WORK TO RESIDENCE VISA IN NEW ZEALAND

The Work to Residence (WTR) visa pathway in New Zealand offers skilled workers a route to gain residency in the country through employment. This visa allows individuals to work for a specific employer for a certain period, after which they may be eligible to apply for permanent residency.

Key features of the Work to Residence visa include:

• Temporary Work Visa: The initial stage of the Work to Residence pathway is typically a temporary work visa, which allows skilled workers to live and work in New Zealand for a specified period. This visa is usually tied to a specific job offer from a New Zealand employer.
• Long-term Employment: To be eligible for the Work to Residence visa, individuals must have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer for a role that meets certain skill and salary requirements. The employer must also meet specific criteria set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
• Work Experience: Applicants for the Work to Residence visa must have relevant work experience and qualifications in their field of employment. The job offer must align with their skills and expertise, and they must be able to demonstrate their ability to contribute to the New Zealand economy.
• Residence Pathway: After working in New Zealand on a Work to Residence visa for a specified period (usually two years), individuals may be eligible to apply for residency under the Residence from Work category. This pathway allows them to transition from temporary to permanent residency status.
• Residency Requirements: To qualify for residency under the Work to Residence pathway, individuals must meet certain residency requirements, including maintaining employment with their sponsoring employer, demonstrating good character, and meeting health and character requirements.

Application process for Work to Residence Visa:

• Job Offer: Individuals interested in applying for the Work to Residence visa must first secure a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The employer may need to apply for accreditation with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) if they are not already accredited.
• Visa Application: Once the job offer is secured, individuals can apply for the Work to Residence visa through the relevant visa application process outlined by INZ. This typically involves submitting an application form, supporting documents, and paying the applicable fees.
• Temporary Visa: If the visa application is approved, individuals will be issued a temporary work visa, allowing them to live and work in New Zealand for the specified duration of their employment contract.
• Residency Application: After fulfilling the residency eligibility requirements, individuals can apply for residency under the Residence from Work category. This involves submitting a separate application to INZ, providing evidence of continued employment and meeting other residency criteria.

For detailed information on the Work to Residence visa pathway, including eligibility criteria, application process, and requirements, individuals are advised to consult the official website of Immigration New Zealand (INZ) or seek assistance from qualified immigration professionals.