Care Jobs in New Zealand for Foreigners with Visa Sponsorship

New Zealand’s healthcare and social care sectors face a significant shortage of workers, with an estimated need for 12,000–20,000 additional caregivers by 2026, driven by an aging population and increased demand for aged care, disability support, and home care services. This creates substantial opportunities for foreign workers, with visa sponsorship widely available through the Green List and accredited employers. Care jobs, ranging from healthcare assistants to live-in caregivers, offer competitive salaries, pathways to residency, and often relocation or housing support. This guide details the top care jobs in New Zealand for foreigners, focusing on roles with visa sponsorship, eligibility requirements, application strategies, and key employers actively hiring.

Why Care Jobs in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s care sector is a priority due to its critical role in supporting an aging population and diverse communities. Benefits for foreign workers include:

• High Demand: Over 33,000 care workers are currently employed, with thousands more needed annually. Care Worker is a Green List Tier 3 role, offering a Care Workforce Work to Residence visa after 1 year.
• Salaries: Caregivers earn NZD 52,000–NZD 80,000 annually (NZD 23.50–NZD 37.70/hour), with shift allowances for nights/weekends.
• Visa Sponsorship: Employers sponsor Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visas, with pathways to permanent residency.
• Relocation Support: Many employers provide temporary housing, relocation bonuses (NZD 2,000–NZD 5,000), or subsidized accommodations.
• Quality of Life: New Zealand offers a safe, scenic environment with a strong work-life balance, ideal for caregivers in urban or rural settings.

Top Care Jobs with Visa Sponsorship

Below are the top care jobs in New Zealand for foreigners, offering visa sponsorship and often relocation support, based on current demand and Green List eligibility.

1. Healthcare Assistant

• Description: Support patients in hospitals, rest homes, or community settings with daily tasks like personal care, mobility assistance, and monitoring health. Roles available at Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora) and Ryman Healthcare.
• Why In Demand: High demand in aged care and hospital settings due to workforce shortages. Green List Tier 3 role.
• Requirements: High school diploma, NZQA Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2–4) preferred, 1–2 years of experience, IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.
• Salary: NZD 52,000–NZD 80,000 annually (NZD 23.50–NZD 37.70/hour with allowances).
• Visa Sponsorship: AEWV or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
• Relocation Support: Te Whatu Ora offers relocation packages; Ryman provides housing subsidies.
• Where to Apply: Kiwi Health Jobs, SEEK, Te Whatu Ora careers (tewhatuora.govt.nz).

2. Aged Care Worker

• Description: Provide care in residential facilities, assisting elderly clients with bathing, dressing, and social activities. Employers include Bupa New Zealand and Summerset Group.
• Why In Demand: An aging population drives need for aged care workers, with thousands of vacancies annually. Green List Tier 3 role.
• Requirements: Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2–4) or equivalent, 1–2 years of experience, IELTS 6.5, cultural sensitivity.
• Salary: NZD 52,000–NZD 70,000 annually.
• Visa Sponsorship: AEWV or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
• Relocation Support: Bupa offers relocation bonuses; Summerset provides temporary housing.
• Where to Apply: Bupa careers (careers.bupa.co.nz), Summerset careers (summerset.co.nz).

3. Live-In Caregiver

• Description: Reside with clients to provide 24/7 care, including personal care, meal preparation, and companionship, often for elderly or disabled individuals. Opportunities with Geneva Healthcare and Access Community Health.
• Why In Demand: Growing preference for in-home care fuels demand. Green List Tier 3 role.
• Requirements: Caregiving certification (Level 2–4), 2–3 years of experience, IELTS 6.5, strong interpersonal skills.
• Salary: NZD 55,000–NZD 75,000 annually, often with free accommodation and meals.
• Visa Sponsorship: AEWV or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
• Relocation Support: Geneva Healthcare offers housing support; Access provides relocation bonuses.
• Where to Apply: Geneva Healthcare careers (genevahealth.com), SEEK.

4. Disability Support Worker

• Description: Assist individuals with physical, intellectual, or sensory disabilities in homes or facilities, promoting independence. Roles at Oceania Healthcare and Pukeora Trust.
• Why In Demand: Increasing need for personalized disability support, with Green List Tier 3 status.
• Requirements: Certificate in Community Support or equivalent, 1–3 years of experience, IELTS 6.5, Māori/Pacific cultural knowledge a plus.
• Salary: NZD 52,000–NZD 70,000 annually.
• Visa Sponsorship: AEWV or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
• Relocation Support: Oceania offers temporary housing; Pukeora provides training and visa support.
• Where to Apply: Oceania careers (careers.oceaniahealthcare.co.nz), nz.jora.com.

5. Home Care Worker

• Description: Provide non-medical care in clients’ homes, assisting with daily living, errands, and companionship. Employers include Presbyterian Support and Miranda Smith Homecare.
• Why In Demand: Rising demand for home-based care, especially in rural areas. Green List Tier 3 role.
• Requirements: High school diploma, caregiving experience, IELTS 6.5, driver’s license often required.
• Salary: NZD 52,000–NZD 65,000 annually.
• Visa Sponsorship: AEWV or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
• Relocation Support: Presbyterian Support offers relocation assistance; Miranda Smith provides housing subsidies.
• Where to Apply: Working In New Zealand, SEEK, employer websites.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for care jobs with visa sponsorship, foreign applicants must meet:

• Qualifications: High school diploma minimum; preferred certifications include NZQA Certificate in Health and Wellbeing (Level 2–4) or international equivalents. NZQA validation costs NZD 746 and takes 6–8 weeks.
• Experience: 1–3 years in caregiving or healthcare. Entry-level roles may accept less with certifications.
• English Proficiency: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent (e.g., TOEFL, OET) for clear communication in care settings.
• Skills: Empathy, patience, cultural sensitivity (especially for Māori/Pacific communities), and physical stamina.
• Health and Character: Clean criminal record and medical certificate for visa applications.
• Job Offer: Full-time (30+ hours/week) offer from an accredited employer, paid at or above NZD 23.50/hour (Level 4 care workforce wage rate from April 1, 2025).

Visa Options

Foreign caregivers can apply for:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Requires a job offer from an accredited employer, 30+ hours/week, and NZD 23.50/hour minimum. Valid up to 5 years. Cost: NZD 1,540.
• Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa: For caregivers with 12 months of work in New Zealand at or above the Level 4 wage rate. Requires current employment or a job offer. Leads to residency after 1 year. Cost: NZD 6,450.
• Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Points-based (6 points minimum), for caregivers with qualifications or high salaries (NZD 94.83/hour). Cost: NZD 6,450.
• Working Holiday Visa: For those under 30 (or 35 for Canadians), allowing 12 months of work to gain experience before transitioning to AEWV. Cost: NZD 455.

Top Employers Offering Visa Sponsorship

The following accredited employers are hiring foreign caregivers with visa sponsorship:

1. Bupa New Zealand: Operates 30+ care homes, hiring at facilities like Totara Gardens (Whangarei). Offers AEWV sponsorship, health benefits, and relocation bonuses.
2. Oceania Healthcare: Runs 40+ facilities, seeking caregivers in Auckland and Christchurch. Provides visa sponsorship and temporary housing.
3. Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora: Public healthcare provider hiring healthcare assistants across 20 districts, with visa and relocation support.
4. Ryman Healthcare: Aged care leader hiring in Wellington and Dunedin, offering housing subsidies and visa sponsorship.
5. Geneva Healthcare: Home care provider hiring live-in caregivers, sponsoring AEWV and providing housing support.
6. Summerset Group: Seeks caregivers in Manukau and Taupō, offering visa sponsorship and health cover.
7. Access Community Health: Hires home care workers, providing visa sponsorship and relocation assistance.
8. Presbyterian Support: Not-for-profit hiring caregivers in rural areas, with relocation support.
9. Pukeora Trust: Recruits disability support workers, offering visa and training support.
10. Miranda Smith Homecare: Specializes in private home care, sponsoring visas and offering housing subsidies.

How to Apply from Abroad

1. Research Opportunities:
   • Use SEEK, Kiwi Health Jobs, nz.indeed.com, nz.jora.com, or TradeMe Jobs to find visa-sponsored care jobs.
   • Check employer websites (e.g., careers.bupa.co.nz, tewhatuora.govt.nz).
   • Contact agencies like Working In New Zealand, Accent Health Recruitment, or NZ Skills in Demand for job and visa support.
2. Validate Qualifications:
   • Submit credentials to NZQA for assessment (NZD 746, 6–8 weeks).
   • Obtain caregiving certifications (e.g., Careerforce NZ Training, NZD 500–NZD 1,000) if needed.
3. Prepare Documents:
   • CV: NZ-style, 2–3 pages, highlighting care experience, certifications, and Green List eligibility.
   • Cover Letter: One-page, tailored, emphasizing empathy and visa eligibility.
   • Documents: Translated certificates, IELTS results, criminal record, medical certificate.
4. Apply and Interview:
   • Apply via job portals, employer websites, or agencies. Use keywords like “caregiver visa sponsorship.”
   • Prepare for video interviews, addressing care scenarios (e.g., supporting dementia patients) and cultural fit.
   • Follow up after 2–3 weeks.
5. Secure a Job Offer:
   • Ensure the offer specifies 30+ hours/week, NZD 23.50/hour minimum, and visa sponsorship.
   • Verify the employer is accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
6. Apply for a Visa:
   • Submit an online application via Immigration New Zealand with job offer, passport, and supporting documents.
   • Employers or agencies may assist with AEWV or Work to Residence Visa applications.
   • Processing takes 4–12 weeks; costs NZD 1,540 (AEWV) or NZD 6,450 (residence visas).
7. Relocate:
   • Use employer housing support or TradeMe for rentals (Auckland: NZD 2,400/month; Christchurch: NZD 1,800/month).
   • Register with local authorities and get an IRD number for tax purposes.

Challenges and Solutions

• Language Barrier: IELTS 6.5 is required. Solution: Prepare for IELTS (NZD 410) or take OET for care roles.
• Qualification Recognition: Non-NZ credentials need NZQA validation. Solution: Start NZQA assessment early.
• Visa Delays: Processing may take 12 weeks. Solution: Apply 6–12 months in advance; use accredited employers for priority.
• Cost of Living: NZD 3,000–NZD 4,000/month in Auckland. Solution: Choose rural roles with housing support (e.g., Whangarei, NZD 2,500/month).
• Cultural Adaptation: Māori/Pacific norms may differ. Solution: Learn Whānau Ora principles via Careers NZ or employer training.

Tips for Success

• Prioritize Green List Roles: Target Tier 3 care jobs for Work to Residence pathways.
• Use Agencies: Accent Health Recruitment or Working In New Zealand simplify job and visa processes.
• Network: Join LinkedIn care groups or expat communities on Expat.com.
• NZ-Style CV: Use Careers NZ templates, emphasizing care skills and certifications.
• Learn Māori Culture: Basic phrases like “kia ora” enhance integration.
• Focus on Accredited Employers: Apply to Bupa, Oceania, or Te Whatu Ora for reliable sponsorship.
• Job Alerts: Subscribe to SEEK, Kiwi Health Jobs, or nz.jora.com.

Conclusion

New Zealand’s care sector offers foreigners a chance to build meaningful careers while enjoying a high quality of life. With high demand for healthcare assistants, aged care workers, and live-in caregivers, employers like Bupa, Oceania Healthcare, and Health New Zealand provide visa sponsorship, competitive salaries, and relocation support. By validating qualifications with NZQA, crafting an NZ-style CV, and applying through SEEK, Kiwi Health Jobs, or agencies, you can secure a care job from abroad. Start today by exploring opportunities with accredited employers and take the first step toward a fulfilling career in Aotearoa!

Sources: Immigration New Zealand, SEEK, Kiwi Health Jobs, Working In New Zealand, Careers NZ, NZQA, accessed May 31, 2025.