If you are an overseas employee and have been working in New Zealand for at least two years and are now ready to apply for residence, you can apply under the Residence from Work Category.

There are three policies you can apply for residency under.

Talent (Accredited Employers)
You can apply under this policy if:

• you have been employed by an accredited employer, or another employer approved by immigration New Zealand, for at least two years.
• you meet health, character, and employment requirements.
• you are under 56 years of age.
• you are currently employed in New Zealand with an annual salary of at least NZ$45,000 (or NZ$50,000 if the Work Visa or Permit application under this policy was made on or after 30 July 2007).

Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports)
You can apply under this policy if:

• you meet health, character, and employment requirements.
• you are under 56 years of age.
• you have been actively engaged for 24 months in your field of arts, culture or sport.
• you are still prominent in that field.
• you have not sought or been granted New Zealand welfare assistance during their time here on their Work Permit.

Priority Occupations
You can apply under this policy if:

• you meet health, character, and employment requirements.
• you are under 56 years of age.
• you have been employed in an occupation on the Long Term Shortage List for two years.
• you 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.

To discuss your options under the Residence for Work category, contact us and speak to one of our migration agents, or fill out our New Zealand business migration free assessment.