WORK TO RESIDENCE VISA

The Work to Residence Visa provides a pathway to New Zealand permanent residency for skilled migrants working in occupations listed on Tier 2 of the Green List. After completing 24 months of full-time, eligible work in New Zealand with an accredited employer, you and your family can apply directly for residence.

Work to Residence Visa Requirements

To qualify for the Green List Tier 2 Work to Residence Visa, both your employment history and current visa status must satisfy strict Immigration New Zealand (INZ) criteria:

Age Limit: Be aged 55 years or younger at the time of your resident visa application.
24 Months Qualifying Work: Must have worked full-time (at least 30 hours per week) in New Zealand in an eligible Green List Tier 2 occupation for at least 24 months during the 30-month period immediately preceding your application.
Accredited Employer Offer: Have a job offer or be currently employed with an INZ Accredited Employer in a Tier 2 Green List occupation.
Contract Duration: Employment must be full-time and permanent, or fixed-term for at least 12 months.
Wage Compliance: Meet the specific Green List wage threshold continuously throughout your 24-month work period.
Health, Character & English: Meet standard INZ health and character requirements, as well as English language proficiency standards.

Fees & Application Processing

Application Fees & Costs

Immigration New Zealand application fees for the Work to Residence Visa vary based on where you lodge your application:

INZ Government Fee: Starting from approximately $6,450 NZD (including immigration levies).
Additional Expenses: Medical examinations, police clearances, qualification evaluations (NZQA), and English test fees.

*INZ government fees are subject to change. Contact our licensed adviser for an exact fee breakdown.

Processing Timeframes

Immigration New Zealand processes Tier 2 Work to Residence applications as decision-ready files:

Average Timeframe: Most applications are processed within 3 to 5 months for complete applications.
Common Delays: Incomplete employment records, gaps in wage/tax evidence during the 24 months, or slow health/character verification.

Ensuring your 24 months of work and pay records are completely documented before submission helps avoid processing delays.