Residence pathway for health support workers

Work to Residence Pathway

Immigration New Zealand continues to acknowledge the critical shortage of Healthcare Workers and the ongoing need to attract and retain skilled care workers in New Zealand. People who fall under the below occupations are able to apply for residence under the Work to Residence pathway if they meet the following criteria:

• have employment with an Accredited Employer and holds an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
• work in an occupation that is on the Care Workforce sector occupations list
• are paid at least NZD $28.25 an hour (level 4) of the Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlements Act 2017
• have worked in that role at the level 4 rate for 24 months in New Zealand.

Note: the current Level 4 rate can be found in the Support Workers (Pay Equity) Settlements Act 2017 – Schedule 2 Minimum hourly wages. For the period from 1 July 2022 – 31 December 2023 the Level 4 rate is $28.25.

List of occupations that qualify under this work to residence pathway

• Kaiawhina (Hauora) (Maori Health Assistant) (411512)
• Disabilities Services Officer (411712)
• Residential Care Officer (411715)
• Aged or Disabled Carer (423111)
• Nursing Support Worker (423312)
• Personal Care Assistant (423313)
• Therapy Aide (423314)
• Child or Youth Residential Care Assistant (423411)
• Diversional Therapist (411311)

Please reach out to us if you are in one of these roles and you believe you are eligible to apply for residence under this pathway.

Contact us!