Route to Residency for Transport Workers
If you’re a truck driver, bus driver, Ship’s Master, or Deck Hand eyeing New Zealand as your next long-term destination, now is the time to take the wheel. The Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa is part of New Zealand’s sector-specific residence pathways, introduced to address urgent labour shortages in critical industries like freight and logistics. With residency as the end goal, this visa is not just another work permit—it’s a future-building opportunity for those who keep the country moving.
As demand for experienced transport workers rises across the country, especially in freight-heavy regions like Auckland, Hamilton, and Christchurch, this visa provides an accessible and clear route for overseas talent to gain New Zealand residence after two years of eligible work. This blog breaks down how it works, who qualifies, and why it’s one of the most practical options for skilled workers in the logistics and transport space.
What Is the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa?
The Transport Work to Residence Visa allows eligible foreign workers to transition from a temporary Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) to permanent residence in New Zealand after 24 months of consistent work in a qualifying transport role.
This pathway falls under the government’s sector agreement framework, which was designed to attract and retain overseas workers in industries facing persistent labour shortages. In the case of the transport sector, this includes occupations like truck drivers, bus drivers, and delivery operators.
To be eligible, the applicant must:
- Be working in an eligible transport role listed in the official Transport Sector Agreement.
- Be employed by an Immigration New Zealand-accredited employer.
- Have held an AEWV for at least 24 months.
- Earn at or above the wage threshold set for the role.
- Meet English language and health requirements.
This visa represents a realistic and employer-driven way for essential workers to build a life in New Zealand.
Learn more about the Accredited Employer Work Visa here.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for Truck and Bus Drivers
For truck or bus drivers, the benefits are substantial. New Zealand’s freight and logistics networks are under pressure from rising freight volumes, an ageing local workforce, and a strong reliance on road transport for domestic and international supply chains.
Here’s how this visa creates opportunity:
- Stability for workers and families: After two years of working in New Zealand, drivers and logistics staff can apply for residence, enabling them to bring family members and plan long-term.
- Employer support: Many NZ transport firms are desperate to retain talent. Employers are often ready to support the work-to-residence journey through AEWV sponsorship.
- Clear pathway to permanent settlement: Unlike some temporary visas, the Transport Work to Residence Visa is structured around eventual permanent residence.
If you’re a long-haul driver, delivery operator, or in logistics support, this visa offers a meaningful way to turn your current job into a permanent future.
Eligible Roles Under the Transport Sector Agreement
Roles covered under the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa include:
- Truck Drivers (Heavy Vehicle Operators, Class 4 and 5)
- Bus Drivers
- Ship’s Master
- Deck Hand
- Aircraft Refueller
- Tanker Driver
- Tow Truck Driver
Each role has specific criteria around wage rates and duties. Applicants must be working in roles that meet those job descriptions, as verified by the employer and Immigration New Zealand.
Explore our full guide on sector-based residence pathways here.
Step-by-Step: From Work Visa to Residence
Here’s how the typical journey unfolds:
- Secure Employment: Get a job offer from an accredited employer in the transport sector.
- Apply for AEWV: Start with the Accredited Employer Work Visa, valid for up to three years.
- Work for 24 Months: Continuously work in your eligible transport role.
- Apply for Residence: Once you’ve met the time, wage, and role requirements, apply under the Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa.
The process is straightforward—but detailed documentation, employer certification, and accurate role descriptions are crucial. That’s where Ezy Immigration can help.
Why Employers Are Eager to Support This Pathway
For New Zealand transport and logistics companies, finding skilled drivers is an ongoing challenge. Many are already accredited and actively looking for long-term employees they can rely on. Offering a clear pathway to residence helps them attract quality candidates from abroad and retain them over time.
Employers understand that workers are more committed when they can envision a future in New Zealand. As such, many companies are willing to support drivers not only through the initial work visa but also throughout their residence application.
Check if your employer qualifies under our Accredited Employer guide here.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Assuming all driver roles are eligible: Not all driving jobs meet the visa’s criteria. Your occupation must match Immigration NZ’s official role descriptions.
- Missing wage thresholds: To qualify, you must earn at or above the minimum set wage for your position.
- Inconsistent employment: You must demonstrate continuous employment in the same role over the required 24-month period.
- Insufficient English: You’ll need to meet the required English language proficiency for residency after 2 years of employment (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent in most cases).
Let Ezy Immigration help you avoid these pitfalls by managing your paperwork, checking your eligibility, and preparing a strong residence case.
Your Future Starts Behind the Wheel
The Transport Work to Residence Visa opens up long-term settlement options for skilled workers in an industry that New Zealand depends on every single day. If you’ve been working in freight, delivery, or heavy transport and want to move beyond temporary visas, this is your moment.
With Ezy Immigration by your side, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone. From AEWV application to your residence milestone, our team ensures every requirement is met and every deadline is hit.
Contact us now to begin your residence journey.
Drive Your Future Forward with Ezy Immigration
The Transport Work to Residence Visa is more than just a permit—it’s a bridge to a better life in New Zealand. Whether you’re driving freight or managing logistics, this pathway gives transport professionals a genuine shot at permanent residency. At Ezy Immigration, we’ll help you stay on track and take every step with confidence.
Let us help you drive your future forward—get in touch today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Truck drivers, bus drivers, Ship’s Mater, Deck Hand and other logistics workers employed in eligible roles under an accredited employer are eligible after 24 months of work.
Not necessarily, but you must work in the same occupation and meet wage requirements consistently during the 24 months.
The wage varies by role and is set under the Transport Sector Agreement. It must meet or exceed the minimum listed for your occupation.
Yes. Once you hold residence, your family may also apply to live, study, and work in New Zealand.
Yes. After meeting the eligibility requirements, the Work to Residence visa leads to permanent residence in New Zealand.
IELTS (Academic or General) with an overall score of 6.5 or another approved equivalent test is typically required.
If you’ve already started a different residence pathway, speak with our team to evaluate your best route.
