Work Visa. All you need to know
New Zealand employers are always hunting for new talent. There is a constant shortage of particular skills and employers who are open to recruiting workers from overseas. There are various industry’s where there is strong demand for skilled workers including healthcare, trades, business professions, engineering, construction and education. There is an official government list where you can search and see if your skills are listed as being in high demand in New Zealand.
Gaining work experience in New Zealand can be a rewarding experience and may lead onto residence in certain situations.
The New Zealand workplace will be quite different to what you have been used to in your home country. Often New Zealand workers multitask in smaller workplaces to cover a range of tasks, and the workplace might have a more relaxed and casual environment. However, Kiwis work hard so be prepared to roll up your sleeves, be flexible and enjoy a new experience.
Checkout your employment rights protected under New Zealand law including leave entitlements, minimum wage, what to do if you have an employment problem and much more are all available on this official government Employment New Zealand website.
If you already have a job offer talk to our team today about how we can help secure your Work Visa. If residence is part of your goal, let us know now so we can cover this as is part of the discussion and planning.
Looking for a job? We recommend you read our helpful information page on Employment that includes useful links to local job websites, where you can see what opportunities are listed for your skills.
A Work Visa allows entry to New Zealand to take up employment and may allow a maximum stay of 5 years. If you are already in New Zealand, you can apply for a Work Visa onshore – there is no requirement to apply from overseas that many others countries insist upon.
A Work Visa will always have an expiry date. It is the responsibility of the Work Visa holder to comply with any conditions and to leave the country by the expiry date (or apply for an extension). Most Work Visas will specify the employer, job and area of New Zealand where the visa holder can work. Any changes require a visa change to be approved before moving into a new job, working for a new employer or moving to a new region of New Zealand. Take advice early if you plan change to your work rights.
How to apply for a Work Visa
Before applying for a Work Visa there are several important considerations.
- Is the New Zealand employer accredited? Most work visas applications are lodged under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) category. If your employer is not accredited or their accreditation has expired take advice now.
- Has the employer been issued a job token for the job you have been offered?
- Before applying for an AEWV, the employer must have applied for a job check and had this approved. A job check requires in most cases that the employer can prove they have been unable to apply find the skills locally from the New Zealand labour market. When a job check is approved a job token is issued to use in the Work Visa application.
- Are you qualified and experienced to take up the job in New Zealand? Immigration New Zealand will require evidence of your qualifications and work experience and how they relate to the job you have been offered. Other criteria may apply depending on the job offered. Take advice.
- Are you (and fmaily coming with you) of good health and character? Police clearances and immigration medicals are required in most visa applications.
- Bringing family? Your partner or spouse may be eligible for an Open Work Visa (allowing them to work for any employer in any job) and children Student Visas. Special conditions apply – take advice.
Special categories of Work Visas
There are many special categories of Work Visas designed for people to work in New Zealand where the employer does not have to prove they cannot get talent locally. We have set out the most popular special categories below. If your employment in New Zealand is not covered by any of these special categories get in touch with our team and we can help assess if there are other categories that may apply to your particular situation.
Post Study Work Visa
International students who have completed their studies in New Zealand and now hold a New Zealand qualification may apply for permission to work and gain local work experience. A Post Study Work Visa may be valid for up to three years. How long a Work Visa is issued for will depend on the time spent studying in New Zealand.
There are a number of requirements including that the visa application is lodged on time, proof of funds, and the qualification is one that qualifies for a Post Study Work Visa.
Contact our experienced student visa team for more information and advice on this work visa.
Partners of New Zealand citizens or Residence Class Visa Holders
Partners of New Zealanders or residents can apply for a Work Visa to travel with or join their partner. There are some conditions that must be met for a Work Visa application to be successful. These include:
- Proving your relationship is genuine and stable; and
- You are living with your partner; and
- Your partner will be in New Zealand at the same time as you; and
- You and your partner meet specific character requirements; and
- You are of good health.
Visas issued under this category can be valid for up to 3 years. If you have lived with your partner for less than 12 months the visa will be valid for 12 months but can be extended later. While you know your relationship is genuine proving that to the high standard expected in a Work Visa application can be challenging. Don’t take shortcuts. Avoid problems by speaking with one of our visa experts today.
Partners of Work or Student Visa Holders
A person coming to New Zealand who has been granted a Work or Student Visa may bring their partner with them. In certain situations, partners may be granted a Work Visa that allows them to undertake any type of employment with any employer.
Eligibility for partners to be granted a Work Visa is determined by the skill level of the employment the Work Visa holder or the course of study the Student Visa holder is studying.
Student and Trainee Work Visas
Want to get some New Zealand work experience as part of your overseas studies?
This might be the visa for you.
People studying overseas who need work experience as part of their studies may be granted a Work Visa, provided they have the support of their education institution to work in New Zealand, hold a New Zealand job offer, and have enough money to support themselves while working.
There are special Work Visas for dental/medical trainees, jockeys and religious trainees.
Specific Purpose or Event Work Visas
These Work Visas are available to permit employment in New Zealand for a variety of work situations. This includes senior managers of multinational companies, technical personnel, investor and business people exploring local opportunities, sports players and coaches, and many other work related activities.
The length of time one of these visas is valid for will greatly depend on the purpose of the work. It is important to understand the restrictions that are imposed with these visas before you apply.
Work to Residence Visas
A variety of visas that are a pathway to residence including religious workers, people with exceptional talent in sports, arts and culture, migrant workers whose jobs and skills are on the Green List. We will be happy to discuss these visas in more detail when you contact us.
FAQs
Cant find an answer?
Call us today on 0800 800 636 or +64 9 309 4187
Or watch our captioned FAQ videos on our YouTube channel
Yes.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
In most cases a person visiting New Zealand can apply to stay for up to a maximum 9 months from the first date of arrival. Then you are expected to leave and not apply to re-enter New Zealand within the next 9 months. There are of course exceptions that would allow someone to stay longer or less than 9 months. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of visitor visa you hold. Take advice.
The government visitor visa application fee starts at NZD 441 (which is subject to change without notice) for one person. The fee increases with each person added to the application as each person pays the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. In certain cases there are fee waivers depending on the nationality of the passport held. Check out what application fee you would need to pay.
In New Zealand, there is no separate tourist visa. A visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family and friends, and in limited circumstances short-term business activities. A visitor visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months within an 18-month period, provided you meet the normal entry requirements. Malcolm Pacific Immigration can help you determine if a visitor visa is the right option for your travel plans and guide you through the application process.
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand visitor visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
FAQs
Cant find an answer?
Call us today on 0800 800 636 or +64 9 309 4187
Or watch our captioned FAQ videos on our YouTube channel
Some international students can obtain the right to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during scheduled vacations. Some students can work if the job is part of the requirements of their course of study. This is a great way to gain local work experience, practice English and earn some pocket money, but not every course qualifies for work rights. At Malcolm Pacific Immigration we can advise you to make sure whether this concession applies to you.
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State-owned or Privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Tertiary studies including university, polytechnic, some industry training and English language courses may qualify for student visas.
In most cases a visitor visa would enable your partner and children to join you in New Zealand. In limited circumstances your partner may qualify for a work visa that will allow them to undertake any form of lawful employment for any employer. This work visa is dependent on what course of study you choose. Take advice.
If you complete a New Zealand university degree and secure skilled employment this may lead towards an eligibility to become a resident of New Zealand. It’s not straightforward as factors such as pay rates, health and character tests, English language, whether a job is considered skilled and so forth are all part of the detailed assessment carried out by Immigration NZ when they assess a residence application. If residence is your goal talk to our team now.
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
Our Education team can help you select your course of study in New Zealand. We only work alongside quality providers and recommend courses that will lead to high quality qualifications. While the options are endless you need to make a choice what course of study you will invest into. We will help you to make a choice by only offering a limited range of courses that meet your goals and aspirations without overwhelming you with limitless options.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand student visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
In most cases a person studying in New Zealand can remain until they have completed their course. In some cases it is possible to move onto a work visa to gain local work experience. You might want to have some extra time to visit other parts of New Zealand at the end of your course. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of student visa you hold and course of study. Take advice.
FAQs
Cant find an answer?
Call us today on 0800 800 636 or +64 9 309 4187
Or watch our captioned FAQ videos on our YouTube channel
It depends on the type of Work Visa held and how long the visa has let you work in New Zealand. If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least two months prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems, ask a Malcolm Pacific Licensed Immigration Adviser to manage this application for you.
An expired visa is a serious matter and should not be ignored by hoping your situation will get better. It won’t! Take advice now from a Licensed Immigration Adviser to understand what options are open to you. If you move quickly we may be able to resolve this probelm.
Under normal circumstances, the processing time for a Work Visa is 2 - 4 weeks from the date of lodgement. However, processing times do fluctuate depending on the time of year the application is lodged, resources at Immigration New Zealand, how well documented the application is, what security and verification checks are required and the type of the work visa application. If you need a Work Visa urgently, talk to one of our team now.
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases, that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel to New Zealand. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away, renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand Work Visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
Yes. We help employers everyday to get this complex process right. The employer accreditation application needs to well be documented to avoid delays. The job check applications needs solid proof there has been a genuine effort to employ New Zealanders and pay rates are at market levels. Employers have unique businesses, who benefit signifcantly from our help to navigate the various steps to be granted approval to employ migrant workers. We have a specialist team dedicated to supporting employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend my visitor visa when I am in NZ?
Yes.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
In most cases a person visiting New Zealand can apply to stay for up to a maximum 9 months from the first date of arrival. Then you are expected to leave and not apply to re-enter New Zealand within the next 9 months. There are of course exceptions that would allow someone to stay longer or less than 9 months. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of visitor visa you hold. Take advice.
How much is the application fee for a New Zealand visitor visa?
The government visitor visa application fee starts at NZD 441 (which is subject to change without notice) for one person. The fee increases with each person added to the application as each person pays the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. In certain cases there are fee waivers depending on the nationality of the passport held.
Check out what application fee you would need to pay
What is the difference between a visitor visa and a tourist visa?
In New Zealand, there is no separate tourist visa. A visitor visa covers tourism, visiting family and friends, and in limited circumstances short-term business activities. A visitor visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for up to 9 months within an 18-month period, provided you meet the normal entry requirements. Malcolm Pacific Immigration can help you determine if a visitor visa is the right option for your travel plans and guide you through the application process.
Does my passport have to be valid for the entire time I am in New Zealand?
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
How could Malcolm Pacific Immigration help with my visitor visa application?
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand visitor visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I be able to work while studying in NZ?
Some international students can obtain the right to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during scheduled vacations. Some students can work if the job is part of the requirements of their course of study. This is a great way to gain local work experience, practice English and earn some pocket money, but not every course qualifies for work rights. At Malcolm Pacific Immigration we can advise you to make sure whether this concession applies to you.
What levels of education do student visas apply to?
Children from overseas may be educated in New Zealand from Primary, through Intermediate to Secondary levels, in either State-owned or Privately owned schools, subject to payment of fees and certain conditions that are in place to protect students and ensure a satisfactory education experience.
Schools that wish to offer places to overseas students must be approved to ensure quality pastoral care arrangements are in place to care for all of the child’s needs, both scholastic and residential.
Tertiary studies including university, polytechnic, some industry training and English language courses may qualify for student visas.
Can I bring my partner and children to New Zealand while I study?
In most cases a visitor visa would enable your partner and children to join you in New Zealand. In limited circumstances your partner may qualify for a work visa that will allow them to undertake any form of lawful employment for any employer. This work visa is dependent on what course of study you choose. Take advice.
Can I apply for residence after I finish my studies?
If you complete a New Zealand university degree and secure skilled employment this may lead towards an eligibility to become a resident of New Zealand. It’s not straightforward as factors such as pay rates, health and character tests, English language, whether a job is considered skilled and so forth are all part of the detailed assessment carried out by Immigration NZ when they assess a residence application. If residence is your goal talk to our team now.
Does my passport have to be valid for the entire time I am in New Zealand?
Yes. Normally a passport needs to be valid for 3 months beyond your date of departure. In some cases that is reduced to one month if your government has a representative in New Zealand who can issue or renew passports. Our advice is to make sure there is plenty of time left on your passport before you travel. If it is going to expire over the time you expect to be away renew it now. It is usually much easier, cheaper and faster to renew or replace your passport in your home country then trying to do it somewhere else.
How could Malcolm Pacific Immigration help with my student visa application?
Our Education team can help you select your course of study in New Zealand. We only work alongside quality providers and recommend courses that will lead to high quality qualifications. While the options are endless you need to make a choice what course of study you will invest into. We will help you to make a choice by only offering a limited range of courses that meet your goals and aspirations without overwhelming you with limitless options.
Malcolm Pacific Immigration helps with your New Zealand student visa by making sure your application is complete, accurate, and meets all Immigration New Zealand requirements. Our advisers assess your eligibility, help you gather the right documents, and prepare a strong application to reduce delays or refusals. If needed, we can also assist with explanations for previous visa declines and guide you through any extra steps Immigration New Zealand may require. Contact our team for a free eligibility assessment.
If you want to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It is recommended you lodge your application at least one month prior to your visa expiry date. To avoid problems ask one of our advisers to manage this application for you.
How long can I stay in New Zealand?
In most cases a person studying in New Zealand can remain until they have completed their course. In some cases it is possible to move onto a work visa to gain local work experience. You might want to have some extra time to visit other parts of New Zealand at the end of your course. Everyone’s situation is unique, and it also depends on the type of student visa you hold and course of study. Take advice.
Contact our specialist Student Visa team
Our student team are available to meet with you in person or through a video or phone call. The team can assess if you will be eligible for a student visa and have access to all the approved New Zealand courses of study. They will get you started on your student journey to New Zealand.
You can learn more about our team here or send an email to students@malcolmpacific.com and we will get in touch to arrange a one on one meeting.
We look forward to the opportunity to be of service.
Get started with a free assessment today
We are New Zealand’s largest and most experienced team of licensed immigration advisers. Our experts take away the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of immigration. All you need to do is get in touch. Our team is on standby, ready to help.
