🏥 Introduction: Your Pathway to NZ Residency
New Zealand is inviting overseas caretaker professionals! to work and live in New Zealand. The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa offers:
✅ 30-month work visa in high-demand healthcare roles
✅ Direct path to permanent Residency after 2-2.5 years
✅ Bring your family – partners get work rights, kids study free
✅ Job security in a sector with 15% growth expected by 2030
Why This Matters in 2025:
With 1 in 4 Kiwis projected to be over 65 by 2030, your skills are desperately needed – and generously rewarded with residency opportunities.
📋 Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
You CAN Apply If You:
✔ Work in aged care, disability support, or community health
✔ Have 2+ years experience OR relevant qualification
✔ Earn $31.61+/hour (2025 minimum wage threshold)
✔ Pass health/character checks
Common Eligible Roles:
| Occupation | Avg. Hourly Wage (2025) |
|---|---|
| Aged Care Worker | $28-$32 |
| Disability Support Worker | $30-$35 |
| Mental Health Support | $32-$36 |
| Nursing Support | $31-$34 |
Who Might Struggle?
❌ Those without verifiable work history
❌ Applicants with severe health conditions
❌ Workers below the wage threshold
🔍 Selection Criteria: What Immigration NZ Looks For
Your application gets stronger with:
⭐ NZ-recognised qualifications
⭐ Experience in high-demand regions (Auckland, Wellington)
⭐ Clean immigration history
⭐ Long-term commitment to healthcare
Pro Tip: Regional employers often have faster processing!
🛣️ Step-by-Step Process
- Check Your Occupation – Official list here
- Find Accredited Employer – Current list
- Secure Job Offer meeting wage requirements
- Gather Documents (see checklist below)
- Submit Online Application
- Wait 4-6 Weeks for approval
- Move to NZ & Work
- Apply for Residency at 24-30 months
Visual Timeline:
Diagram
📑 Document Checklist
Essential Papers:
- Valid passport (3+ years remaining)
- Job offer from an accredited employer
- Work references (detailed duties + contact info)
- Qualifications (NZQA-assessed if international)
- Police certificates from all countries lived in
- Medical clearance
Sample Reference Template:
[Employer Letterhead]
[Date]
To Whom It May Concern,
I confirm [Name] worked as [Position] from [Dates].
Key responsibilities:
- Personal care assistance
- Medication administration
- Mobility support
[Name] worked [full-time] at [Wage].
Contact: [Manager Name]
[Phone/Email]
💸 Costs & Processing Times
| Fee Type | Cost (NZD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Visa Application | $1,080 | 4-6 weeks |
| NZQA Assessment | $746+ | 8-12 weeks |
| Medical Exam | $300-$500 | 1-2 weeks |
| Police Check | Varies | 2-4 weeks |
💰 Financial Requirements
You must show:
- $4,000 for the principal applicant
- +$2,000 per family member
- Ongoing income meeting wage threshold
Budget Example:
Diagram
🎁 Visa Benefits vs Limitations
👍 Advantages
- Guaranteed residency pathway
- The family included from Day 1
- Work in beautiful NZ locations
- Free healthcare/schooling
👎 Considerations
- Must stay with an accredited employer initially
- Strict wage requirements
- 2-year commitment before PR
📞 Official Resources
🔗 Immigration NZ Website
📞 +64 9 914 4100 (NZ)
📧 contact@immigration.govt.nz
📍 Find your nearest visa office here
❓ FAQ
Q: Can I change jobs?
A: After 12 months to another accredited employer
Q: What if my pay increases?
A: Great! Just ensure it stays above the threshold
Q: Is IELTS required?
A: Only if your qualification needs English proof
💡 Expert Tips
- Triple-check references match official job descriptions
- Apply in March-May for the fastest processing
- Regional jobs often have priority
- Keep copies of every document
- Consult experts for complex cases
Your Next Steps:
- Check your eligibility
- Find accredited employers
- Start gathering documents today!