Overseas workers should follow these steps if they wish to apply for residence under our Residence from Work Category policy, Long Term Shortage List.
Step 1
Complete the Application for Residence in New Zealand (NZIS 1000) form available from Immigration New Zealand offices in New Zealand and overseas.
Step 2
Along with their completed (and signed) application form the worker will need to provide proof that they:
- have met our residence application requirements
and
- are under 56 years of age
and
- have been employed in an occupation on the Long Term Shortage List for two years
and
- have current employment in New Zealand with an annual base salary of at least NZ$45,000 in either:
- the same priority occupation they got their Work Visa and Permit for
or
- an occupation on the Long Term Shortage List at the time they apply for residence.
Step 3
For each person included in their application the overseas worker will also need to provide:
- two recent passport size photographs
- a current passport or certificate of identity
- a full birth certificate
- a completed Medical and X-ray Certificate – less than three months old
- a police certificate less than six months old for each family member aged 17-years and over.
Step 4
If the worker is overseas, their application must be sent before they travel to New Zealand. Find out where they should send their application
or
If they are in New Zealand, their application must be sent to their nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.
Step 5
If their application is successful, the overseas worker will need to pay a migrant levy before we can grant their Residence Permit.
For more information on how to apply for Residence from Work, refer to our Guide to Applying for Residence in New Zealand (NZIS 1001) PDF.