Employing people in the Work to Residence category
Our Work to Residence category allows New Zealand employers to access people from overseas who have skills or talents that are in demand.
Under this category the worker can be employed for up to two-and-a-half years, after which time they’ll be well placed to apply for permanent residence in New Zealand
Perhaps as a New Zealand employer you’re seeking a proven sports coach or player. Maybe you need to engage a noted performance artist. Or, maybe you’ve identified an international professional specialist with skills you’ve been unable to find in New Zealand.
First things first…
What do we mean by ‘employment’?
We regard employment as being work undertaken for gain or reward. That is, money or anything that can be valued in terms of money, such as food, clothing, accommodation and transport.
And, ‘working in New Zealand’ is work conducted anywhere within New Zealand’s economic zone or territorial waters.
A prospective employee can apply for a Work Visa and Permit under the Work to Residence category if:
If the prospective employee is unlikely to meet these requirements it could be that they may be eligible under our temporary Work Permit category instead.
Before overseas workers get here…
To enter New Zealand a worker from overseas needs:
- to be in good health and of good character
- a passport that’s valid for the time they are in New Zealand
- to be genuine in wanting to work in New Zealand
- to have the right visa for their visit.
While overseas workers are here…
If a worker from overseas is granted a Work Permit they need to meet certain conditions during their stay:
- the work they do must be in line with the conditions specified in their permit
- they must keep within New Zealand’s laws
- they must only stay in New Zealand for the time allowed by their permit.
If they break any of these conditions we may require them to leave the country immediately.