Work Visa NZ

Work Visa New Zealand

If you plan to come to work in New Zealand, there are three main types of work visa for NZ to choose from. 

Temporary essential skill work visas are one of the most popular options available. Recent graduates may be eligible for post-study work visas, and young people from a selection of countries can apply for working holiday visas.

If you are interested in speaking to a  specialist immigration lawyer about your options for working in New Zealand, contact the team at Sharma Law at +64 07 855 2663 to book a free initial consult.

Essential Skill Work Visas

If you plan to come to work in New Zealand, there are three main types of work visa for NZ to choose from. 

Temporary essential skill work visas are one of the most popular options available.

Eligibility Requirements

You must have an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer and the needed skillset to carry out your duties and responsibilities in the role you will be employed in.

You must also show evidence that:

• You have satisfactory levels of work experience and knowledge for the role
• The employment you’re going to undertake is sustainable
• You can carry out the tasks and responsibilities related to your work under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO)

To successfully receive an essential skill work visa for NZ, a labour market test must demonstrate that there are no New Zealanders with the qualifications or experience required to take on the role you have been offered.

If you arrived in New Zealand on a visitor visa and are later offered employment, you may apply for a work visa while still in the country, based on the job you were offered.

Post Study Work Visa

To be eligible for a post-study work visa, you must have successfully completed an approved programme of study from a recognised New Zealand tertiary education provider.

If you applied or had your application for a post study work visa for NZ approved on or before the 8th of August 2018, it will be valid for up to 3 years.

If you completed your studies and applied for a post study work visa after the 8th of August 2018, its validity period depends on the level of qualification you gained and whether your studies were completed inside or outside the boundary of Auckland Council.

Working Holiday Visa NZ

New Zealand’s working holiday scheme allows young people aged between 18 and 30 from a few countries to work and study while travelling around New Zealand.

The length of time for which this class of work visa for NZ allows you to stay in the country depends on the country from which you travel to New Zealand. Working holiday visas are generally granted for up to 12 months and may be extended for up to 15 or 23 months.

You must not enter into or carry out permanent employment while in New Zealand on a working holiday visa. You must also be in good health, have a good character, and have either a return ticket to your home country or enough money to pay for one.

To book a free initial consult with a specialist immigration lawyer and discuss what type of NZ work visa would best fit your circumstances, please contact us at admin@sharmalaw.co.nz.