New Zealand is a great place to work. The New Zealand government has been proactive in recent years in making the process of obtaining a work visa easier for migrants. In this article, we will outline five key things you need to know about getting a work visa for New Zealand.
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. The job offer must also meet certain conditions, such as being for a position that is skilled and not seasonal.
If you're planning on working in New Zealand, you'll need to apply for a work visa.
Here are 5 Things you Need to Know About the Process
- You'll need a job offer before you can apply for a work visa. Make sure you have a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer before starting the visa application process.
- You can apply for a work visa online or through a New Zealand embassy or consulate. The application process is straightforward and should take about 20 minutes to complete.
- You'll need to provide evidence of your identity, your job offer, and your qualifications. Be prepared to submit these documents as part of your application.
- The processing time for work visa applications is typically 5-10 working days. However, it may take longer if your application is complex or requires additional information.
- You may be required to pay a visa application fee when you submit your application. The fee currently starts from NZ$180 for most applicants, although there are some exceptions.
Keep these things in mind when applying for a work visa and you'll be on your way to New Zealand in no time! Get a consultation at Provisas anytime for more clarity.
Popular New Zealand Work Visas
Work to Residence Visa:
This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand temporarily with the possibility of applying for permanent residency after two years. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer.
Essential Skills Work Visa:
This visa allows you to work in New Zealand for a specific period of time and can be renewed if your employment situation hasn't changed. To be eligible, you must have a job offer in an occupation that's on New Zealand's long-term skill shortage list.
Working Holiday Visa:
This visa is for young people (aged 18-30) who want to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. To be eligible, you must be a citizen of a participating country.
Accredited Employer Work Visa:
This visa allows you to work in New Zealand for up to three years. To be eligible, you must have a job offer from an accredited employer.
There are many other types of New Zealand work visas available, so make sure to do your research and find the one that best suits your needs!
How can a licensed immigration adviser NZ help you Secure a work visa?
A licensed immigration adviser can assist you with your work visa application from start to finish. They can help you choose the right visa, complete the necessary paperwork, and submit your application on your behalf.
If you're looking for expert assistance with your New Zealand work visa application, get in touch with Provisas today!
FAQs
In general, it may be difficult to get a work visa in New Zealand due to limited spots or tight deadlines for application. If your country has a set quota, that means applications will open on a specific day.
What are the conditions for working 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.
Why do you want to work in New Zealand answers? ›
Quality of life: New Zealand is consistently ranked as one of the world's best countries to live in. It boasts stunning landscapes, clean air, and a relaxed lifestyle. 2. Career opportunities: The New Zealand job market is highly diverse and offers a range of opportunities across different sectors.
What is proof of funds for New Zealand work visa? ›
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.
Can I get a NZ work visa without a job offer? ›
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.
How much money is required for a New Zealand work visa? ›
How Much Does a New Zealand Visa Fee Cost?
| Visa Type | Online Application | Paper Application |
|---|
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | NZD $735 | NZD $620 — $745 |
| Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa | N/A | NZ $630 — $750 |
| Student and Trainee Work Visa | NZ $735 | NZ $630 — $800 |
| New Zealand Working Holiday Visa | NZD $455 | N/A |
50 more rowsMost residence applications are then generally processed within 4 to 15 months, depending on additional checks and/or documents required. Business visas are processed within 8-10 months. Variation of conditions on work and student visas usually take 3-4 weeks to process.
What is the minimum wage in NZ? ›
The Workplace Relations and Safety Minister has announced that the adult minimum wage will be rising to $23.15 per hour from 1 April 2024. This is an increase of 45 cents per hour from the current hourly rate of $22.70.
How long can you stay in New Zealand with a work visa? ›
How Long Can I Stay in New Zealand on a Work Visa?
| Work visa | Length of stay |
|---|
| Supplementary Seasonal Employment SSE Work Visa | 6 months |
| Talent Accredited Employer Resident Visa | Permanently |
| New Zealand Working Holiday Visa | 12 months |
| Working Holidaymaker Extension | 3 months |
8 more rowsDuring the interview
- turn your phone off.
- try to stay calm and focused.
- if you have a mind blank to a question, ask if you can come back to it later in the interview.
- use appropriate language.
- don't be too modest; if you have had achievements in previous jobs, tell the interviewer.
- be yourself.
If you don't understand a question, ask for it to be explained or repeated. If you've had a job before don't criticise previous employers or co-workers. Give examples from your experience that demonstrate your knowledge and skills. Show confidence in your skills and be positive about what you have done.
How to answer tell me about yourself in NZ? ›
- Provide a brief overview of your work experience.
- Focus on recent work examples.
- Align your experience and skills to this specific job.
- Describe your top strengths or 'selling points' for this specific job.
- Inject a bit of your personality into your answer.
- Demonstrate your interest in the job and passion (if relevant)
You must have at least NZD $1,000 per month, or NZD $400 per month if you have already paid for your accommodation. To prove this, you can include: proof of accommodation pre-payment, like hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts. bank statements or credit card statements.
What is evidence of sufficient funds New Zealand? ›
The INZ Instructions for visitor visas stipulate the following types of evidence that may be provided to establish sufficient funds for maintenance: cash, travellers' cheques, bank drafts, recognised credit or debit cards with sufficient credit available, or a bank statement showing funds in an account the applicant ...
What is evidence of sufficient funds? ›
Proof of funds refers to a document that demonstrates the ability of an individual or entity to pay for a specific transaction. A bank statement, security statement, or custody statement usually qualify as proof of funds. Proof of funds is typically required for a large transaction, such as the purchase of a house.
How long does it take to get a New Zealand work visa? ›
Wait times
| Visa/product type | Wait time if you applied before 7 April 2024 | Estimated wait time if you applied on or after 7 April 2024 |
|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | 9 weeks | at least 6 weeks |
| Job checks | 5 weeks | at least 6 weeks |
| Employer accreditation for AEWV | 6 weeks | at least 6 weeks |
New Zealand's job market has been strong over recent years, with many people from the USA finding good jobs and careers here.
Is it difficult to get a job in New Zealand as a foreigner? ›
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.
Is New Zealand getting a straight to work visa? ›
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.
