Work to Residence Visa NZ
Work to Residence - The 24 Month Pathway to Residence
The Work to Residence pathway lets skilled workers gain New Zealand residence after 24 months of qualifying full-time work. It's the residence route for people who aren't eligible to apply immediately (Straight to Residence).
There are three ways to qualify: working in a Green List Tier 2 occupation, earning at least twice the median wage (Highly Paid Residence), or working in an eligible Care Workforce role. You generally need to be 55 or younger and to have worked for an accredited employer.
At IMMagine Immigration, our licensed advisers confirm which route fits you, track your 24 months correctly, and prepare the residence application. Start with a free eligibility evaluation or read our Work to Residence guide.
Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
Work to Residence Visa Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Residence (after qualifying work) |
| Core requirement | 24 months of qualifying full-time work in New Zealand |
| Time window | 24 months gained within the 30 months before you apply |
| Age limit | 55 or younger at the time of the residence application |
| Cost | From NZD $4,020 (varies onshore/offshore) |
| Family | Partner and dependent children (24 and under) can be included |
| Leads to | Permanent Resident Visa, then citizenship |
What Is the Work to Residence Visa?
Work to Residence is a skilled residence category for people who first build up qualifying work experience in New Zealand, then apply for residence. It typically follows time on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and sits alongside Straight to Residence under New Zealand's Green List and highly-paid residence framework.
The 3 Routes to Work to Residence
You can reach residence through any one of these — or a mix of them.
| Route | What you need over 24 months |
|---|---|
| Green List Tier 2 | Work full-time in a Tier 2 Green List occupation, meeting its requirements |
| Highly Paid Residence | Work in a role paid at least twice the median wage (NZD $70.00/hour, based on the $35.00 median wage) |
| Care Workforce | Work in an eligible care role paid at least the Level 4 rate of the care and support worker pay equity scale |
Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for residence under this pathway you generally must:
- Be 55 or younger at the time of your residence application
- Have completed 24 months of qualifying work (see Sections 3–4)
- Have current employment or a job offer that is full-time, permanent or a fixed term of at least 12 months, with an accredited employer
- Meet any role-specific wage, qualification or registration requirements
- Meet English language (test results explained), health (medical waivers may apply) and character requirements
How the 24-Month Rule Works
This is where applications are won or lost on detail:
- The 24 months must be full-time (at least 30 hours per week)
- They must be gained within the 30-month period immediately before you apply
- The 24 months do not need to be consecutive — separate periods can be added together (for example, two 12-month periods with a gap between)
- You must have held a qualifying work visa (generally an AEWV) during that work
- Your role must remain substantially consistent with its ANZSCO description throughout
Getting the dates, wage rates and occupation match right across two years takes careful tracking — it's the most common cause of avoidable delays.
Costs & Processing (Updated June 2026)
Cost: the application fee plus immigration levy is between NZD $4,020 and NZD $4,890, depending on whether you apply from inside or outside New Zealand. This does not include adviser fees
Processing: times vary with application volume and how complete and well-evidenced your 24 months of work are. Because fees are non-refundable, precise evidence matters — see the top 10 reasons New Zealand visas are declined.
Need help with your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with work visa applications.
After Residence
Work to Residence grants a resident visa. After holding it for at least 2 years and meeting its conditions, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa (no travel limits). After 5 years living here as a resident, New Zealand citizenship may become possible.
How long do I have to work before applying for Work to Residence?
If your occupation is Tier 1, Straight to Residence is faster — no 24-month wait. If you don't have a Green List role at all, the Skilled Migrant Category (check your points) may be your route. Many people qualify for more than one — see all residence pathways for skilled migrants.
Step by Step
Our Process
1. Free Eligibility Check
Complete our short questionnaire and attach your resume (or provide a summary of qualifications and work experience).
Within 48 working hours, we will provide a free written assessment of Visa options.
2. Online Consultation
Book a 75–90 minute paid online consultation to explore your visa options and get answers to all your questions.
3. Visa Application
Once you decide to proceed, we will handle the preparation and processing of your visa application.
FAQs
Browse our FAQs for Answers
Need Help With Your NZ Work Visa?
IMMagine Immigration offers a range of immigration services, including assistance with NZ work visas. Contact us today!
