Looking for a Pathway for Work to Residence Visa NZ?

The promise of clean air, beautiful landscape and a safe environment is a significant pull factor for many migrants seeking a new life. New Zealand has that in abundance. 

If you want to understand more about pathways for work to residence in New Zealand, this article should give you a clear rundown of your options. 

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How do I get a Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand?

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A Work to Residence visa in New Zealand allows an individual to gain residency once they have completed up to three years of working in this country and comply with specific conditions such as time in the country. If you plan to make New Zealand your permanent residence, selecting the appropriate visa pathway from the beginning is essential. 

Understanding which visa is appropriate for your situation can be simplified by discussing your case with licensed immigration advisers before you apply. 

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What are the Different Types of New Zealand Work-to-Residence Visas? 

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New Zealand prioritises residency based on specific skills it deems critical and highly paid individuals who meet or exceed their wage requirements. Several different types of visas provide residency. The NZ Work to Residence and Highly Paid pathways require a 24-month work period before applying for residency. 

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The Green List Pathway

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If you have an occupation that New Zealand Immigration deems critical, you will find your pathway to residency runs far smoother. The Green List is a list of critical roles New Zealand needs to support our economy and its people.

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These roles can help you to fast-track your visa application. After securing a job offer, you may have the green light to move to NZ within weeks. 

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These in-demand jobs range from engineers and doctors to teachers, among others. Some provide a direct pathway to residency, while others require two years or more of work experience before applying. 

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Please find the full list of current Green List occupations to see whether you qualify and information on how to apply for a Green list role in our previous articles. 

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The Skilled Migrant Pathway

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The "Skilled Migrant Category" is a pathway to residency for individuals who possess job offers from New Zealand employers and possess specialised skills. Individuals are awarded "points" based on education, work experience, wage amount and time living in New Zealand. Once they are accepted, they will be awarded residency status straight away.

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It is important to note that during 2023 there will be a change in how Immigration NZ are awarded these points to qualify. Therefore, our best advice is that if you choose this pathway, you engage an Immigration service that can help guide you through the process as the changes come into effect. 

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What are the Other Types of New Zealand Work Visas?

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Several work visas can lead to residency in New Zealand, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa and the Entrepreneur Work Visa NZ. However, these are not guaranteed pathways to successful residency applications. 

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Do All Work Visas Allow You to Gain Residency?

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If you are looking for guaranteed pathways to residency in NZ, you need to ensure the visa you are applying for is set up to help you achieve this goal. However, if your role or earnings do not meet the requirements for the likes of the Green List or the Skilled Migrant Worker, you may be in a position where, after two to three years working here, you do not qualify to apply for residency. 

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Visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa grant you time to work in New Zealand for two to three years before reapplying for a new work visa. 

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For more information on available work pathways and work-to-residency visas, please visit our Work visa nz page and New Zealand Work-to-Residence visa category.

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What is the Standard Application Criteria when Applying for Residency?

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Straight to Residence, Work to Residence, Highly Paid Residence, and Care Workforce Work to Residence Visas have the same criteria you must meet to be considered for residency.

To apply for these visas, you must satisfy the following requirements on the date of your application:

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• You are 55 years old or younger.
• You, your partner (if applicable), and dependent children who are 16 years old or older meet the English language proficiency criteria.
• You, your partner (if applicable), and the dependent children included in your application meet the health and character requirements for residency.

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When hiring a licensed immigration adviser, consider contacting Malcolm Pacific Immigration for a free consultation. Their team of skilled and experienced advisers can assist you with your New Zealand visa application every step of the way.

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Benefits of Working With an Immigration Adviser

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Navigating New Zealand's Immigration policy can be challenging, particularly if it's your first time applying for a visa. Understanding the intricacies of the application process can be time-consuming and stressful. 

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We help you ensure your application is prepared accurately, help streamline your application and avoid unsuccessful applications due to mistakes such as incomplete documentation or other errors. 

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Contact Malcolm Pacific Immigration For a Free Consultation.

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Our expert advisors will provide the support you need to save time, reduce stress, and save money.

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Contact us today for a free consultation and get personalised advice from a licensed immigration professional.