A Work to Residence Visa is appropriate for individuals who have at least two years’ work history in New Zealand, and who are looking to continue living and working in the country.
Holding a Work to Residence Visa for two years will satisfy the visa status element of the eligibilty criteria for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Who can apply for a Work to Residence Visa?
In order to qualify for a Work to Residence Visa, you must:
- have worked for at least 24 months in a Tier 2 Green List role within the 30 months before you apply, and have held valid work visas for the entirety of this period
- have been paid at least the median wage (NZD $35.00 an hour from 9 March 2026), or the higher pay rate set for your role on the Green List, throughout those 24 months
- currently work for, or have an offer of employment from, an accredited employer
- this job or job offer must be a full-time position (no less than 30 hours per week), either permanent or on a minimum 12-month contract
- be prepared to prove sufficient English language skills
- be aged 55 or younger
- meet standard good health and character requirements for New Zealand visas
What does a Work to Residence Visa offer?
If successful in your application, a Work to Residence Visa gives its holder the right to:
- live in New Zealand indefinitely
- NB: this is not a permanent resident visa
- work for any employer in New Zealand in any role
- study in New Zealand on any course for any length of time
- travel to and from New Zealand freely providing they still have a valid travel condition on their visa
- travel conditions for Work to Residence Visas are typically valid for two years, after which the holder must apply for extension of their travel condition or a permanent resident visa
Applicants for Work to Residence Visas are also permitted to include their partner in their visa application, as well as any dependent children aged 24 or younger. Please note that, if these family members have applied for their own visas based on their relationship to you, it will likely be mandatory to include them in your application.
How do I apply for a Work to Residence Visa?
Once you have gathered all the supporting information and evidence to support your application, such as employment contracts or correspondence formally confirming a job offer, your application can be submitted to New Zealand Immigration online.
How much your application will cost depends on your nationality, and whether you are applying from inside or outside New Zealand. For most applicants the total is NZD $6,450 (application fee plus immigration levy).
Other Work to Residence pathways
As well as Tier 2 of the Green List, there are Work to Residence pathways for some care workers and for transport workers who started on that pathway before it closed to new truck drivers on 7 April 2024. Ten trades, including welders, metal fabricators and fitters, were added to Tier 2 in August 2025. From 24 August 2026 the Skilled Migrant Category also offers a Trades and Technician pathway that may suit people in trade roles that are not on the Green List.
Examples of Tier 2 Green List roles
Tier 2 roles lead to residence after 24 months of work in New Zealand. Each role has its own condition, usually a pay rate or a New Zealand registration or qualification. Some examples (as at October 2026):
| Role | Typical Tier 2 condition |
|---|---|
| Plumber, drainlayer | Registration with the New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board |
| Electrician | New Zealand electrical registration, or a Limited Certificate (not a Trainee Limited Certificate) |
| Diesel motor mechanic, automotive electrician | A relevant NZQCF Level 4 certificate |
| Welder, metal fabricator, fitter-welder | Paid at least 1.3 times the median wage (NZD $45.50 an hour) over the 24 months. These trades were added to Tier 2 on 18 August 2025 |
| Telecommunications technician | Paid at least 1.15 times the median wage (NZD $40.25 an hour), or a relevant New Zealand certificate |
| Building associate (construction supervisor) | Paid at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD $52.50 an hour) |
See our Green List roles page for the full list. If your role is on Tier 1, you may not need to wait 24 months: look at the Straight to Residence Visa instead.
What counts towards your 24 months
- The 24 months must be worked in New Zealand, in a Tier 2 role, within the 30 months before you apply.
- You must have been paid at least the required rate for the whole period, not just at the end.
- You must have held a valid work visa throughout. Time on an interim visa with work rights can count.
- The work must be full-time (at least 30 hours a week) and genuinely in the Green List occupation, based on the tasks you actually do, not only your job title.
How to apply
- Check your role and evidence. Confirm your occupation matches the Tier 2 description and that you meet its pay, registration or qualification condition.
- Collect proof of your 24 months: employment agreements, payslips, an Inland Revenue earnings summary and a letter from your employer describing your duties.
- Get your current job confirmed. You need a current job or job offer with an accredited employer that meets the requirements.
- Prepare family documents, English evidence, medicals and police certificates for everyone included.
- Apply online. After two years as a resident you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa.
Work to Residence FAQs
Can my 24 months be with more than one employer?
Often, yes, as long as every job you rely on meets the Tier 2 requirements for the whole time and you held the right visa. Gaps or periods below the required pay can break the count, so we check your history before you apply.
My job is not on the Green List. What are my options?
Look at the Skilled Migrant Category. Since 24 August 2026 it includes a Trades and Technician pathway and a Skilled Work Experience pathway, as well as the 6-point system.
Do I need an English test?
You must meet the English requirement for residence. Many people meet it through their nationality, previous study in English or an acceptable test result. Partners and children aged 16 or over included in the application also need to show English or prepay English classes.
Can I apply before I reach 24 months?
No. Applying early is likely to lead to a decline and the fee is not refunded. Wait until you have the full 24 months with evidence for each part of it.
Is the care workforce pathway still open?
There is a separate Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa for eligible care workers. Rules for care roles differ, so check that page or ask us.
