You may be qualified in highly specialised or in-demand field, or have an exceptional talent in sports or the arts. The Work to Residence category allows you to work in New Zealand as a step towards gaining permanent residence. After two years you can apply for permanent residence. Unlike the Skilled Migrant Category, English language skills are not specifically tested (unless required by an industry registration board).
 

Requirements

You must either have: 

• A genuine offer of full-time, ongoing employment from a New Zealand accredited employer* with a base salary of at least $55,000 per annum, or

• Sponsorship from a New Zealand arts, culture or sporting organisation because of your reputation and ability to contribute to New Zealand’s future, or

• A genuine offer of full-time ongoing employment in an occupation on the Long Term Skills Shortage List.  You must hold appropriate full or provisional registration if required to practise in that occupation.

*An accredited employer is a ‘pre-approved’ employer who needs skilled or talented workers from overseas.