Sector Agreement pathways to residence

Is your role part of a Sector Agreement?

Certain industries in New Zealand benefit from a Sector Agreement which facilitates a pathway to New Zealand for overseas workers.

Care Workforce Sector Agreement Pathway

You can apply for this visa if you work for an accredited employer and you have worked in a care workforce sector role for 24 months.

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.

The following occupations will qualify for residence from 29 September 2023:

• 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)

Transport Sector Agreement Pathway

You can apply for this visa if you work for an accredited employer and you have worked in a Transport workforce sector role for 24 months.

The following occupations will qualify for residence from 29 September 2023:

• Bus driver (731211)
• Truck driver (733111)
• Aircraft Refueller (733112)
• Furniture Removalist (733113)
• Tanker Driver (733114)
• Tow Truck Driver (733115)
• Deck Hand (899211)
• Ship’s Master (231231)

Truck drivers will be eligible for residence if they are primarily driving vehicles that require class 4 or 5 licences.

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.

What if I am not eligible under these options?

You may qualify under alternative pathways, including Green list occupations, or the Skilled Migrant Category.

What does this application cost?

For 2023, the advertised fees per family are:

• Band A (NZ): NZD $4,290
• Band B (Pacific): NZD $4,020
• Band C (rest of world): NZD $4,890.

These fees include Goods and Services Tax (GST) and exclude the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).

What does this application cost?

For 2023, the advertised fees per family are:

• Band A (NZ): NZD $4,290
• Band B (Pacific): NZD $4,020
• Band C (rest of world): NZD $4,890.

These fees include Goods and Services Tax (GST) and exclude the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).