Game changer: Sports players score a visa win

Sports players can now stay and play in NZ for up to three years.

The government has just updated its work visa settings for sports professionals. This is a long-overdue change that benefits clubs, coaches and players alike.

For the first time, sports players can now apply for work visas of up to three years. This brings them in line with sports coaches, who were already eligible for longer visa terms. Until now, these rules which were written over 30 years ago. That was well before professional sports careers developed into what they are today.

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Players can now stay for three years, not just one.

Previously, a sports coach could work in New Zealand in a paid job for up to three years. But sports players were limited to just 12 months. This created regular disruption for clubs and players. In many cases, athletes had to leave New Zealand to reapply offshore, which often meant missing part of the season.

Now, both players and coaches working in a paid role for a New Zealand club can apply for a visa of up to three years duration. There is no need to leave the country to apply. To be eligible, the role must be with a club competing at a national or regional level. That includes national leagues, trans-Tasman competitions, or international teams.
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What if your club is community level?

There is good news here too. If a player or coach is working in a paid role at a local or community level, they can apply for a work visa of up to 12 months. These shorter-term visas are not extendable, but they do allow grassroots clubs to bring in international experience for a defined period.

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Sport is moving fast. So are we.

Malcolm Pacific Immigration has helped clubs across all major sporting codes for decades. Whether it is rugby, football, cricket or another code, our team understands the unique pressures of managing international talent.

Stephen Haigh leads our in-house sports visa work. He has built long-standing relationships with clubs across New Zealand. If your club needs help with a player or coach visa, speak to Stephen today.