Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship for Foreigners in 2025

New Zealand offers abundant opportunities for caregivers, with a rising demand driven by an aging population and a focus on quality healthcare. 

Many employers offer visa sponsorship for qualified foreigners, providing a gateway to rewarding careers in healthcare. These roles often include competitive salaries, professional growth, and pathways to permanent residency, making NZ an attractive destination.

This guide details the key eligibility for caregiver jobs in New Zealand, highlights top nursing homes and home care services offering visa sponsorship, and provides application links to get you started today.

Eligibility Criteria and Requirements for Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

To apply for caregiver jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship, the following criteria and requirements must generally be met:

• Relevant Qualifications: A Level 3 or Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing is required. Qualifications from recognized institutions, such as those accredited by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), are highly valued. Specialized training in elder care or disability support can further enhance your eligibility.
• Work Experience: At least one year of relevant caregiving experience is often required, particularly for positions involving elderly or disabled care. Demonstrating practical skills and familiarity with caregiving tasks like personal care, medication management, and mobility assistance is crucial.
• Health and Character Checks: Applicants must pass a health examination to ensure they are fit for caregiving work. Additionally, a police clearance or criminal background check is required to prove good character.
• Visa Eligibility: Foreign caregivers need to meet the requirements of a skilled migrant visa or a work visa sponsored by an employer. The job must be listed as a skill shortage occupation on New Zealand’s immigration list, facilitating easier visa approval.
• English Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English is often a requirement, as caregivers are expected to communicate effectively with patients and healthcare professionals. Proof of language skills, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, may be requested.
• Age and Immigration Status: Typically, applicants should be under the age of 55 for work visa applications. However, candidates outside this age bracket may still be eligible depending on their skills, experience, and job offers.
• Job Offer from a New Zealand Employer: To secure visa sponsorship, candidates must receive a formal job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. These employers often assist with the visa application process, including covering certain costs and providing necessary documentation.
• Salary and Working Conditions: Caregivers are generally expected to work around 30-40 hours per week. Salaries for caregivers in New Zealand range from NZD 21 to NZD 25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities​.

How to Find and Apply for Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship as a Foreigner

Finding and applying for caregiver jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship involves several essential steps. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help navigate the process:

Step 1: Research Caregiver Job Openings

Start by searching for caregiver roles that offer visa sponsorship. Use reputable job boards like Seek, Indeed, and Jooble, as well as New Zealand-specific platforms such as CareerHub or NZ Jobs. 

Check the listings for details about visa sponsorship, job descriptions, and employer requirements.

Tip: Look for jobs in sectors such as elder care, disability support, or general healthcare where the demand for caregivers is high. These roles often qualify for visa sponsorship​.

Step 2: Check Eligibility and Requirements

Before applying, make sure you meet the necessary qualifications:

• Required Qualifications: Ensure you hold a Level 3 or Level 4 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing or equivalent (recognized by NZQA). Additional qualifications in specific caregiving areas such as elder or disability care will be beneficial.
• Experience: At least one year of caregiving experience is typically required. If you don’t have formal qualifications, practical caregiving experience may still be considered.
• Language Proficiency: Demonstrating proficiency in English through tests like IELTS may be required.

Step 3: Prepare Your Resume and Cover Letter

Tailor your CV and cover letter to meet New Zealand’s caregiving industry standards:

• Highlight relevant qualifications, caregiving experience, and any specializations (elder care, mental health support, etc.).
• Emphasize skills like communication, empathy, and the ability to manage physical tasks, as these are essential in caregiving roles.
• Ensure your documents are formatted according to New Zealand job application standards.

Step 4: Apply for the Job

Submit your application through the job portal or directly to the employer. Many caregiving roles offering visa sponsorship require applicants to send a resume, cover letter, and proof of qualifications. Some employers might require a video interview as part of the application process.

Tip: Ensure that your application clearly states your eligibility for a visa sponsorship, as this helps employers prioritize your application​.

Step 5: Receive Job Offer and Employer Sponsorship

If you are successful in the application process, you will receive a formal job offer. The employer will provide a Letter of Sponsorship, a key document in your visa application. 

This letter will confirm the job offer and indicate that the employer is willing to sponsor your visa.

Step 6: Apply for a Work Visa

Once you have the sponsorship letter, apply for a work visa. The two main types of work visas are the Essential Skills Work Visa and the Skilled Migrant Visa. Both require proof of a job offer from a New Zealand employer.

• Essential Skills Work Visa: Typically used for lower-skilled roles, including caregiving.
• Skilled Migrant Visa: If caregiving is on New Zealand’s skills shortage list, you may qualify for this visa, which can eventually lead to permanent residency.

Tip: Ensure your application includes the required documents such as proof of qualifications, work experience, and health checks​.

Step 7: Relocate to New Zealand

Once your visa is approved, you can relocate to New Zealand and begin your caregiver role. Your employer will often assist with settling into the country by offering relocation packages, temporary accommodation, and guidance on finding permanent housing.

Step 8: Pursue Long-Term Residency Options

As a caregiver in New Zealand, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency after several years of work. 

The Skilled Migrant Visa offers a pathway to residency based on your work in a sector with high demand, like caregiving​.

Top Home Care Services Offering Caregiver Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Several home care services across New Zealand offer caregiver jobs with visa sponsorship, making it possible for foreign workers to find employment in this sector. 

Below are some leading companies offering these opportunities:

Ryman Healthcare

Ryman Healthcare is one of New Zealand’s leading aged care providers, offering a wide range of caregiver jobs across various locations. They provide visa sponsorship for foreign workers, especially those with caregiving qualifications and experience. 

Ryman promotes career development and offers excellent employee benefits, including discounts on insurance, retail, and childcare. 

Positions range from casual to full-time, and they provide ongoing training to help employees advance in their careers. 

To apply, visit their official recruitment page.​

Medcall

Medcall is a well-established healthcare recruitment agency that places caregivers in positions across New Zealand, especially on the North Island. They offer flexible hours, competitive pay, and the potential for visa sponsorship. 

Their focus is on providing high-quality care for the elderly, and they regularly recruit caregivers with experience in aged care. 

Medcall offers ongoing training and the possibility of permanent employment, with roles available across various caregiving fields. 

For more information and to apply, visit the Medcall Job Search page.

Access Community Health

Access Community Health provides caregiver services throughout New Zealand, focusing on home-based support for elderly individuals and those with disabilities. They offer flexible working hours, training, and visa sponsorship for skilled foreign workers. 

The company offers ongoing career development, a competitive hourly wage, and opportunities for advancement within the healthcare sector. 

To apply for positions, visit the Access Community Health Careers Page​.

Summerset Group

Summerset is a leading provider of aged care facilities and home-based care services in New Zealand. They are known for providing quality care and a supportive working environment. 

Summerset offers casual and full-time caregiver roles, with visa sponsorship for qualified foreigners. 

In addition to competitive pay, Summerset offers benefits like weekend pay bonuses, access to employee discounts, and career development opportunities. 

For more details on how to apply, visit their careers page​.

Pact Group

Pact Group is a nonprofit organization that provides caregiving services for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They regularly offer job opportunities for caregivers, including those from abroad, with visa sponsorship. 

Pact emphasizes providing high-quality, personalized care and offers various training and career development programs. 

Their compensation includes competitive hourly rates, and they are dedicated to supporting foreign workers through the visa application process. 

Learn more about available positions and apply via their Vacancies with Us website.

The Average Salary for Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship

Caregiver salaries in New Zealand are influenced by factors such as experience, location, job type, and industry. 

Here’s a breakdown of caregiver earnings:

National Average Salary

• Hourly: The general range for caregivers is NZD 23 to NZD 29 per hour across New Zealand.
• Annually: This equates to an annual salary of around NZD 47,000 to NZD 60,000 for full-time caregivers working standard hours (approximately 40 hours per week). However, those in senior caregiving positions or with specialized skills could earn above this range​.

Salaries Based on Experience

• Entry-level caregivers (less than 1 year of experience) can expect to earn around NZD 23 to NZD 24 per hour​.
• Mid-level caregivers (with 2 to 5 years of experience) generally earn between NZD 25 to NZD 27 per hour.
• Experienced caregivers (with 5+ years of experience) typically earn up to NZD 29 per hour, with the potential for more in specialized roles such as dementia or palliative care​.

Regional Differences

• Auckland: As New Zealand’s largest city, caregiver salaries here are often at the higher end of the spectrum. Full-time caregivers can earn NZD 24 to NZD 29 per hour in Auckland, depending on the job and experience level​.
• Wellington and Christchurch: Salaries in the capital and South Island’s largest city generally range from NZD 23 to NZD 28 per hour, with Wellington slightly higher for experienced caregivers​.
• Rural Areas: In smaller cities or rural areas like Dunedin or Palmerston North, wages are somewhat lower, averaging NZD 23.15 to NZD 28.50 per hour, though the cost of living tends to be lower in these regions as well​.

Employment Types and Industries

• Full-time Caregivers: On average, full-time caregivers in New Zealand earn between NZD 47,000 to NZD 60,000 per year, with higher salaries offered in specialized fields like aged care or disability support​.
• Part-time Caregivers: Part-time roles offer flexibility and generally pay between NZD 23.15 to NZD 28.50 per hour, but the total earnings will depend on hours worked​.
• Specialized Caregivers: Caregivers specializing in fields such as palliative care, mental health, or complex disabilities can command higher wages, potentially up to NZD 30 per hour​.
• Private vs. Agency Caregivers: Those working for private clients may earn slightly more but have less job security and benefits than those employed by agencies or care homes, which typically offer added benefits like paid training and career development opportunities​.

Benefits of Caregiver Jobs In New Zealand With Visa Sponsorship

Here are the benefits:

Competitive Salary and Benefits

Caregiver jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship offer competitive wages. Depending on the region and experience, hourly rates range from NZD 23 to NZD 29 per hour, translating to an annual salary of approximately NZD 47,000 to NZD 60,000 for full-time roles​.

Additionally, caregivers can benefit from mileage compensation, weekend pay bonuses, and paid training. These benefits contribute to a higher overall compensation package.

Job Security and Stability

The demand for caregivers in New Zealand is consistently high, particularly in the aged care and disability sectors. Due to this growing need, caregivers enjoy stable employment prospects. 

Employers often offer permanent positions with job security, which is particularly appealing for foreigners seeking a long-term career​. 

The New Zealand government also recognizes caregivers as essential workers, ensuring consistent job opportunities even during economic fluctuations.

Career Development and Training Opportunities

Many New Zealand employers provide ongoing training and development programs for caregivers. 

For example, companies like Pact Group and Access Community Health offer pathways for caregivers to obtain qualifications such as the Level 4 Health and Wellbeing Certificate​. These certifications open doors to career advancement within the healthcare sector. 

Additionally, training and upskilling opportunities are often fully supported, enhancing the career trajectory for caregivers.

Flexible Working Hours

Caregiving roles in New Zealand often come with flexible working hours, making them an attractive option for those seeking work-life balance. 

Caregivers can choose to work full-time, part-time, or on a casual basis depending on their personal preferences and availability. This flexibility allows foreign workers to adapt their work schedule to their lifestyle, whether they prefer daytime, evening, or weekend shifts​.

Visa Sponsorship and Immigration Support

Employers like Ryman Healthcare and Access Community Health offer sponsorship opportunities, helping workers secure work visas and facilitating their relocation to New Zealand. 

Sponsorship programs often include assistance with visa application procedures, allowing foreign workers to navigate the immigration process smoothly​.

Supportive Work Environment

New Zealand employers place a strong emphasis on a positive work culture. Many caregiving positions are in environments that foster teamwork and support, where caregivers are encouraged to work collaboratively to provide the best care for their clients. 

Caregivers often report feeling valued and supported, which enhances job satisfaction and personal well-being​.

Additional Employee Benefits

Beyond salary and training, caregivers employed in New Zealand often receive various perks such as employee discounts (on retail, childcare, insurance, etc.), healthcare benefits, and paid time off. 

For example, Ryman Healthcare offers discounts in over 60 categories, enhancing the overall employee experience​.

Pathway to Permanent Residency

For caregivers on a work visa, New Zealand offers the potential for permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category. 

By gaining full-time, skilled employment and meeting the residency criteria, caregivers can transition from a work visa to permanent residency status, securing a long-term future in New Zealand​.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many hours do caregivers work in New Zealand?

Caregivers in New Zealand usually work between 30 to 40 hours per week. Full-time caregivers typically have a standard 40-hour workweek, but part-time and flexible hours are available in many caregiving roles​.

What is the passing score of IELTS for caregivers?

The passing IELTS score for caregivers applying to work in New Zealand is generally 6.0 overall, with no individual band (reading, writing, listening, speaking) lower than 5.5. However, requirements can vary depending on the employer or specific visa category​.

Can I immigrate to New Zealand as a caregiver?

Yes, immigration to New Zealand as a caregiver is possible. You can apply for a work visa through employer sponsorship, and after working in New Zealand for some time, you may be eligible for permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or other pathways​.

Which region pays the most for caregivers in New Zealand?

Caregivers in Auckland typically earn the highest wages due to the city’s high cost of living and demand for healthcare professionals. Salaries in Auckland can reach NZD 29 per hour for experienced caregivers, while other major cities like Wellington and Christchurch offer slightly lower pay​.

Can a family member be a paid caregiver in New Zealand?

Yes, a family member can be a paid caregiver in certain circumstances, particularly if they are employed by a care agency or as part of a government-subsidized home care program. However, there are specific regulations around this, and the person must meet the qualifications and be formally employed​.

How much does a full-time carer get paid in New Zealand?

A full-time caregiver in New Zealand typically earns between NZD 47,000 to NZD 60,000 per year, depending on experience, region, and employer​.

Is there a shortage of caregivers in New Zealand?

Yes, New Zealand is facing a shortage of caregivers due to the aging population and increasing healthcare needs. This shortage creates opportunities for foreign workers to fill caregiving roles across various sectors, including aged care, disability support, and mental health services​.