New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa 2025 : Comprehensive Guide

New Zealand is popular for its welcoming atmosphere, exceptional quality, and top-notch healthcare system. The country also has a growing need for care workers, especially in the elderly care and disability support sectors. The New Zealand government announced a pathway to residency for qualified care professionals through the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa in order to address the shortage in this essential workforce.

This visa continues to be a fantastic option in 2025 for remote care workers who want to avoid working in New Zealand yet eventually become residents. This guide will explain all you need to know about the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, including requirements, necessary reports, how to prepare an application step-by-step, and much more.

Open now – No fixed deadline. Applications are accepted any time once eligibility requirements are met.

Tell Me About The Visa Program :

The New Zealand Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa 2025 is designed for international care professionals who have worked full-time in New Zealand’s care sector for at least 24 months . It offers a direct pathway to residency , and eventually permanent residence , allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

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Which Fields are Eligible?

Eligible roles include full-time care positions such as :

• Aged or Disabled Carer
• Nursing Support Worker
• Residential Care Officer
• Personal Care Assistant
• Disability Services Officer
• Diversional Therapist
• Therapy Aide
• Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant

Type :

Work to Residence Visa Program (with pathway to Permanent Residency)

Who can Apply?

Applicants must :

How are Applicants Selected?

Applicants are assessed based on :

Which Countries Are Eligible?

All countries – Open to international applicants currently working in New Zealand or with a valid offer.

Where will the Visa be Issued?

The visa allows residency and long-term stay in New Zealand

How Many Visas are Issued?

Unlimited – All applicants who meet the criteria are eligible to apply.

What is the Benefit of the Visa?

Live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely

Include your spouse / partner and dependent children (under 25)

Apply for a Permanent Resident Visa after 2 years

Access public healthcare and education

Pathway to New Zealand citizenship after 5 years of residency

How Long Will the Visa Last?

Indefinitely – The resident visa allows permanent stay, and travel conditions are valid for 2 years. After that, you can apply for a Permanent Resident Visa .

How to Apply :

Employment agreements, payslips, IRD summary

Okechukwu Liberty is a Mass Communication graduate and a dedicated content writer for AfterSchoolAfrica. He holds certifications in UK Agent and Counselling, and Ethical Business Practices in International Student Recruitment, equipping him with the expertise to guide students in their academic pursuits abroad.He specializes in researching and curating scholarship and empowerment opportunities for students aspiring to study abroad.

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