Work Visas for New Zealand
New Zealand is a popular destination for those looking for work opportunities abroad. The country offers a high quality of life, beautiful landscapes, and a thriving economy, making it an attractive option for many. However, before you can start working in New Zealand, you will need to obtain a work visa. There are more than 80 visas that let you work in New Zealand. Different work visa types may have different eligibility requirements, application forms, costs, or processes. Before you apply, decide which visa is right for you.
Visas that allow you to work in New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
We invite people who have the skills, experience and qualifications New Zealand needs to grow its economy to apply for residence under this category. If your application is successful, you and your family will be able to live in New Zealand permanently.
Straight to Residence Visa
Apply for this visa if you work for an accredited employer or you have a job offer from one and your role is on Tier 1 of the Green List.
Working Holiday Visa
This visa is for young citizens of the Argentine Republic who want to work or study while they holiday in New Zealand.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
Apply for this temporary visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, the skills and qualifications for the job, and a link to the visa application form. In some cases, be eligible for a Straight to Residence Visa, or after 2 years in the role a Work to Residence, Highly Paid Residence Visa or Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa.
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa
On the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa you can come to New Zealand for a short time to work in our horticulture and viticulture industries. You must have a job offer before you apply.
Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa
People who work for diplomatic, consular and official staff in domestic roles like as a cook, nanny, driver or gardener can be granted visas to work for their employer in New Zealand.
Partner of a Student Work Visa
If your partner holds a Student visa, and they support your application, you may be able to come to New Zealand to work for the same length of time allowed by your partner’s visa. To be eligible your partner must be studying towards a level 7 or 8 qualification on our Long Term Skill Shortage List, or a level 9 or 10 qualification.
Working Holiday Extension Work Visa
People already in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa can extend their stay for another 3 months if they have completed at least 3 months of seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture industries.
Crew joining a Ship or Plane Visitor Visa
Crew members can enter New Zealand to join a vessel or aircraft that will then depart for another country.
Entertainers Work Visa
Performing artists, entertainers and entertainment industry workers who are of international distinction, particular ethnic significance or who are essential to a particular production can come to New Zealand for work in an entertainment performance or production.
Fishing Crew Work Visa
If you’ve been offered a job working as a crew member on a fishing vessel in New Zealand waters, you may be able to apply for a work visa. If you’re granted a visa, you’ll be able to do the work for the employer who offered it to you, until your visa expires.
Samoan Quota Resident Visa
Samoan Quota Resident Visa
Each year we invite Samoan citizens to register for a ballot that, if drawn, may result in an invitation to apply for New Zealand residence.
Business Visitor Visa
You can come to New Zealand for business reasons for up to 3 months in any one year.
Post Study Work Visa
People who have completed an acceptable qualification in New Zealand can apply for a Post Study Work Visa. If you are granted a visa, you can work for any employer in New Zealand and do almost any work.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be able to come with them to New Zealand and work while you are here.
Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa
This visa allows people to work in New Zealand as part of approved work exchange schemes. While in New Zealand you’ll be paid for your work and have your accommodation provided by your work exchange scheme organiser.
Pacific Access Category Resident Visa
Each year we invite people from Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, and Tonga to register for a ballot that, if drawn, allows you to apply to live in New Zealand.
Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
If you want to return to New Zealand to live but your New Zealand Resident Visa has expired, you may be eligible for a Second or Subsequent Resident Visa.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
If your partner has a work visa that is for more than 6 months, and they support your application, you may be able to come to New Zealand to work for the same length of time as your partner’s visa.
Global Impact Permanent Residence Visa
If you have had a Global Impact Work Visa for 30 months or more, you can apply for this residence visa to live in New Zealand permanently.
Private Yacht or Plane Visitor Visa
You can travel to New Zealand on a private yacht or aircraft.
China Special Work Visa
If you’re a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and you’re a chef, traditional medicine practitioner, Mandarin teacher’s aide, Wushu martial arts coach or tour guide, you can apply for this visa.
Student and Trainee Work Visa
Students who need to do practical work experience to meet a study requirement, can apply to come to New Zealand to complete it. Medical and dental trainees, religious trainees and apprentice jockeys can also apply to do their training in New Zealand.
Which type of work visa is right for you?
If you are unsure which type of work visa is right for you, New Zealand’s immigration website offers a detailed online service which allows you to see your options based on your age, the country where you are from. Besides showing all the options that apply to you. Here are the most popular work visas in New Zealand:
Accredited Employer Work Visa: This visa is for people who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and possess the skills that are in demand in New Zealand.
Working Holiday Visa: This visa is available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, or 23 months if you are from the UK or Canada.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, This visa is for people who have a job offer in New Zealand and want to work towards gaining residence in the country.
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa, which allows you to come to New Zealand for a short time to work in our horticulture and viticulture industries.
Once you have determined your eligibility, the next step is to find a job in New Zealand. This can be done through online job boards, recruitment agencies, or by contacting employers directly. It is important to note that you will need a job offer before you can apply for a work visa.
How can I get a job offer to apply for a work visa?
Getting a job offer from a New Zealand employer is a crucial step in obtaining a work visa for New Zealand. Here are some ways you can increase your chances of securing a job offer:
Use Online Job Boards: There are several online job boards where employers in New Zealand post job vacancies. Some popular job boards include Trade Me Jobs, Seek, and Indeed. You can create a profile and upload your CV to these job boards to increase your visibility to potential employers.
Contact Recruitment Agencies: Recruitment agencies in New Zealand can help you find job vacancies that match your skills and experience. They can also provide you with guidance on how to improve your CV and cover letter to increase your chances of securing a job offer.
Attend Job Fairs: Job fairs are an excellent way to meet potential employers and learn about job opportunities in New Zealand. These events are usually advertised online, and you can also check with your local New Zealand embassy or consulate for information on upcoming job fairs.
Network: Networking is an essential part of finding a job in New Zealand. You can use social media platforms such as LinkedIn to connect with professionals in your field and learn about job opportunities. You can also attend industry events and join professional organizations to meet people in your industry.
Apply Directly to Employers: You can also apply directly to employers in New Zealand. You can search for companies in your field and submit your CV and cover letter directly to their HR department. This approach requires more effort and research, but it can increase your chances of finding a job that matches your skills and experience.
In summary, getting a job offer from a New Zealand employer requires persistence, networking, and a proactive approach to job searching. By using these strategies, you can increase your chances of securing a job offer and obtaining a work visa for New Zealand.
How to get a work visa for New Zealand?
After securing a job offer, you can apply for a work visa. The application process varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for. In general, you will need to provide the following:
Proof of your identity, such as a passport or birth certificate.
A job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Evidence that you meet the eligibility criteria for the visa you are applying for.
A police clearance certificate from your home country.
A medical certificate from an approved medical practitioner.
Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself while in New Zealand.
After submitting your application, you will need to wait for a decision. The processing time for work visas can vary depending on the visa type and the volume of applications being processed at the time. In some cases, it may take several weeks or even months to receive a decision.
Final thought
In conclusion, obtaining a work visa for New Zealand can be a complex process that requires careful planning and preparation. The New Zealand government offers several visa options for foreign nationals who wish to work in the country, and each visa type has specific eligibility criteria that must be met.
To increase your chances of obtaining a work visa, it is important to determine your eligibility, secure a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and submit a complete and accurate visa application. It is also important to comply with the conditions of your visa, such as working for the employer specified in your visa application and not engaging in any unauthorized work.
While the process of obtaining a work visa for New Zealand may seem daunting, it is worth the effort for those who wish to live and work in this beautiful country. With careful planning, perseverance, and the right approach, you can increase your chances of obtaining a work visa and starting a new life in New Zealand.
