Care Workforce Work to Residence — NZ Eligibility

For eligible care sector roles after 24 months of qualifying work in NZ within a 30-month window.

About Care Workforce Work to Residence (SR6)

The Care Workforce Work to Residence visa lets migrants in eligible care sector occupations apply for residence after 24 months of qualifying full-time work in New Zealand, completed within the 30 months immediately before applying. The wage threshold is set at $28.25 per hour and has been in place since 1 July 2022.

Qualifying months only accumulate while you are paid at or above $28.25/hour and hold a valid NZ work visa (an interim visa counts after a work visa). The work does not need to be consecutive — you can have gaps — and you can blend in up to 6 months from another Work to Residence pathway (Green List Tier 2, Transport Sector) or time paid at twice the median wage.

If you're close to 24 months, getting the application file right matters: contracts, payslips, leave records, employer accreditation status, and the visa history all need to line up. Book a consultation with our IAA Licensed Immigration Advisers to confirm your timeline.