Work to Residence Visa
Applying for the Work to Residence Resident Visa (after 24 months of qualifying work) typically takes 3–6 months. Ensure all work experience documentation clearly evidences the 24 months in the qualifying role.
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What is the Work to Residence Visa (Green List Tier 2) Visa?
The Work to Residence Visa provides a residence pathway for Indian migrants who work in a Tier 2 occupation on New Zealand's Green List of in-demand jobs. After completing 24 months of full-time, paid work in the qualifying Tier 2 role — meeting the required qualifications, registration, and wage threshold — you can apply for the Work to Residence Resident Visa. The employment must be with an AEWV-accredited employer. From August 2025, 10 additional trades occupations were added to this pathway.
Who is Eligible?
1
Have a job or job offer in a Tier 2 occupation on the NZ Green List at immigration.govt.nz.
2
Meet the specific qualification, registration, and wage requirements for your Tier 2 occupation on the Green List.
3
Employment must be full-time (at least 30 hours/week), genuine, and permanent or fixed-term for at least 12 months (or contract for 6+ months).
4
Employment must be with an AEWV-accredited employer.
5
Have completed 24 months of acceptable work in the Tier 2 Green List role meeting all requirements throughout.
6
Be aged 55 or younger when applying for the resident visa.
7
Be in good health, have acceptable character, and meet English language requirements.
Step-by-Step Application Process
1
Check Green List Tier 2 Eligibility
Search the Green List at immigration.govt.nz to confirm your occupation is Tier 2 and that you meet the specific requirements (qualifications, registration, wage) for your role.
2
Secure Green List Tier 2 Job
Obtain a job offer or have current employment in the Tier 2 Green List role with an AEWV-accredited employer meeting all Green List requirements.
3
Apply for AEWV
Apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa to work in your Tier 2 role in NZ. This is the work visa during which you accumulate the required 24 months.
4
Complete 24 Months of Qualifying Work
Work full-time in the qualifying Tier 2 role for 24 months, meeting the Green List wage and other requirements throughout the entire period.
5
Apply for Work to Residence Visa
Once you have completed 24 months of qualifying work, apply for the Work to Residence Resident Visa through Immigration Online.
6
Pay Fees
Pay NZD 1,630 total (NZD 570 + NZD 1,060) online.
7
Receive Resident Visa
If approved, you receive a NZ Resident Visa granting the right to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.
Required Documents
Valid Indian passport
Evidence that your occupation is on the Green List Tier 2 with requirements met
Employment agreement or job offer letter from accredited NZ employer
Evidence of 24 months of qualifying work (payslips, employment records, tax records)
Evidence of qualifications and/or occupational registration meeting Green List requirements
Medical certificate and chest X-ray from INZ-approved panel physician
Police clearance from Regional Passport Office of India's Ministry of External Affairs
Police clearances from other countries where you resided 12+ months in the past 10 years
Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)
Passport-sized photographs
Partner/dependent children documents (if including family)
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Processing Time
3–6 months
Visa Application Fees
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
Indian applicant — Work to Residence Visa stage |
NZD 1,630 |
AEWV stage (to accumulate qualifying work experience) |
NZD 1,540 |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What occupations are on the Green List Tier 2?
Tier 2 includes a wide range of in-demand occupations in healthcare, education, trades, construction, and other sectors. 10 additional trades occupations were added in August 2025. Search the full current Green List at immigration.govt.nz.
