How To Apply For New Zealand Work Visa
If you’re not a native of New Zealand and wish to live there, obtaining a work visa is one option. A work visa permits you to stay in New Zealand for a designated period to work.
There are various types of work visas available, but navigating the options can be challenging.
To ensure you approach your work visa application correctly and increase your chances of success, you’ll need to research the different work visas, determine which ones you qualify for, and understand their specific requirements.
The Immigration NZ website can be difficult to navigate, but we’ve simplified the process for you.
Discover the different work visas available in New Zealand and learn everything you need to know about working in New Zealand with a work visa.
What Visas Allow You to Work in NZ?
Immigration New Zealand
If you aim to work in New Zealand under a work visa, it’s crucial to know the available options.
Types of Work-Related Visas:
Skilled Migrant Category Visa
- For those seeking a long-term residence in New Zealand.
- Available to individuals with in-demand skills.
- Requires passing a points test, which assesses your qualifications and experience.
- Allows indefinite living and working in New Zealand.
- Option to bring your family.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
- Valid for up to 3 years.
- Requires a job offer from an accredited employer offering at least 30 hours per week.
- From July 4, 2022, the employing company must have employer accreditation.
Essential Skills Work Visa
- This category is now closed.
- Current holders can continue working.
- Future renewals will require applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Partnership Visa (NZ Partner)
- For partners of New Zealand residents.
- Requires proof of a stable, genuine relationship.
- Two situations:
- Lived together for less than 12 months: 12-month visitor or work visa.
- Together for 12 months or more: 24-month work visa.
- Requires good health and character, with professional advice recommended.
Partnership Visa (Non-NZ Partner)
- For partners of migrant workers.
- The primary migrant worker must secure a job and visa first.
- Requires proof of a genuine, stable relationship, and good health and character.
- No work restrictions, and visa length matches the primary visa holder’s.
- Professional advice recommended due to potential changes in regulations.
Specific Purpose Work Visa
- For specific roles or events, often paid offshore.
- Includes executives, entertainers, sportspeople, and other specialized roles.
- Immigration advisers can help streamline the application process.
Talent Visa (Arts, Culture, Sport)
- For individuals with an international reputation in arts, sport, or culture.
- Pathway to residence.
- Requires documented evidence of international success.
- Needs support from a recognized New Zealand national body and a personal sponsor.
Domestic Staff of Diplomat Visa
- For domestic workers of diplomats.
- Allows work in New Zealand for up to five years.
- Requirements:
- Letter from employer confirming your role.
- Proof of a clean criminal record and good health.
- Renewal requires a letter from the employer confirming continued diplomatic status and assignment.
Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand
- Available for individuals aged 18-30 (up to 35 for some countries).
- Allows stay and work in New Zealand for up to twelve months.
- Popular among young workers and professionals.
- Limited availability for certain nationalities each year.
- Option to apply for a student visa if you decide to study.
Working Holiday Extension Visa
- For those already holding a Working Holiday Visa.
- Allows an additional stay of up to twelve months.
- Requirements:
- Evidence of completing at least three months of specified work (e.g., seasonal horticulture or viticulture, shearing, dairy farming, fruit picking).
Crew Joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa
- For crew members of ships or planes visiting New Zealand.
- Allows stay for up to three months.
- Requirements:
- Proof of employment as part of the crew.
- Not suitable for stays longer than three months.
Entertainers Work Visa
- For entertainers working in New Zealand for a short period.
- Allows stay for up to three months.
- Requirements:
- Evidence of employment as an entertainer (e.g., contract or letter from an agent).
Religious Worker Visa
- For religious workers supporting a religious group.
- Pathway to residency.
- Requires:
- Sponsorship.
- Application through an immigration adviser due to specific requirements.
Fishing Crew Visa
- For crew members of fishing vessels.
- Allows stay for up to three months.
- Requirements:
- Proof of employment as part of the fishing crew.
Business Visitor Visa
- For those visiting New Zealand for business purposes without needing full-time or part-time employment by a New Zealand company.
- Types of business visitors:
- Conducting negotiations or signing contracts
- Participating in conferences or seminars
- Salespeople and marketing executives visiting potential customers
- Overseas-based consultants providing specialist services
- Trainers conducting courses for New Zealand-based staff
- Auditors and company examiners
- Requirements vary based on nationality.
- Check the Immigration NZ website for visa requirements.
Post Study Work Visa
- For students who have studied at a New Zealand institution for at least two years.
- Allows staying in New Zealand for up to three years after completing studies.
Student and Trainee Visa
- For overseas students completing practical training and work experience related to their field of study.
- Issued to students whose work experience is integral to their qualifications.
Specialist Work Visa
- Available for specific primary industries and some hospitality cases.
- Require specific qualifications and/or experience.
- Types of specialist visas:
- Horticultural Seasonal Workers
- Viticulture Seasonal Workers
Requirements for Applying for a Visa
The specific requirements for obtaining a visa vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. However, some common requirements are shared across different visa applications. A valid passport from your home country is essential, along with your transcripts or diploma to prove your qualifications. If you are applying for a skilled migrant visa, a New Zealand employer must offer you employment. Demonstrating your English language skills is also necessary, often through tests like the IELTS or TOEFL.
During your stay in New Zealand, you must prove you have enough money to support yourself. This can be done by providing bank statements or a letter from your sponsor. Additionally, having a clean criminal record is required. You may need to provide a police certificate from your home country and other countries you have lived in over the past five years.
You might also be required to undergo a medical examination, particularly if you are applying for a long-term work visa or are from a country with a high incidence of infectious diseases. These shared requirements help ensure that applicants are qualified, financially stable, and healthy during their stay in New Zealand.
How To Apply For NZ Work Visa?
To start, you need to determine your eligibility for a New Zealand work visa. This involves checking if you meet the criteria based on your skills, qualifications, job offer, and employer sponsorship.
Next, you must secure a job offer from a New Zealand employer. Employers typically need to demonstrate that they could not find a suitable New Zealand citizen or resident for the position before offering it to a foreign worker.
After securing a job offer, explore the different work visa options available in New Zealand. Common types include the Essential Skills Work Visa, Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa, and Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Once you understand your visa options, gather all the necessary documents for your application. This usually includes your passport, proof of job offer, evidence of qualifications, and any other supporting documents specific to your visa category.
Fill out the relevant application form for your chosen visa category. These forms can be found on the official Immigration New Zealand website.
You will also need to pay the application fee, which varies depending on the type of work visa you are applying for.
Submit your completed application form, along with all supporting documents and proof of payment, to Immigration New Zealand. Most applications can be submitted online, but in some cases, you might need to submit a physical application.
After submission, you will need to wait for Immigration New Zealand to process your application. Processing times can vary, so patience is key during this stage.
If Immigration New Zealand requires additional information or documents during the processing of your application, respond promptly to avoid delays.
Finally, you will receive a decision on your application. If approved, you will be issued your work visa.