Work to Residence pathways
Some residence pathways in New Zealand are available when you move from a work visa to residence. These routes often require you to be in an eligible role, meet salary or sector criteria, and work for an accredited employer. This page explains what Immigration New Zealand checks and how we support your transition from work to residence.
Choose your situation
Green List work to residence
If your role is on the Green List and you meet the required work duration, salary and business sector criteria, you may qualify for residence via the Green List work to residence pathway.
Sector-specific work to residence
For specific sectors such as care or transport you may be eligible for residence after holding a qualifying work visa and meeting the sector’s criteria.
High-salary work to residence
If your salary is above the required threshold and your work history is consistent you may be able to apply for residence via a high-salary work to residence option.
What Immigration New Zealand checks
INZ reviews the following for work to residence applications
• Your current work visa and whether it is eligible for transition to residence
• Your job title, hours, salary and whether your role fits policy definitions
• Employer accreditation (where required) and employment stability
• Duration of employment and whether there are gaps or mismatches
• Health, character and genuine intention to live long-term in New Zealand
If evidence is missing or inconsistent, your application may be delayed or declined.
How we prepare your work to residence application
Step 1: Assess your eligibility
We review your visa status, job details, salary level, employer accreditation and work history to identify the strongest pathway for you.
Step 2: Build the evidence file
We assist with gathering employment contracts, payslips, tax records, job descriptions and registration credentials where required.
3: Lodge decision-ready application
We ensure your file is structured clearly, aligned with INZ policy and ready for submission. If queries arise, we prepare targeted responses.