Work to Residence Visa

The Work to Residence Visa allows skilled workers to become New Zealand residents if they have a job or job offer with an accredited employer and have completed the required period of skilled work in New Zealand. It provides a pathway for workers in specific in-demand roles to transition from temporary work to long-term residence.

To apply you must:

• Currently work for, or have a job offer from, an accredited New Zealand employer.
• Have worked in New Zealand for 24 months in a Green List Tier 2 in-demand occupation.
• Be aged 55 or under.
• Meet English language requirements.
• Meet health and character requirements.
• Be employed in a role that meets New Zealand’s wage and employment conditions (e.g., full-time, genuine employment).

Key eligibility requirements include:

• Your job must be on the Green List Tier 2 occupations.
• You must have completed 24 months of skilled work in New Zealand in that Tier 2 role.
• Your employer must be an accredited employer.
• Your employment must be full-time (30+ hours per week).
• You must meet the relevant wage thresholds for your occupation (usually at least the median wage unless specified otherwise).
• You must hold (or have held) an eligible work visa that allowed you to work in the qualifying role.
• Must meet all standard residence requirements including English, health, and character.

Once granted, this visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely as a resident.Travel conditions are usually valid for 2 years, after which you may apply for a Permanent Resident Visa to extend travel rights.

A job or job offer is required.
Your job must:

• Be with an accredited employer
• Be in a Green List Tier 2 in-demand occupation
• Meet wage thresholds
• Be full-time and ongoing or for a contract of at least 12 months
  You must have already completed 24 months of skilled work in this role while holding an eligible work visa.

Processing times vary depending on application volume and verification requirements, but most applications are typically processed within 4 to 6 months when documentation is complete.Additional time may be required for health, character, or employer verification checks.

The cost of applying for the Work to Residence Visa is approximately NZD 4,290–4,500, depending on your location and application category.
Additional costs may include:

• Medical examinations
• Police certificates
• Document translations
• Immigration levy (included in most application fees)

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