Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand

The Work to Residence (WTR) Visa provides skilled professionals with a clear pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand. This visa allows individuals to work for an accredited employer for a fixed period and, after meeting specific conditions, transition to residence under the Residence from Work category.

Key Features of the Work to Residence Visa:

• Step-to-Residency Pathway: This visa is ideal for individuals who wish to gain New Zealand work experience before becoming residents. After a qualifying period (usually two years), applicants may apply for residence.
• Accredited Employer Requirement: Applicants must hold a full-time job offer from an accredited employer recognised by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
• Skilled Employment: The offered position must meet New Zealand’s skill and salary thresholds and align with the applicant’s professional background and qualifications.
• Temporary Work Visa: The first stage typically involves a temporary work visa that allows the applicant to work for their sponsoring employer for up to 30 months.
• Pathway to Residence: After maintaining continuous employment and meeting all conditions for two years, visa holders can apply for permanent residence under the Residence from Work category.
• Family Inclusion: Applicants may include their partner and dependent children in both the temporary and residence applications, allowing families to settle together in New Zealand.

Application Process:

• 1. Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a genuine, full-time job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer in an occupation that meets INZ’s skill and salary thresholds.
• 2. Apply for a Work Visa: Submit an application for a Work to Residence visa, providing employment evidence, qualifications, and health and character documentation.
• 3. Gain Work Experience: Work in New Zealand for at least 24 months under the approved visa conditions while maintaining valid employment with your sponsoring employer.
• 4. Apply for Residence: Once eligible, apply for residency under the Residence from Work category, providing proof of continuous employment and compliance with visa conditions.

The Work to Residence Visa provides skilled professionals an achievable route to settle in New Zealand permanently. At Visa2Migrate, we assist you at every step — from securing employer sponsorship to preparing your residency application — ensuring compliance, accuracy, and a smooth transition to permanent residence.