Visas

Work to Residence

Wine tasting in Hawke’s Bay

The New Zealand Work to Residence programme allows migrants who are working in New Zealand on a work permit to extend that permit to residency. You can achieve residency status if you can find gainful employment and meet the category requirements.

To be eligible to apply for residency under this category, you need a valid passport with an expiry date a minimum of three months past the date you plan to leave New Zealand. You also need to meet health and character requirements, as well as have a genuine desire to work in New Zealand.

Medical checks are required from every applicant and police checks are required for applicants aged 17 and over.

In order to become a resident of New Zealand, you need to be under the age of 56. Please note that if you are planning a long-term relocation, you need to start working in the country no later than your 53rd year (which allows you to work for the required two years before applying for residency).

Application for the Work to Residence programme can be made under a number of different policies, and you will need to meet the requirements of the policy that best applies to your specific situation.

For example, if you are a senior research engineer with an offer of employment from an accredited New Zealand IT company, you should apply under the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Policy. A radiologist with an offer of employment from a New Zealand hospital should apply under the Long Term Skill Shortages List Work Policy (if his/her occupation is still listed at the time of application).