Get a New Zealand Temporary Work Visa (2024)

FAQs

How to get a temporary work visa in New Zealand? ›

Apply for this visa if you currently work or you have a job offer from an accredited employer, and qualify for 6 points for your skills and work in New Zealand. You submit an expression of interest (EOI). If it is accepted, we invite you to apply.

The first thing you need to know is that you cannot apply for a New Zealand work visa without first having a job offer from a New Zealand employer. This job offer must be in writing and must be for a full-time position.

Much of the process for visa applications is done online through New Zealand's Immigration website. This online process is easy and fast, and it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete the online form.

Proof of Requisite Funds

Candidates applying for their work permit visa in New Zealand are required to provide evidence that they are in possession of at least NZD $4,200 when they apply. Evidence can include bank statements, credit card statements, bank drafts or travellers' cheques.

A Straight to Residence Visa allows someone with a job or job offer in a role on Tier 1 of the Green List to live, work and study in New Zealand indefinitely. After two years on this visa, holders may be able to apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand.

Visitor visas are not a pathway to residency and you cannot work on a visitor visa. If you want to work in New Zealand and gain residency, you must apply for a different type of visa. For the visas that lead to residency, you need to have certain skills, experience, qualifications or occupations.

Working in NZ after you study

After you've finished studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a visa that lets you stay here to work. Some students can work in NZ because of what they're studying in another country.

You don't need a visa to get a job offer. However, if you're offshore without a visa, it's very difficult to get a job offer because about 98% of the jobs go to people already in New Zealand. There are also immigration companies that can either help you with your job search or directly place you into a job.

The two fast-track pathways to Residence in New Zealand via the Green List. To make New Zealand a highly desirable destination for skilled migrants, professionals on the Green List can now qualify for two different fast-track visa pathways: the Straight to Residence Visa or the Work to Residence Visa.

Anyone who isn't a New Zealand citizen or resident needs a valid visa with work rights to work in New Zealand. They need to apply for the visa but you, as the employer, will also need to take some steps.

Can I work temporarily in New Zealand? ›

There is a whole range of temporary work visas for the professions that are facing a skill shortage in New Zealand. You can also apply for a temporary work visa if you have a job offer from a New Zealand based employer. The age criteria for most of the temporary work visas is pretty relaxed.

Apply for a work visa

If you're planning to work in New Zealand and you're not a citizen or permanent resident of NZ or Australia, you'll need a visa that lets you work.