Work to Residence work visa opportunities

Work to Residence visas allow you to stay in New Zealand for up to 30 months. 
 

This visa is great for two different purposes: 

• If you are unsure how long you will stay but want the option to apply for a resident visa at a later date 
• If you do not yet qualify for a resident visa but want work experience in New Zealand to help your resident visa application.

Then, with approval, while you are working you can apply for a resident visa.

Under the Work to Residence visa you can come to New Zealand on the following visa options:

• Talent (Accredited Employers) - For people with a job offer from an accredited employer
• Long Term Skills Shortage List – For people in occupations on the long-term skills shortage list
• Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) – For those with exceptional talent in a recognised field of art, culture or sport

And if you plan to establish a business in New Zealand, there is a fourth option, Long Term Business Policy. 

FAQs

What is a work to residence work visa?

It’s a visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for 30 months, during which time you have the option of applying for a resident visa.

It is also a precursor, that once held for 24 months, can allow you to apply to become a resident if you were unable to obtain residence to begin with or needed to establish a business first.

Who is this visa best for?

If you’re interested in living in New Zealand, but you may not yet have the necessary points to become a resident (under the Skilled Migrant Category), or you may not have the time to await resident visa approvals, or you may even be unsure if you want to stay in New Zealand and prefer to start working now – then a Work to Residence visa may be best for you. 

What do I do next?

Determine which of the visas above is best for you.  And apply!