Zephyrvisa Logo

Green List Work to Residence Work period then residence: Complete Guide

NBy Ms. Nahid Hussain, Director & Senior Immigration Advisor
|
Last Updated: May 2026
|Read Time: 9 mins
Green List Work to Residence pathway category illustration
Skilled Migration Pathway

The Work to Residence pathway covers Green List occupations that require a period of work in New Zealand - typically two years - before applying for residence. It suits in-demand professionals whose role qualifies for residence after demonstrating a settled work history in the country.

Visa Highlights At-a-Glance

Below is a summary table representing standard processing times, statutory criteria, and typical point thresholds for Indian skilled candidates.

Visa MetricDetails & Requirements
Visa SubclassGreen List Work to Residence (Work period then residence)
Avg. Processing TimeTBD Months
Government FeesINR TBD
English Language MinTBD
Points Eligibility BarMin. 0 Points
Visa ValidityTBD

Why Apply for this Visa Path?

  • Defined route: a clear two-year work-then-residence pathway for listed roles.
  • In-demand occupations: designed for skills New Zealand needs.
  • Predictable: meet the work requirement, then apply for residence.

Detailed Entry Requirements

To apply under this New Zealand visa track from India, your credentials must fulfill the following regulatory criteria:

  • 1Listed occupation
  • 2A role on the Work to Residence Green List.
  • 3Qualifying employment
  • 4A qualifying job offer and sustained employment for the required period.
  • 5Health, character & registration
  • 6Meet health and character standards and any occupational registration.

Step-by-Step Filing Workflow

Every applicant from Bangalore/India follows this standardized workflow to file their visa application securely:

1

Confirm pathway eligibility

Match your occupation to the Work to Residence list.

2

Secure the role and work visa

Obtain qualifying employment and the supporting work visa.

3

Complete the work period

Maintain qualifying employment for the required duration.

4

Apply for residence

Lodge the residence application once the work requirement is met. | Senior Consultant Pro Tip The key with Work to Residence is continuity. We help clients keep employment within the qualifying role and document it cleanly, so the two-year clock is unbroken when the residence application comes due. |

Official Authority Resources

Verify New Zealand immigration rules directly from official government sources.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are critical questions and details regarding target timelines and scores for this visa path.

Free Visa Assessment

Check Your New Zealand Visa Eligibility

Submit your details for this specific Green List Work to Residence visa track. Our Bangalore team (Koramangala HQ) led by Director Ms. Nahid Hussain will evaluate your credentials and reply directly on WhatsApp with your exact points audit.

Visit Bangalore HQ
Director Ms. Nahid Hussain Vetting
1Step 1 of 333% Completed
Get started — tell us about yourself.