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There are a range of work visas available in New Zealand. We consider the key ones below:
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is for individuals who have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. This visa, up until 2023, was known as the ‘Skilled Migrant Visa’. With this visa, individuals can work in the country for up to three years, if they are paid at or above the median wage (as of 2023 — NZD $29.66 an hour).
This visa requires a job offer that promises at least 30 hours of work per week and hits a specific salary target.
This visa is tied to one employer — if the employee’s situation changes, there must be a variation of the conditions of the visa or a new visa.
The New Zealand Government has created a ‘Green List‘ of highly sought-after skills. Visa applicants being paid twice the median wage or being hired for a role on the Green List, may be eligible for ‘Straight to Residence’, or after 2 years in the role, a ‘Work to Residence’ visa. This is a potential pathway to staying permanently in the country.
This visa allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months for UK and Canadian citizens. Unlike the AEWV, this visa is not tied to a particular employer.
Those with exceptional talent in arts, culture, or sports may be eligible for the Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa. In addition to being able to demonstrate exceptional talent, the individual must be sponsored by a New Zealand organization.
As a first step, an Expression of Interest (EOI) must be submitted to Immigration New Zealand through the immigration electronic system. If the EOI is accepted, Immigration New Zealand will be in contact about the work visa application and required documents.
There are also other work visas available in specific cases, such as the post-study work visa for graduates or the seasonal employment visa for seasonal workers. You can find out more about the types of work visa available in New Zealand at Immigration New Zealand.
The following documents are usually required to apply for a work visa in New Zealand:
A completed application form.This must be signed and dated.
A copy of the application’s passport. It must have at least six months’ validity from the date of entry to New Zealand.
Passport-sized photos.
Proof of Employment. This includes an offer of employment from an employer confirming that they seek to hire the employee in New Zealand. An employment agreement detailing the terms and conditions of employment is also required.
Proof of Qualifications. Original or certified copies of educational qualifications are required where the job is based on those qualifications.
Occupational Registration (if applicable). If the job requires registration (e.g., nursing) the applicant needs to provide evidence that they can meet those requirements.
Health requirements. Medical certificates or health assessments may be required.
Good character requirements. Police certificates from countries the applicant has lived in for 12 months or more over the past decade is usually required.
The visa application fee. Currently, the fee for a New Zealand work visa starts from NZD $750.
When applying for a work visa from outside New Zealand the applicant must:
1. Prepare the necessary documentation. This includes gathering all the documents specified above, and providing an accurate, up-to-date translation where necessary.
2. The complete application form. This can be found and submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand website.
3. Pay the application fee. This is currently set at NZD $750.
4. Submit the application. The application should be submitted with all required documents and fees paid Most applications can be submitted online, but some might need to be sent to the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate.
4. Wait for processing. According to the New Zealand Immigration website, most work visas are processed within 50 working days.
In New Zealand, the work visa application process is the same whether the applicant is based inside or outside of the country.
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Yes, New Zealand Work Visa holders may be eligible to bring their family members with them. Family members usually need to apply for their respective visas but can base their applications on their relationship with the work visa holder. The main types of visa for this situation are Partnership visas (which can include a work permit) and Dependent Child Visas.
Up to three years on the AEWV. However, the specific visa length does vary and will be contained in the visa.
