New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa. The New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is one of the most reliable immigration pathways for healthcare and disability support workers who want to settle permanently in New Zealand. As the country continues to face shortages in the care sector, this visa provides a structured route for skilled international workers to transition from temporary employment to permanent residency.
Unlike the Straight to Residence pathway available for some Tier 1 Green List occupations, this visa falls under the “Work to Residence” category. That means applicants must first complete 24 months of eligible employment in New Zealand before applying for residency.
In 2026, this visa remains a highly attractive option for caregivers seeking long-term stability and career growth in New Zealand.
What is the New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?
The New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is a residence-class visa specifically created for workers employed in approved care sector roles. It is part of New Zealand’s Green List and Sector Agreement framework, designed to fill critical workforce shortages in aged care, disability services, and residential support roles.
To qualify for this pathway, applicants must meet several essential requirements:
- Be 55 years old or younger
- Complete 24 months of qualifying full-time work in New Zealand
- Hold employment with an Accredited Employer approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)
- Meet English language requirements (generally equivalent to IELTS 6.5)
- Be paid at or above the required wage threshold
This structured system ensures that only genuinely experienced and actively employed care workers become eligible for permanent residency.
5 Essential Rules for 2026 Applicants
1. Secure Employment with an Accredited Employer
Your journey begins with finding a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). Without accredited status, your employment will not count toward the required 24 months.
Before signing any employment agreement, verify your employer’s accreditation status through the official INZ list. If your employer loses accreditation during your employment period, your residency eligibility may be affected.
2. Complete 24 Months of Qualifying Full-Time Work
To apply for residency, you must complete at least 24 months of full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) in an eligible care workforce role.
Important notes:
- Annual leave, sick leave, and parental leave can usually be counted toward the 24 months.
- Long employment gaps may delay your eligibility.
- You can change employers during this period, but the new employer must also be accredited and the job must remain eligible.
Only work experience gained in New Zealand after September 29, 2021, counts toward this requirement.
3. Meet the Level 4 Wage Threshold
Applicants must be paid at or above the Level 4 Care Workforce wage rate throughout the 24-month period and at the time of applying for residence.
In 2026, this wage rate is approximately NZD $28.25 per hour under the pay equity framework. If your salary drops below the required threshold, your qualifying work period may pause until your wage meets the required level again.
Always ensure that your hourly rate is clearly stated in your employment contract and matches your payslips.
4. Provide Health and Character Documents
As part of your residence application, you must submit:
- A valid medical certificate
- Police clearance certificates from your home country
- Police certificates from any country where you lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years
It is strongly recommended to begin collecting police documents at least three months before completing your 24 months of work, as processing times can be lengthy.
5. Submit Your Residence Application Online
Once you reach your 24-month milestone, you can submit your residence application through the official INZ online portal.
The application fee in 2026 starts at approximately NZD $4,290, though costs may vary depending on location and additional documentation requirements.
Eligible Occupations Under This Visa
Not all healthcare roles qualify for the Care Workforce Work to Residence pathway. You must be employed in one of the approved ANZSCO occupations, including:
- Aged or Disabled Carer
- Nursing Support Worker
- Residential Care Officer
- Disabilities Services Officer
- Personal Care Assistant
- Diversional Therapist
It is important to note that immigration authorities assess your actual job duties, not just your job title. Your daily responsibilities must match the official ANZSCO job description for your role.
Benefits of the Care Workforce Residence Pathway
Direct Path to Permanent Residency
Unlike points-based systems, this pathway offers a clear and predictable route to residency after 24 months of qualifying employment.
Family Inclusion
Applicants can include their partner and dependent children (up to age 24) in the residence application, making it ideal for families seeking long-term relocation.
Employer Flexibility
You are allowed to change employers during your qualifying period, as long as the new employer is accredited and the role remains eligible.
Challenges and Drawbacks
While this visa offers strong benefits, there are also some challenges:
- High English requirement (IELTS 6.5) can be difficult for some applicants.
- The age limit of 55 years excludes older workers.
- Strict wage compliance is mandatory.
- Employment gaps can delay eligibility.
Applicants aged 56 or above are generally not eligible unless they qualify for a rare age waiver.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Working for a non-accredited employer
- Not verifying wage compliance
- Allowing long employment gaps
- Failing to match job duties with ANZSCO descriptions
- Waiting too late to apply for police certificates
Careful planning and documentation are essential to avoid unnecessary delays or rejection.
Conclusion
The New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa remains one of the best immigration options in 2026 for qualified care professionals seeking permanent settlement in Aotearoa (New Zealand).
By completing 24 months of eligible work with an accredited employer, maintaining the required wage level, and meeting English and character standards, you can secure permanent residency for yourself and your family.
