New Zealand still needs many workers for hospitals, rest homes, home care and disability support. In 2024–2025 the government changed some visa rules to make it easier for employers to hire foreign care workers. There is also a special pathway that can lead to permanent residence for care workers who work in New Zealand for 24 months.
Latest update (simple)
- More care jobs are on the official list that allows employers to hire foreign workers.
- Many care jobs now qualify for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- There is a Care Workforce Work to Residence pathway: work first, then after 24 months you may apply for residency if you meet rules.
- Some pay rules changed so employers can hire more easily. Always check the job pay in the contract.
Jobs foreigners can do
- Aged care support worker (rest homes, care homes)
- Disability support worker (home or centre)
- Healthcare assistant (hospital helper)
- Mental health support worker
- Home-based carer / caregiver
Basic requirements (what you must have)
- Valid passport
- Job offer from a New Zealand employer (written contract)
- Work visa (for most people this is AEWV or other approved visa)
- Good health and police clearance
- Age limit for Care Workforce Work to Residence: usually 55 years or younger when applying
Experience and training
You do not always need a university degree. Most care jobs accept people with practical experience. If you have training or a certificate from your country, it helps. Some roles, like registered nurse, need professional registration with New Zealand bodies and extra steps.
How the Care Workforce Work to Residence route works (simple)
- Get a job in care with a New Zealand employer and a valid work visa.
- Work full time in care for at least 24 months under the rules.
- Be paid the normal wage for the job and meet health and character checks.
- After meeting the rules, you can apply for permanent residence under this pathway.
How to check if an agency or adviser is legitimate
- Use licensed immigration advisers. New Zealand has an official register for immigration advisers (Immigration Advisers Authority).
- Check the adviser or agency name on the IAA public register before paying anything.
- In your home country, check government lists of approved overseas recruitment agencies (for example POEA in the Philippines).
- Real employers or licensed agencies give a written job offer and contract. Do not accept only verbal promises.
- Never pay large upfront fees to get a job or a visa. If someone asks for placement or guarantee fees, this is a red flag.
Official places to check (use these websites)
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) – visa rules and official guidance
- Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) – public register of licensed advisers
- Your country’s government labour or overseas employment office (for example POEA, Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs or similar)
Questions to ask a recruiter or employer
- Is this a real written job offer? Can I see the contract?
- Will the employer help with the work visa application?
- Do I need any New Zealand registration or extra training for this job?
- Who pays for travel, medical checks, and police certificates?
- Do I need to pay any fee to the agency? (Good answer: no)
Warnings – stay safe
- Do not pay people who promise a guaranteed visa or job.
- Ask for the full contract before you pay any fees.
- Use only licensed immigration advisers or government-approved recruiters.
- If something feels rushed or suspicious, stop and check with official sources.
Short checklist before you accept a job
- Have a written job offer and contract
- Confirm the employer is real and can hire foreigners
- Check the wage and working hours in the contract
- Make sure the agency or adviser is licensed
- Prepare health and police documents
Working in healthcare or aged care is a common and clear route to work in New Zealand. Many employers hire workers with practical experience. If you want to stay long term, the Care Workforce Work to Residence pathway may help after 24 months of work. Always use official websites and licensed advisers, and never pay fees before you check their credentials.
