Employment and longer-term planning
Employer-Supported Residence in New Zealand
An employer can play an important role in a worker's New Zealand plans, but an employer's willingness to help is not an immigration approval. Start by identifying the resident visa category the worker may qualify for.
Enquire About Employment and Residence
Understand the relevant residence category
Qualifying employment may support a Skilled Migrant Category application. A qualifying Green List Tier 1 role may be relevant to Straight to Residence, while Tier 2 work may support Work to Residence after the required work period.
Selected care occupations have a separate Care Workforce Work to Residence category. Different roles should not be assessed using one generic residence promise.
What to document about the job
Keep the offer, agreement and job description consistent with the employment that actually exists. Record duties, hours, pay, work location and any fixed-term arrangements. Where conditions change, retain the dated variations rather than replacing earlier records without explanation.
Check whether professional registration is required for the role. An immigration assessment and the relevant registration body's decision are separate processes, even when the same qualification documents are used.
Plan the worker and employer steps separately
The accreditation and Job Check framework is relevant to the temporary AEWV. It should not be treated as a resident visa application. The worker's current work permission must remain appropriate while residence is being considered.
Discuss timing honestly. Do not promise a start date, approval date or permanent outcome before the necessary assessments have been made. Assign responsibility for obtaining documents and monitoring approaching visa or accreditation dates.
Questions to resolve before committing
Which residence category is being considered? Does the actual role meet its criteria? What evidence can the employer provide? Does the worker have the necessary qualification, registration or qualifying work history? What happens if the employment changes?
These questions are best addressed before significant relocation commitments. A clear plan should identify both the next step and the conditions that still need to be met.
General information checked 18 September 2026. Refer to INZ: SMC, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence. Personalised advice requires a licensed or legally exempt person.