Once you have been in New Zealand for 2 years on a Work to Residence visa, you may be eligible for residence status under the Residence from Work Category.
This is a great way to move from a temporary work visa to a residence visa. As a resident, you can live in New Zealand for as long as you like and access the most publicly funded services.
To be eligible for residence status you must:
- have been in New Zealand on a Work to Residence visa for 2 years, and
- meet health and character requirements, and
- meet the requirements of one of the 2 ‘pathways’ to the residence.
- You may have a pathway to residence if you hold either a Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa or a Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa.
Residence from a Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa
You can apply for a Talent (Accredited Employer) resident visa if you:
- have held a Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa for at least 24 months
- have been employed full-time for that period by an accredited employer
- are currently employed and have a base salary of at least NZ$79,560 per year
- hold full or provisional registration to practice in your occupation in New Zealand (if applicable).
Residence from a Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa
You can apply for a Long Term Skill Shortage list resident visa if you:
- have held a Long Term Skill Shortage List work visa for at least 24 months
- have been employed full-time for that period in an occupation on the Long Term Skill Shortage List
- are currently employed and have a base salary of at least NZ$45,000 per year
- are aged 55 years or younger
- hold full or provisional registration to practice in your occupation in New Zealand (if applicable).
