Information reviewed: 18 October 2026 | Refer to Immigration New Zealand for current requirements.
The Work to Residence Visa is a residence pathway for eligible people who have completed qualifying employment in a Green List Tier 2 role in New Zealand.
Explore the eligibility requirements, evidence to prepare, application stages and related New Zealand visa options below. Individual circumstances and the latest government instructions determine the outcome.
Visa focusNew Zealand
Page typeEligibility guide
RequirementsVisa-specific
Last review18 Oct 2026
Work to Residence Visa: overview
The Work to Residence Visa is a residence pathway for eligible people who have completed qualifying employment in a Green List Tier 2 role in New Zealand.
The 24-month requirement is not simply any two years of work in New Zealand; the employment and visa conditions must qualify.
Eligibility and important requirements
Review these key conditions before choosing this pathway:
Age: Applicants must generally be 55 or younger when applying.
Qualifying NZ work: You normally need 24 months of eligible New Zealand employment in a Green List Tier 2 role.
Current job or offer: Hold an eligible job or offer with an accredited employer that meets hours and duration conditions.
Occupation and wage: Meet the role-specific Green List requirements and applicable remuneration conditions, including during qualifying work.
English, health and character: Meet the relevant residence requirements and provide evidence as requested.
Application process: step by step
Identify Tier 2 occupation: Confirm the precise Green List role and its current conditions.
Review work history: Check qualifying dates, visa status, pay and supporting records for the required 24 months.
Verify current employment: Check accreditation, job offer, hours, salary and role details.
Apply for residence: Prepare the online application and supporting evidence.
Documents and evidence checklist
Valid passport and identity details.
Documents supporting the particular eligibility requirements listed above.
Employment, qualification or relationship records, where relevant.
Medical, police, English language or financial evidence, where required.
Certified translations and additional supporting evidence, where applicable.
This is an initial checklist, not an exhaustive or universal list. The official application instructions take precedence.
Fees, processing times and visa conditions
Government fees, processing times and visa conditions can change. Confirm the current amounts and conditions on the official guidance for Work to Residence Visa before applying. Other charges may apply for medical checks, translations, professional registration or qualification assessments.
Our team can help organise an initial eligibility screening, identify the relevant visa pathway, review document readiness and explain the next steps. Where regulated immigration advice is required, it must be provided by an appropriately licensed or exempt adviser.
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