Are you dreaming of a new life abroad? New Zealand is calling, and it’s offering a fantastic opportunity for care workers to move there with a pathway to permanent residency. The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is an incredible chance to work in New Zealand’s care sector, bring your family, and build a future in a beautiful country. While many people focus on countries like the UK or Canada, New Zealand’s care visa program is often overlooked—but it’s still open and thriving.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about this visa, including how it works, who can apply, and how to land a job with an accredited employer. We’ll also share tips on crafting the perfect CV, using job search keywords, and avoiding common mistakes. By the end, you’ll be ready to take the first step toward your New Zealand adventure. Let’s get started!
Why Choose New Zealand for Your Care Career?
New Zealand is known for its stunning landscapes, friendly people, and high quality of life. But it’s also a great place for care workers. The country has a growing need for healthcare professionals, and they’re welcoming international workers to fill these roles. Here’s why this opportunity is worth considering:
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Pathway to Permanent Residency: Work in the care sector for two years, and you can apply for permanent residence, which means you can stay indefinitely.
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Family-Friendly: You can bring your partner and dependent children (up to age 24) with you.
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Stable Jobs: Care jobs are full-time and permanent, offering security and a steady income.
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Less Competition: Many people focus on the UK or Canada, so New Zealand’s care visa program has fewer applicants, giving you a better chance to succeed.
One of our community members recently moved to New Zealand through this visa, and she’s thriving—driving, working, and loving life there. This opportunity is real, and it’s still available in 2025. Don’t let rumors or distractions stop you from exploring it.
What Is the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa?
The Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa is a special visa for care workers who want to live and work in New Zealand. Here’s how it works:
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Get a Job Offer: You must secure a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand’s care sector.
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Work for Two Years: Once you arrive, you’ll work full-time for two years on a temporary visa. You must stay in the job and earn at least the care workforce sector wage during this time.
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Apply for Permanent Residency: After two years, you can apply for permanent residency, which allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely.
Key Details:
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Length of Stay: Permanent residency is indefinite, meaning you can live in New Zealand for as long as you want.
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Age Limit: You must be 55 years or younger to apply.
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Family Inclusion: Your partner and dependent children (up to age 24) can join you, with visas for study, work, or visiting.
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Job Requirements: The job must be full-time, permanent, and with an accredited employer.
This visa is not a quick fix—you need to commit to the job for two years. If you leave the job early, you may lose your chance at permanent residency. But for those who are dedicated, it’s a clear path to a new life.
Who Can Apply for This Visa?
To qualify for the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, you need to meet these requirements:
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Job Offer: You must have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand’s care sector. This is the most important step.
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Age: You must be 55 years or younger.
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Full-Time Work: The job must be full-time (not part-time) and permanent.
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Wage Requirement: You must be paid at least the care workforce sector wage for 24 months.
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Commitment: You must be willing to work for the same employer for two years.
You don’t need advanced qualifications, but having care-related certificates (like a Florence Academy certificate) can help. Even if your certificate is over a year old, it’s still valid unless the employer specifically asks for an updated one.
How to Find a Job with an Accredited Employer
The key to getting this visa is landing a job offer from an accredited employer. In New Zealand, employers must be accredited to sponsor international workers, similar to the UK’s sponsor license or Canada’s LMIA (Labor Market Impact Assessment). Here’s how to find the right employer:
Step 1: Use the Accredited Employer List
New Zealand’s government provides a list of accredited employers on their official immigration website (immigration.govt.nz). This list is your best starting point because it ensures you’re applying to employers who can sponsor you. Here’s how to use it:
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Visit the Website: Go to the accredited employer search page on immigration.govt.nz.
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Search Alphabetically: The list is organized by alphabetical order. Look for employers in the healthcare sector, like “Access Community Health Limited” or “Health New Zealand.”
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Check Contact Details: Each employer’s phone number, email, and website are listed. Use these to reach out directly.
For example, “Access Community Health Limited” is a care home with a clear healthcare focus. You can visit their website, check for job openings, or email them your CV. If you can’t afford international calls, email is a great option.
Step 2: Apply Directly to Employers
Once you find an accredited employer, take these steps:
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Visit Their Website: Look for job postings or a “Careers” page.
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Email Your Application: Send your CV, cover letter, and care certificates (merged into one PDF) to the employer’s email address.
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Follow Up: If you don’t hear back, call or email again. Persistence is key.
Don’t give up after one or two rejections. The accredited employer list is long, so keep applying to different organizations.
Step 3: Use Job Search Websites
You can also find care jobs on popular New Zealand job boards like Seek New Zealand (seek.co.nz) or Indeed New Zealand. Here’s how to use them effectively:
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Search with Keywords: Use specific keywords like “healthcare assistant,” “nursing support worker,” “personal care assistant,” “residential care officer,” or “disability service officer.” These are common job titles in New Zealand’s care sector.
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Check Accreditation: Before applying, take the employer’s name and check if they’re accredited on the immigration.govt.nz website. This saves time and prevents rejection from non-accredited employers.
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Don’t Limit Location: Avoid selecting a specific city to keep your options open.
For example, search for “healthcare assistant with visa sponsorship” on Seek New Zealand. If you find a job, verify the employer’s accreditation before applying.
Crafting the Perfect Application
Your application is your chance to stand out. Here’s how to make it shine:
1. Create a New Zealand-Style CV
New Zealand employers expect a specific CV format. Follow these tips:
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Use the Right Format: Check the CV template linked in the description box of our community video (or search for “New Zealand CV template” online).
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Highlight Care Experience: Include any care-related work or certificates, like Florence Academy courses.
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Use Keywords: Match your CV to the job title, such as “healthcare assistant” or “personal care assistant.”
If you’ve seen our community video, you know we’ve shared a detailed New Zealand CV guide. Follow it closely to ensure your CV meets local standards.
2. Write a Cover Letter
A cover letter is a short document (separate from your CV) where you introduce yourself and explain why you’re a great fit. Here’s what to include:
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Your name and background.
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Your experience in care work.
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Why you want to work in New Zealand.
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A polite request for an interview.
Google “cover letter for care worker” for examples if you’re unsure how to start.
3. Include Care Certificates
Merge your CV, cover letter, and care certificates into one PDF. This shows employers you’re qualified and ready to work. Even if your certificate is a year old, it’s still valid unless the employer asks for a recent one.
4. Use Keywords Strategically
Keywords are critical when searching for jobs and writing your application. New Zealand employers use specific terms for care roles, such as:
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Healthcare Assistant
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Nursing Support Worker
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Personal Care Assistant
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Residential Care Officer
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Disability Service Officer
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Therapy Aide
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Diversional Therapist
Use these terms in your CV and cover letter to match job listings. For example, if the job is for a “personal care assistant,” call yourself a “personal care assistant” in your application.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
To increase your chances of success, avoid these pitfalls:
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Applying to Non-Accredited Employers: Always check the employer’s accreditation on immigration.govt.nz before applying.
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Giving Up Too Soon: Job hunting takes time. Keep applying to multiple employers, even if you face rejections.
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Using the Wrong CV Format: A generic CV won’t work. Use a New Zealand-specific format.
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Ignoring Follow-Ups: If you don’t hear back, email or call the employer to show your interest.
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Using Expired Documents: For police clearance certificates, ensure they’re recent. Expired ones won’t be accepted.
Why Persistence and Prayer Matter
Finding a job and securing a visa is a journey that requires patience and determination. Here are some final tips to keep you motivated:
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Be Persistent: Apply to as many accredited employers as possible. Change your CV or cover letter if you’re not getting responses.
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Stay Organized: Keep track of the employers you’ve contacted and follow up regularly.
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Pray for Guidance: Visas are unpredictable. Even with a job offer, entry isn’t guaranteed. Prayer can give you peace and clarity throughout the process.
No one can guarantee a visa—not me, not anyone. My role is to guide you with the right information. The rest depends on your effort, the employer, and the immigration process. If New Zealand doesn’t work out, try another country or try again later.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I bring my family with me?
Yes, you can include your partner and dependent children (up to age 24) in your application. They can study, work, or visit New Zealand.
2. How long do I have to work to get permanent residency?
You must work full-time for an accredited employer for two years. If you leave the job early, you may lose your chance at permanent residency.
3. Is my care certificate still valid if it’s over a year old?
Yes, unless the employer specifically asks for an updated certificate. Your Florence Academy certificate, for example, is still valid.
4. How do I know if an employer is accredited?
Check the employer’s name on the accredited employer list at immigration.govt.nz. If they’re not listed, they can’t sponsor you.
5. What if I don’t like New Zealand?
Only pursue this opportunity if New Zealand is your dream destination. If it’s not, focus on a country you’re passionate about.
Your Next Steps
Ready to start your journey to New Zealand? Here’s what to do:
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Visit the Accredited Employer List: Go to immigration.govt.nz and search for healthcare employers.
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Create a New Zealand CV: Use the CV template from our community video or find one online.
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Apply to Jobs: Email your CV, cover letter, and certificates to accredited employers or apply through Seek New Zealand.
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Follow Up: Contact employers to check on your application status.
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Pray and Stay Positive: Trust the process and keep working toward your goal.
This opportunity is still open, and New Zealand is waiting for care workers like you. Don’t let distractions or rumors stop you—apply today and take the first step toward your new life.
