Caryn Villas
Caryn Villas - care worker
It has been a smooth transition from migrant worker to resident for Peacehaven Village care worker Caryn Villas.
After two years working through the immigration process, the former nurse from the Philippines is celebrating after becoming a New Zealand resident in December last year.
It was a desire to be closer to her parents and siblings who lived in Invercargill that had motivated Caryn to seek work in the city.
Enliven Southland was the first employer she approached for work, successfully securing a job as a care worker at Peacehaven Village care home in July 2023.
As Enliven Southland is an accredited employer, she was able to obtain an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Caryn said she had found the transition to working in New Zealand relatively easy.
“If you love your job, it’s easy.”
Understanding the Kiwi accent had been her main challenge, but support from her co-workers had helped, she said.
“Once you get to know the residents and gain their trust, it improves the quality of their care.”
After two years on a AEWV level four visa, Caryn was eligible to apply for a New Zealand Resident Visa.
She applied for the Resident Visa in October 2025 and had it approved in December of the same year.
“It was a smooth process.”
Her advice to others navigating the immigration process – “Get the right information directly from Immigration NZ rather than relying on hearsay…have patience and lots of prayers.”
Caryn was enjoying her new life in Invercargill and being closer to her family.
“It is also more peaceful here.”
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Enliven Southland has supported a number of team members through the AEWV pathway and values the skills, dedication and care they bring to our services.
We welcome people from diverse backgrounds, as they strengthen our teams, enrich our communities and reflect Enliven Southland’s commitment to inclusion and belonging.