New Zealand's aged care and disability support sector has a persistent, severe workforce shortage. To address this, Immigration NZ has a sector agreement specifically for care and support workers that allows eligible migrants to obtain an AEWV at a lower wage threshold than the standard median wage.
In practice: A care worker role paying NZ$26.00–27.00/hour can qualify for an AEWV under the sector agreement, even though the standard median wage threshold is NZ$35.00/hour.
This page explains exactly who qualifies, which roles are covered, and how to navigate the process.
What Is the Care and Support Sector Agreement?
The NZ government has a formal sector agreement with the aged care and disability support industry that modifies standard AEWV requirements for qualifying roles. It was established because:
- Care roles are genuinely essential but structurally underpaid relative to the median
- NZ cannot train enough domestic care workers to meet demand from an ageing population
- Sector-wide pay equity work has increased but not yet reached median wage levels
The agreement lets accredited employers hire care workers at the sector-specific pay rate rather than the median wage, removing the biggest practical barrier for this workforce.
Who Is Covered?
Eligible Roles
The sector agreement covers:
| Role | ANZSCO Code |
|---|---|
| Aged or Disabled Carer | 4231 |
| Nursing Support Worker | 4233 |
| Personal Care Assistant | 4231 |
| Residential Care Worker | 4231 |
| Home Care Worker | 4231 |
| Disability Support Worker | 4231 |
| Dementia Care Worker | 4231 |
Eligible Employers
Employers must be:
- Accredited under the standard AEWV employer accreditation system
- Operating in: residential aged care facilities, home and community support, disability residential services, or disability day services
- Providing services funded (fully or partially) by Te Whatu Ora (NZ Health) or Whaikaha (Ministry for Disabled People)
Privately owned care businesses operating independently of government funding may not be eligible for sector agreement terms — confirm with an adviser.
Pay Threshold Under the Sector Agreement
The exact minimum pay rate under the care and support sector agreement is aligned with the pay equity settlement rates for care workers, which have been progressively increasing under NZ pay equity legislation.
| Effective Date | Minimum Rate (approx.) |
|---|---|
| July 2023 | NZ$23.95 per hour (historical) |
| July 2024 | NZ$26.00–27.00/hour (varies by role and qualification level) |
| 2025 onwards | Reviewed annually under pay equity settlement |
Always verify the current rate with INZ or your employer before applying — the rate can change and the specific minimum varies by care worker classification. The rate set by the New Zealand Aged Care Association pay equity settlement applies.
The rate is lower than the standard median wage (NZ$35.00/hr) but higher than the NZ minimum wage. Workers with qualifications (Certificate in Health and Wellbeing Level 2 or higher) typically sit at a higher rate within the band.
How the Application Process Works
The process follows the standard AEWV three-stage structure, with the sector agreement modifying the Job Check wage threshold.
Stage 1: Employer Accreditation
The employer applies for standard AEWV accreditation — the process and cost is identical regardless of the sector agreement:
- Standard accreditation (up to 5 migrants): NZ$740
- High-volume accreditation (6+ migrants): NZ$1,980
Stage 2: Job Check (Sector Agreement Terms Apply Here)
The employer submits a Job Check for the specific care role. When applying under the sector agreement, the Job Check:
- Uses the sector agreement wage threshold (not the median wage)
- Still requires evidence that the role is genuine and that local recruitment was attempted
- Must specify the care role type and confirm the employer is a qualifying care provider
- Fee: NZ$610
Stage 3: Migrant AEWV Application
With the Job Token in hand, the care worker applies for an AEWV:
- Standard AEWV application fee: NZ$750
- Standard documentation: passport, employment offer, Job Token, police certificate, medical examination
- Qualifications evidence (particularly helpful if claiming a higher pay rate)
Total Costs
| Who Pays | Item | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Accreditation (standard) | NZ$740 |
| Employer | Job Check | NZ$610 |
| Migrant | AEWV application | NZ$750 |
| Migrant | Medical examination | NZ$350–600 |
| Migrant | Police certificate(s) | NZ$45–200 |
| Migrant total | ~NZ$1,200–1,550 |
Qualifications and Registration
Required Qualifications
Care and support roles do not require formal registration with a NZ professional body (unlike nursing or medicine). However, having a relevant qualification strengthens your application and may result in a higher pay rate:
- NZQA Level 2 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing — entry-level standard
- NZQA Level 3 Certificate in Health and Wellbeing — experienced support worker
- NZQA Level 4 Certificate — advanced care worker / team leader
Overseas qualifications can be assessed by NZQA for equivalency if needed.
English Language
Care workers must be able to communicate clearly with clients, families, and colleagues. While there's no specific IELTS score mandated by the sector agreement, INZ may request evidence of English ability, particularly if your application suggests limited English. Demonstrate:
- Previous employment in an English-language country, or
- IELTS 5.0+ (or equivalent), or
- Completion of English-medium qualifications
Pathway to Residence
Care and support workers have two main residence pathways:
Option 1: Green List Work to Residence (Tier 2)
Some care roles appear on the Green List, specifically registered nurses and certain health professional roles. If your care role qualifies (check current Green List), you can apply for residence after 24 months of employment.
Note: Most caregiver/support worker roles (ANZSCO 4231) are not on the Green List. Registered Nurses (ANZSCO 2544) are.
Option 2: Skilled Migrant Category (SMC)
After 2 years of AEWV employment, you may qualify for SMC residence if your role meets the points requirements. However, ANZSCO 4231 roles are classified as Skill Level 3 — you'd need to meet the SMC criteria including 160 points. Employment at sufficient pay and with NZ qualifications gives you the best shot.
What Most Care Workers Do
Many care workers look to upskill while working — obtaining NZ Level 3 or 4 certificates — which opens more pathways and may qualify them for higher-paying roles that meet standard AEWV median wage requirements, broadening their residence options.
Common Situations
My employer says they're a care provider but I'm not sure they're eligible for the sector agreement
Ask your employer to confirm they receive funding from Te Whatu Ora or Whaikaha. If they're a privately-run facility operating purely commercially without government funding, they may need to use standard AEWV terms (median wage threshold). An immigration adviser can help clarify.
I'm currently in NZ on a different visa — can I switch to this pathway?
Yes, if an accredited employer offers you a qualifying role. The application process is the same whether you're onshore or offshore, though you may need to check whether you can change visa categories while in NZ.
I work for a disability support provider, not aged care — does this count?
Yes. The sector agreement covers disability support services, not just aged care. Roles in residential disability services and community disability day services are covered, provided the employer is funded by Whaikaha.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the care sector agreement permanent?
No. Sector agreements are reviewed and can be extended, amended, or closed. The care and support agreement has been in place since 2022 and renewed as of 2024, but it's subject to government policy decisions. Always confirm current status before planning a move.
Can my family come with me on a care worker visa?
Yes. Partners of AEWV holders can apply for partner open work visas. Dependent children can apply for dependent child visas. Your family's applications are separate from yours.
Does the sector agreement cover home care workers (community support)?
Yes, home and community support roles are covered, provided the employer is accredited and funded through the government system. This includes district health board-contracted home care providers.
What's the difference between the sector agreement and standard AEWV?
The only difference is the minimum wage threshold for the Job Check. Everything else — accreditation, application process, visa conditions, duration — is identical to a standard AEWV.
Care and support employers and workers can benefit significantly from specialist advice. Find a licensed immigration adviser familiar with the sector agreement to ensure your application is correctly structured.