New Zealand Work to Residence Visa Process – A Guide

Skilled professionals looking for long-term job opportunities and a good quality of life often move to New Zealand. The Work to Residence Visa is one way to become a permanent resident of New Zealand. It lets skilled workers become permanent residents after working in the country for a certain amount of time. This visa is great for people who want to move to New Zealand with their family and make it their new home.

Purpose and Benefits of Work-to-Residence Visas for New Zealand

The Work to Residence Visa is for skilled workers whose jobs are in high demand in New Zealand. The best thing about this visa is that it lets people work in New Zealand for a certain amount of time (usually 24 months), after which they can apply for permanent status. This visa gives overseas skilled workers on the tier-2 green list a structured and pretty easy way to become citizens of New Zealand. It also gives them long-term security and access to the country’s social services, healthcare system, and education system.

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

New Zealand’s Tier 2 Green List is made up of jobs that are in high demand but may not be as seriously short-staffed as those on Tier 1. Tier 2 jobs can still get a Work to Residence Visa, but they have to meet different requirements than Tier 1 jobs. Even though people in Tier 2 jobs have to wait longer before they can apply for residency, they can bring their families with them on visas during this time, making sure they are a part of the process from the beginning.

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

New Zealand’s “Green List” lists jobs that are in high demand across all fields. The Work to Residence route often lets people with these jobs come to New Zealand because they are so important to the economy. From the tier-2 Green List, these are the 29 most sought-after jobs:

• Halal Slaughterers
• Teacher of the Hearing Impaired
• Primary School Teacher
• Teacher of the Sight Impaired
• Special Education Teachers nec
• School Principal
• Middle School Teacher / Intermediate School Teacher
• Kaiako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Teacher
• Pouako Kura Kaupapa Māori – Māori-medium Primary School Senior Teacher
• Special Needs Teacher
• Teacher of English to Speakers of Other Languages – if working in a primary, intermediate or secondary school
• Dairy Cattle Farmer (Dairy Cattle Farm Manager) including Dairy Farm Manager, Assistant Dairy Farm Manager and Dairy Herd Manager
• Corrections Officer
• Construction
• Gasfitters
• Drainlayers
• Crane, Hoist or Lifter Operator
• Earthmoving Plant Operator (General)
• Backhoe Operator
• Bulldozer Operator
• Excavator Operator
• Grader Operator
• Loader Operator
• Motor Mechanic – General
• Motorcycle Mechanic
• Automotive Electrician
• Electrician (General)
• Plumber (General)
• Diesel Motor Mechanic (inc Heavy Vehicle)

For more information on the Green List and the Work to Residence pathway, you can visit the Green List on Working in New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements of Work to Residence Visas

To qualify for a Work to Residence Visa under the Tier 2 Green List, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Job Offer:
  • Full-Time Job: That person must have a full-time job offer in New Zealand from an authorized company or on the Tier 2 Green List. This makes sure that the job is in high demand and very important to the country’s needs.
• Work Experience:
  • Relevant Experience: Candidates usually need at least two years of experience in their field to show that they are qualified for the job and know what they’re doing.
• Age Limit:
  • Age: People who want to apply must be younger than 55 years old. This age limit helps make sure that workers will be able to add to New Zealand’s economy for longer.
• Health and Character:
  • Health: Applicants must pass a medical check to show that they meet Immigration New Zealand’s health requirements.
  • Character: Applicants must show police certificates that show they are a good person and don’t have a major criminal history.
• Accredited Employer:
  • Employer Accreditation: The job offer has to come from a company that Immigration New Zealand has approved. On the other hand, the job must be on the Green List, which means it is very important for the country.

Read Also: New Zealand Working Holiday VISA Application Process

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:

• Seek New Zealand
• New Zealand Government Accredited Employers and Companies
• New Zealand Government Job Portal
• Hays Recruitment
• Robert Walters New Zealand
• Absolute IT
• Frog Recruitment
• Job.co.nz
• Recruit IT

Overall Application Process for New Zealand Work to Residence Visa

Find a Job:

• Search for Opportunities: Use job search tools and sites that are specific to New Zealand to look for job openings on the Green List or with approved employers. Make sure that the job fits the requirements for the Work to Residence Visa.

Accept the Offer:

• Job Offer Confirmation: When you get a job offer, make sure that either the company is approved by Immigration New Zealand or the job is on the Green List. This makes sure that the job meets the standards for the visa.

Submit Your Visa Application:

• Application Process: Apply for the Work to Residence Visa online through the Immigration New Zealand portal. You will need to provide:
  • Job Offer: Details of your job offer.
  • Work Experience: Proof of relevant work experience.
  • Qualifications: Educational and professional qualifications.
  • Health: Results of a medical examination.
  • Character: Police certificates or other character documentation.

Apply for Family Visas:

• Family Visa Applications: After your Work to Residence Visa is approved, you can apply for family visas for your dependents, such as:
  • Partner of a Worker Visa: For your spouse or partner.
  • Dependent Child Visa: For your children.

Transition to Residence:

• Permanent Residency Application: You can apply for permanent residency in New Zealand after working there for the necessary amount of time, which is usually 24 months. This means that you and your family can live and work in New Zealand for as long as you want.

Conclusion:

For skilled workers who want to live in New Zealand permanently, the Work to Residence Visa is a good way to get there. If you can get a job on the Tier 2 Green List, you can have a safe and satisfying job and use New Zealand’s great social services and high quality of life. This visa makes it easy to get permanent residency and a bright future in one of the most popular places in the world. It has clear standards for who can apply and a structured application process.

Frequently Asked Questions