New Zealand’s care workforce is an essential part of the country’s healthcare and community support system. To address shortages in this sector, Immigration New Zealand offers a dedicated Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa pathway. This visa allows eligible care and support workers to move towards residence after gaining two years of relevant work experience in New Zealand.
Requirements for Care Workforce Occupations
The Care Workforce pathway is designed for care and support workers in roles such as aged care, disability support, and home/community health support. To qualify, you must:
- Be employed in an eligible care and support role in New Zealand.
- Meet the required wage threshold (currently set at $28.25 NZD an hour or above).
- Work for an accredited employer.
These are known as the Care Workforce Visa Requirements and must be met for your application to be considered.
Care Workforce Roles
- Kaiawhina (Hauora) (Maori Health Assistant) (411512)
- Disabilities Services Officer (411712)
- Residential Care Officer (411715)
- Aged or Disabled Carer (423111)
- Nursing Support Worker (423312)
- Personal Care Assistant (423313)
- Therapy Aide (423314)
- Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant (423411)
- Diversional Therapist (411311)
General Requirements
- The principal applicant must be 55 years or younger when applying.
- You must have a job, or a job offer in New Zealand with an accredited employer.
- You can include your partner and dependent children aged 24 and under in your residence application. Financial evidence will be required for children 20 and over.
- You must meet Immigration New Zealand’s character and medical requirements.
- You may be required to provide an acceptable English Language test. Partners and children can also choose to enrol in an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) course.
- For work experience, you will also need to meet the relevant wage threshold that was in place at the time you began working.
Pathway to permanent residence
This visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand. After holding the visa and working in an eligible care role for 2 years, you may become eligible to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Thinking about making New Zealand your home?
Immigration policies can feel complex, but you don’t have to go through the process alone. At Woburn International, we specialise in guiding clients through every stage of their application. Our team will help you understand your eligibility, gather the right evidence, and prepare a strong application.
We’d love to support your journey to residence. Contact us today to discuss your situation and take the first step toward living permanently in New Zealand.
