Want to live and work in New Zealand as a caregiver in 2025?
If you’re someone working in the healthcare or aged care sector and dreaming of moving to New Zealand, the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa might be the perfect path for you.
This visa offers a direct route to permanent residency—a big win for foreign caregivers. In this guide, we’ll break everything down simply: how the process works, what you’ll need, and how to apply.
Let’s dive in.
What is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is a special visa category introduced by New Zealand Immigration to tackle critical labor shortages in care roles. It allows eligible foreign workers to live and work in New Zealand and later apply for residency after just 2 years.
This visa is part of the broader Green List Work to Residence pathway, launched in 2022.
Who is This Visa For?
This visa is mainly for:
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Aged Care Workers
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Disability Support Workers
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Health Care Assistants
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Personal Care Assistants
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Home-Based Support Workers
These roles fall under Level 4 of the ANZSCO occupation list, meaning they require some training or certification but not a university degree.
Eligibility Criteria (2025 Update)
To apply for this visa in 2025, you must meet the following:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Job Offer | Must have a full-time offer from a New Zealand employer |
| Work Experience | At least 24 months in a care role in NZ (from 29 Sep 2023 onward) |
| Pay Rate | Must meet or exceed median wage (NZD $29.66/hour in 2025) |
| Accredited Employer | Employer must be on Immigration NZ’s Accredited Employers list |
| Clean Record | No criminal background or immigration violations |
Expert Tip: Make sure your employment agreement mentions job title, pay rate, and full-time status clearly. Immigration NZ is strict on documentation.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Here’s a simplified overview of the application process:
Step 1: Get a Job Offer
Find a job with an accredited employer in New Zealand. You can check the list here: Accredited Employers List – Immigration NZ
Step 2: Apply for a Work Visa
Once you’ve got the job, apply for a temporary Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). You’ll need:
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Passport
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Employment contract
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Police clearance
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Medical checkup
Step 3: Work for 24 Months
You must work continuously in your care role for 2 years. Keep your documents, payslips, and IRD records safe.
Step 4: Apply for Residence
After 2 years, apply for residency under the Care Workforce pathway. You’ll need to prove your:
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Job stability
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Work history
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Employer’s accreditation
Pro Insight: Switching employers is allowed but the new employer must also be accredited, and your role must remain the same.
Why Choose the Care Workforce Visa Route?
Here’s what makes this visa so attractive:
| Benefits | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Path to Residency | Gain PR in 2 years — no need to leave the country |
| Job Security | High demand in aged care and disability support |
| Family Friendly | You can bring your spouse and dependent children |
| No Degree Needed | Practical skills matter more than academic degrees |
| Supportive Employers | Many employers offer relocation help |
Real Example: Maria from the Philippines moved to NZ in 2023 as a personal caregiver. By 2025, she’ll be eligible to apply for residence—and she’s already brought her family over.
How Long Does It Take to Get Residency Through This Visa?
It typically takes 24 months of work and about 3–6 months for residency processing after that. So, if you start working in early 2025, you could be a resident by mid-2027.
People Also Ask: How Much Do Caregivers Earn in New Zealand in 2025?
As of July 2025, most care workers earn around NZD $29.66 to $34/hour, depending on experience and employer. This wage qualifies for the work to residence pathway.
Documents You’ll Need
Keep these ready before applying:
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Valid Passport
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Job Offer Letter
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Employment Agreement
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Payslips (for 24 months)
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Tax Records (IRD)
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Police Clearance
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Medical Certificate
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Proof of Relationship (if bringing family)
Can You Switch Jobs or Employers?
Yes, but:
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Your new employer must be accredited
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Your role must remain in the care sector
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You must notify Immigration NZ about the change
This gives you flexibility in case your current employer closes or changes conditions.
Bold Question: Is This Visa Right for You?
If you’re already working as a caregiver—or planning to—this visa could be your gateway to building a better life in New Zealand.
It offers stability, residency, and a welcoming healthcare sector that truly values international workers.
FAQs:
1. What is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa in New Zealand?
It’s a visa for foreign care workers that allows them to gain permanent residency after 24 months of full-time work in New Zealand.
2. How much experience do I need for the Care Workforce Visa?
You need 2 years (24 months) of continuous care work in NZ starting from 29 September 2023.
3. Can I bring my family with this visa?
Yes, your partner and dependent children can apply for visas to join you in New Zealand.
4. How much do caregivers earn in New Zealand?
As of July 2025, caregivers earn around NZD $29.66–$34/hour, which meets the visa eligibility threshold.
5. Is IELTS or English test required?
There’s no formal English test requirement for the work visa, but you must be able to communicate effectively in English for your role.
Final Thoughts
New Zealand truly values caregivers—and the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa in 2025 proves it. Whether you’re starting your journey or already working in the care industry, this visa offers you a real future in a country known for its beauty, safety, and people-first policies.
Thinking of applying? Now’s the best time.
Have questions? Let us know in the comments — or share this post with someone who might find it helpful!
