Religious Worker Visa to Residence Pathway. Overview: This pathway allows religious workers from the US to move to New Zealand temporarily and eventually transition to permanent residence. Step 1: Temporary Religious Worker Visa. You must first secure a job offer from a New Zealand religious organization registered as a charity. The organization must sponsor you, guaranteeing your accommodation and financial support if they are not paying you a standard salary. You must prove at least 5 years of relevant religious training or experience. Step 2: The 3-Year Work Requirement. You must live and work in New Zealand on the temporary Religious Worker Visa for a minimum of 3 years. During this time, you must remain compliant with your visa conditions and continue your religious duties with your sponsor. Step 3: Transition to Residence. After 3 years, you become eligible for the Religious Worker Resident Visa. Your sponsoring organization must provide a new sponsorship form confirming their ongoing support and that they still require your services. You must also pass standard health and character checks. Step 4: Approval. Upon approval, you will be granted a Resident Visa, allowing you to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely, with a pathway to citizenship after 5 years of residence.