From Work to Residence: An Evaluation of Work Policies that Provide a Pathway to Permanent Residence in New Zealand

Abstract

In 2002, the Department of Labour introduced three ’work to residence’ policies, which were designed to help New Zealand employers recruit and retain highly skilled and talented migrants. These policies included the Talent Visa (Accredited Employers), Talent Visa (Arts, Culture and Sports), and the Long Term Skill Shortage List Occupation work permit. This paper describes the characteristics of migrants approved through the work to residence policies, the characteristics of accredited employers and the migrants they employ, and the transition patterns from temporary to permanent residence. The research involved a quantitative analysis of administrative data, an online survey of accredited employers, and qualitative interviews with policy stakeholders. The research showed that over 4,000 migrants had been granted a work permit through these policies, and almost one third had made the transition to permanent residence. Migrants brought to New Zealand a diverse range of skills, and of those migrants approved for permanent residence, most did so through a skilled residence category. It was found that the Talent Visa (Accredited Employers) policy enabled employers to expedite the recruitment of overseas workers, and the work to residence aspect was an attractive incentive for potential migrants.