Archive · 27 Jul 2026
New Zealand Eases Work To Residence Visa Rules
New Zealand is making it easier for skilled foreign workers to get a Work To Residence visa.
Starting August 24, 2026, workers won't have to meet higher wage rates if the median wage goes up during their work experience.
They only need to meet the wage rate that was in place when they started counting their work experience.
This change applies to several visa categories, including those in caregiving, transport, and green-list occupations.
Workers still need 24 months of work experience within a 30-month window to apply for residency.
There's also a new grace period rule that allows workers to use the older, lower wage rate from their visa grant date if they start working within 5 months of their visa being granted.
New Zealand is changing the Work To Residence visa rules to make them more flexible starting August 24, 2026.
Workers will only need to meet the wage rate that was in place when they started counting their work experience.
The changes apply to several visa categories, including Tier 2 Green List, Transport, and Care Workforce Work to Residence visas, as well as the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa.
Workers still need 24 months of work experience within a 30-month window to apply for residency.
A new grace period rule allows workers to use the older, lower wage rate from their visa grant date if they start working within 5 months of their visa being granted.
- Who
- Skilled foreign workers in New Zealand, particularly those in caregiving, transport, and green-list occupations.
- What
- Changes in the Work To Residence visa rules to make the process more flexible.
- When
- Starting August 24, 2026.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- To provide more stability and predictability for foreign workers aiming for residency.
Flexibility for Migrant Workers
Potential for Lower Wage Standards
Wage Rate Calculation
Flexibility for Migrant Workers
The new rules allow workers to use the wage rate at the start of their work experience, providing more stability and predictability.
Potential for Lower Wage Standards
Critics argue this could lead to lower wage standards as workers may not need to meet higher wage rates even if the median wage increases.
- Effective Date
- August 24, 2026
- Required Work Experience
- 24 months within a 30-month window
- Current Median Wage
- NZD $35.00 per hour (as of March 2026)
- Grace Period
- 5 months from visa grant date to start work
- Visa Categories Affected
- Tier 2 Green List Work to Residence Visa, Transport Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa