New Zealand Work to Residence Visa Process and Requirements

New Zealand is a popular destination for skilled professionals seeking long-term career opportunities and a high quality of life. One of the pathways to achieving permanent residency in New Zealand is through the Work to Residence Visa, which allows skilled workers to transition into permanent residents after working in the country for a designated period. This visa is particularly appealing for individuals who wish to bring their family along and make New Zealand their new home.

Purpose and Benefits of Work to Residence Visas for New Zealand

The Work to Residence Visa is designed for skilled workers whose professions are in demand in New Zealand. The primary benefit of this visa is that it allows individuals to work in New Zealand for a specified period (typically 24 months) and then become eligible to apply for permanent residency. This visa offers a structured and relatively straightforward path to citizenship, providing long-term stability and access to New Zealand’s social services, healthcare, and education system to overseas skilled workers of tier-2 green list.

Understanding Tier 2 Green List of New Zealand for Work to Residence Visa Program:

The Tier 2 Green List in New Zealand refers to a set of professions that are in high demand but may not be as critically short as those on Tier 1. Tier 2 occupations still qualify for the Work to Residence Visa pathway, but with different conditions compared to Tier 1 professions. Even though Tier 2 occupations require more time before applying for residency, workers can bring their family members (spouse, children) on visas during this period, ensuring they are part of the journey from the start.

Top 29 High-Demand Professions in Tier-2 Green List for Work to Residence Visa

New Zealand’s Green List identifies professions that are in high demand across industries. These jobs often qualify for the Work to Residence pathway due to their critical role in New Zealand’s economy. Here are the top 29 in-demand professions from the tier-2 Green List:

• 1. Halal Slaughterers
  2. Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
  3. Primary School Teacher
  4. Teacher of the Sight Impaired
  5. Special Education Teachers nec
  6. School Principal
  7. Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher
  8. Kaiako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Teacher
  9. Pouako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Senior Teacher
  10. Special Needs Teacher
  11. Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages – if working in a primary, intermediate or secondary school
  12. Dairy Cattle Farmer (Dairy Cattle Farm Manager) including Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager
  13. Corrections Officer
  14. Construction
  15. Gasfitters
  16. Drainlayers
  17. Crane, Hoist or Lifter Operator
  18. Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
  19. Backhoe Operator
  20. Bulldozer Operator
  21. Excavator Operator
  22. Grader Operator
  23. Loader Operator
  24. Motor Mechanic – General
  25. Motorcycle Mechanic
  26. Automotive Electrician
  27. Electrician (General)
  28. Plumber (General)
  29. Diesel Motor Mechanic (inc Heavy Vehicle)

These professions not only offer job opportunities but also allow applicants to take advantage of the Work to Residence pathway as per tier-2 green list (https://www.workingin-newzealand.com/green-list/).

Eligibility Requirements of Work to Residence Visas

To qualify for the Work to Residence Visa, applicants must meet specific criteria, including:

• Job Offer: The applicant must have a full-time job offer in New Zealand in a role that is listed on the tier-2 Green List or from an accredited employer.
• Work Experience: Typically, applicants need at least two years of relevant work experience in their profession.
• Age Limit: Applicants must be 55 years old or younger.
• Health and Character: Applicants need to meet health and character requirements, which include passing a medical examination and providing police certificates.
• Accredited Employer: The employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand, or the job must be from the Green List, ensuring the position is essential to the country’s needs.

How to Find Green List Tier 2 Jobs in New Zealand? (Top 10 Platforms)

Here are some top platforms for finding Green List Tier 2 jobs in New Zealand:

1. Seek New Zealand
2. New Zealand Government Accredited Employers and Companies
3. New Zealand Government Job Portal
4. Hays Recruitment
5. Robert Walters New Zealand
6. Absolute IT
7. Frog Recruitment
8. Job.co.nz
9. Recruit IT

Overall Application Process for New Zealand Work to Residence Visa

1. Find a Job: Start by searching for Green List or accredited employer jobs using platforms listed above and  ensure that the job offer meets the criteria for the Work to Residence Visa.
2. Accept the Offer: Once you receive and accept a job offer, confirm that your employer is accredited or that your role is listed on the Green List.
3. Submit Your Visa Application: Apply for the Work to Residence Visa online through the Immigration New Zealand portal (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/work-to-residence-visa). You will need to provide documentation, including your job offer, work experience, qualifications, health, and character requirements.
4. Apply for Family Visas: Once your Work to Residence Visa is approved, you can apply for family visas (such as the Partner of a Worker Visa for your spouse or the Dependent Child Visa for your children).
5. Transition to Residence: After working for the required period (typically 24 months), you can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand, which will allow you and your family to live and work in the country indefinitely.