Imagine a career where your compassion directly changes lives, set against the backdrop of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes. For 2025, caregiver jobs with visa sponsorship offer more than just employment; they offer a purpose-driven pathway to a new life.
With New Zealand’s aging population creating significant demand, your kindness and dedication are highly valued and rewarded with competitive salaries (NZD $23.50 – $29.10 per hour), a clear pathway to residency, and comprehensive benefits like relocation support.
Whether you are an experienced professional or someone with a big heart and a willingness to learn, this is your chance to build a meaningful international career. This guide details the requirements, the incredible perks, and how you can apply to make a difference in Aotearoa.
Why Work as a Caregiver in New Zealand?
- High demand in the aged care and healthcare sector
- Visa sponsorship available through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Pathway to residency for skilled caregivers
- Jobs available for both experienced and unskilled applicants
- Attractive salaries, benefits, and supportive work environments
Criteria and Qualification
While not always mandatory, successful applicants typically possess:
- Time Management: The ability to manage a schedule and perform duties efficiently.
- Proven Experience: Demonstrated history in caregiving or support work.
- First Aid Certification: Current certification in CPR and First Aid is a significant advantage.
- Practical Skills: Knowledge of housekeeping, meal preparation, and hygiene standards.
- Compassion and Respect: A genuine passion for helping others and upholding their dignity.
- Reliability & Integrity: A strong ethical compass and dependability.
- Physical Stamina: The role can be physically demanding, requiring assisting with mobility.
- Excellent Communication: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with clients and their families.
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Work obligations and liabilities:
Caregiver work depiction ought to contain the following obligations and liabilities
A caregiver’s primary role is to support clients in their daily lives, enabling them to live safely and with dignity. Key duties include:
Personal Care:
- Assisting with personal hygiene routines such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting.
- Providing assistance with mobility inside and outside the home.
Health & Medication Support:
- Reminding and supporting clients to take their prescribed medication correctly.
- Observing and reporting any changes in the client’s health or well-being to family or healthcare professionals.
- Assisting with prescribed physical therapy or rehabilitation exercises.
Domestic Support:
- Performing light housekeeping duties, including cleaning, laundry, and changing bed linens.
- Planning, preparing, and serving nutritious meals according to dietary needs.
- Running errands, such as grocery shopping, or accompanying clients on appointments.
Companionship & Emotional Support:
- Providing friendly conversation and emotional support.
- Encouraging social engagement and participation in activities.
- Acting promptly and calmly in the event of an emergency.
Jobs Benefits of Caregiver in New Zealand
- Competitive Salary and Overtime Opportunities:
The hourly wage for a caregiver typically falls within the range of NZD 23.50 to NZD 29.10. Earnings may be enhanced through overtime and weekend work. Some employers provide pay increases in response to performance evaluations or the acquisition of additional certifications. - Residency Pathway:
With the Care Workforce Work-to-Residence Visa, caregivers who earn a minimum of NZD 28.25/hour may: After 24 months of uninterrupted employment, submit an application for residency. They may bring their family members to New Zealand on dependent visas. - Assistance with Housing and Relocation:
Numerous employers: Provide transitional or initial housing assistance Offer airport pickup or relocation incentives Provide assistance in connecting caregivers with affordable accommodation options in close proximity to their workplaces. - Career Advancement and Training:
Employers may provide: NZQA Level 2–4 Health & Wellbeing certifications that are either funded or subsidized Shadowing and on-the-job training
Visa & Work Permit Options for Caregivers
To work legally, foreign caregivers need a New Zealand work visa. The main pathways include:
- New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – For caregivers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
- Employer-Sponsored Caregiver Jobs New Zealand 2025 – Direct sponsorship through hospitals, rest homes, or healthcare providers.
- Immigration Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand – Jobs that may qualify for residency after a set period.
Requirements for Caregiver Jobs in New ZealandTo qualify, you may need:
- A valid job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer
- At least Level 2–3 qualification in health/care (or equivalent experience)
- Good English communication skills
- Medical and police clearance
- Some roles are open to unskilled caregivers without prior experience, especially home care and support roles
Best Agencies & Websites for Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand
- Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)
- Seek.co.nz (largest job portal in New Zealand)
- Trademe Jobs
- Carejobz.com (healthcare recruitment)
- Licensed immigration and recruitment agencies
Who Can Apply? (Target Audience)
- Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalis, Filipinos, and Africans seeking overseas caregiver jobs
- Female caregivers looking for sponsored positions
- Unskilled workers without formal qualifications (basic roles available)
- Overseas applicants in 2025 applying under the Accredited Employer Work Visa program
- Those seeking long-term caregiver jobs with residency pathways
How to Apply for Caregiver Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
- Search job listings on official job portals (see below).
- Prepare a strong CV highlighting caregiver or support experience.
- Apply directly to accredited employers offering visa sponsorship.
- Secure a job offer and employment contract.
- Apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- Relocate to New Zealand once the visa is approved.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a rewarding career abroad, caregiver jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship 2025 offer excellent opportunities. With high demand, good salaries, and visa support through accredited employers, it’s one of the best destinations for caregivers, whether you’re skilled, unskilled, male, or female.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What caregiver roles are eligible for visa sponsorship?
Typical roles include:
Residential Aged or Disabled Carer
Disability Services Officer
Personal Care Assistant
Māori Health Assistant / Kaiawhina
Nursing Support Worker
These positions often appear in job listings with sponsorship options on platforms like SEEK and JoraWhat qualifications and experience are required?
What are typical wages and benefits?
AEWV minimum for care roles: NZD 23.50/hr
Experience-based caregivers earn NZD 23–29/hr or more
Some listings mention night shift pay up to NZD 29.10/hr
Work-to-Residence requires ≥ NZD 28.25/hr