Understanding NZ Work to Residence Visa
Table of Contents
If you are planning to work in New Zealand and wish to settle there permanently, the Work to Residence Visa could be the ideal option for you. This visa allows you to work in New Zealand for a specific employer and eventually apply for a resident visa.
The Work to Residence Visa has two categories: Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa and Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa. Both visas require you to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer before you can apply.
The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa is for individuals who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. To be eligible for this visa, your employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. This visa is valid for 30 months, and after working with the employer for at least 24 months, you can apply for a resident visa.
The Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa is for individuals who have a job offer in an occupation that is in demand in New Zealand. The occupation must be listed on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. This visa is valid for 30 months, and after working with the employer for at least 24 months, you can apply for a resident visa.
To be eligible for both categories of the Work to Residence Visa, you must meet certain requirements, including English language proficiency, good health, and good character. You may also need to provide evidence of your qualifications and work experience.
In conclusion, the Work to Residence Visa is an excellent option for those who wish to work and settle in New Zealand. With the right job offer, you can apply for this visa and eventually apply for a resident visa.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand, you must meet certain criteria. In this section, we will discuss the age and health requirements, character and identity verification, language and employment requirements, and family and relationship considerations.
Age and Health Requirements
To be eligible for a Work to Residence Visa, you must be aged 17 or older and aged 55 or younger. You must also be in good health and meet an acceptable standard of health. This may require a medical examination, including a chest x-ray and blood test, and the submission of medical certificates.
Character and Identity Verification
You must have good character and provide proof of identity, such as a birth certificate or passport. You may also need to provide police certificates less than 6 months old from any country you are a citizen of or have lived in for 5 or more years since the age of 17. An identity card may also be required as proof of identity.
Language and Employment Requirements
You must meet English language tests and employment requirements. This includes having a full-time job offer from an accredited employer in a green list role with a median wage or higher. You must also have an employment agreement and meet the wage rate requirements. If you are coming to New Zealand on a critical purpose visitor visa, you may have other visa options available to you. Pathways to residency may also be available through the Skilled Migrant Category.
Family and Relationship Considerations
If you have a partner or dependent children, they may be included in your Work to Residence Visa application. You must have a genuine relationship with your partner and provide evidence of this, such as proof of cohabitation or a joint bank account. Your family’s ability to speak English may also be considered.
In summary, to be eligible for a Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand, you must have the necessary qualifications, experience, and study to support your application. You must also provide genuine and supporting documents to verify your identity, character, and employment. Finally, you must meet the language and family considerations outlined above.
Visa Types and Pathways
If you are planning to work in New Zealand and eventually become a permanent resident, you will need to obtain a Work to Residence Visa. This type of visa allows you to work in New Zealand for a specific period and then apply for residency.
There are different pathways to obtain a Work to Residence Visa, depending on your qualifications, skills, and work experience. In this section, we will discuss the different types of visas available and the requirements for each one.
Straight to Residence Visa
If you have the right skills and experience, you may be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa. This visa allows you to work in New Zealand and apply for residency without having to go through the Work to Residence pathway. To be eligible for this visa, you must have skills and experience that are in demand in New Zealand.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is for people who have skills and experience that are in demand in New Zealand. To be eligible for this visa, you must meet the points threshold based on your age, skills, qualifications, and work experience. You must also be under 55 years old and meet health and character requirements.
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
The Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa is for people who have been offered a job by an accredited New Zealand employer. To be eligible for this visa, you must have the skills and experience that are needed for the job. Your employer must also be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visa
The Care Workforce and Transport Work to Residence Visa is for people who work in the aged care, disability care, or transport industries. To be eligible for this visa, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. You must also meet health and character requirements.
In conclusion, if you are planning to work in New Zealand and eventually become a permanent resident, you will need to obtain a Work to Residence Visa. There are different pathways to obtain this visa, depending on your qualifications, skills, and work experience. Make sure to research the different visa types and requirements before applying.
Application Process
To apply for a New Zealand Work to Residence Visa, you must follow a few steps. First, you need to check if you meet the eligibility criteria. Then, you can create an online account, fill out the application form, and submit it along with the required supporting documents.
The supporting documents you need to provide include your passport, a recent photograph, evidence of your job offer, and evidence of your qualifications. If you have dependents, you will also need to provide their details and supporting documents, such as birth certificates and marriage certificates.
You may also need to provide other documents, such as your kartu keluarga, inland revenue documents, bank statements, and international qualification assessment reports, depending on your situation. Make sure to check the specific requirements for your application before submitting it.
After you submit your application, you will need to pay the application fee and wait for a decision. The processing time can vary depending on your situation, but it usually takes around three to six months. If your application is approved, you will receive a Work to Residence Visa, which allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 30 months.
During this time, you can apply for a resident visa if you meet the requirements. If you are successful, you will be able to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
Specific Considerations for Different Nationalities
If you are a French national, you may need to provide additional documents such as a “Carte d’Assuré” or a “Livret de Famille” to support your application for the Work to Residence Visa. These documents may be required to prove your identity, family ties, or health insurance coverage.
Filipino citizens may have to fulfill a departure requirement and provide proof of onward travel before they are granted the Work to Residence Visa. This means that you may need to show a return ticket or a visa for your next destination before you can enter New Zealand.
Indonesian nationals may need to provide a “Family Registration Document” or a “Hukou” to demonstrate their family ties and relationships. These documents may be required to prove that you have a spouse, children, or parents who are residing in Indonesia.
Chinese nationals may need to provide additional documents such as a “Certificate of No Criminal Record” or a “Certificate of Good Conduct” to support their application for the Work to Residence Visa. These documents may be required to prove that you have no criminal record or that you have good character and conduct.
It is important to note that these are just a few examples of the specific considerations that different nationalities may face when applying for the Work to Residence Visa. Depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances, you may need to provide additional documents or meet other requirements. It is recommended that you consult with a licensed immigration advisor or visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand for more information.
Rights and Obligations
As a holder of a Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand, you have certain rights and obligations that you need to be aware of. Here are some of the most important ones:
Rights
- You have the right to work in New Zealand for the employer and in the occupation specified in your visa.
- You have access to the same employment rights and protections as New Zealand citizens, including minimum wage, holiday and sick leave entitlements, and health and safety protections.
- You may be eligible for parental leave if you meet the eligibility criteria.
- You have the right to access public services such as healthcare, education, and social welfare, subject to meeting the relevant eligibility criteria.
- You have the right to join a union and to participate in collective bargaining.
Obligations
- You must comply with all New Zealand laws and regulations, including those relating to land transport and utility links.
- You must only work for the employer and in the occupation specified in your visa.
- You must not engage in any activities that are inconsistent with the purpose of your visa, such as studying or running your own business.
- You must maintain valid travel documents and comply with any conditions attached to your visa.
- You must not become a burden on the New Zealand healthcare system or social welfare system.
It is important to note that this is not an exhaustive list of your rights and obligations, and you should refer to the official Work to Residence Visa page on the New Zealand Immigration website for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the requirements for obtaining a work to residence visa in New Zealand?
To obtain a Work to Residence visa in New Zealand, you must meet certain requirements. These include having a job offer from a New Zealand employer, being under 55 years of age, being in good health, and having a good character. You must also have the necessary qualifications and experience for the job you have been offered.
How long does it take to process a work to residence visa application in New Zealand?
The processing time for a Work to Residence visa application in New Zealand can vary depending on several factors. These include the complexity of your case, the completeness of your application, and the workload of the immigration office at the time of your application. Generally, it can take up to 3-6 months for your application to be processed.
What is the difference between a work visa and a resident visa in New Zealand?
A work visa is a temporary visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for a specific period. A resident visa, on the other hand, is a permanent visa that allows you to live and work in New Zealand indefinitely. With a Work to Residence visa, you can work in New Zealand for up to 30 months, after which you can apply for permanent residency.
What is the minimum salary required to apply for a work to residence visa in New Zealand?
The minimum salary required to apply for a Work to Residence visa in New Zealand varies depending on the occupation and region. As of 2023, the minimum salary for most occupations is NZD 79,560 per year. However, some occupations may have different minimum salary requirements.
Can a work visa holder in New Zealand apply for permanent residency?
Yes, a work visa holder in New Zealand can apply for permanent residency. However, they must meet certain requirements, such as having lived in New Zealand for a certain period, having a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and meeting the health and character requirements.
What is the Green List and how does it affect the work to residence visa process in New Zealand?
The Green List is a list of occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand. If your occupation is on the Green List, it may be easier for you to obtain a Work to Residence visa. This is because the immigration authorities prioritize applications from people with skills that are in high demand in New Zealand.