A work visa for jobs in New Zealand allows foreign nationals to live and work in the country temporarily. The visa is usually issued for a specific period and is linked to a particular job or employer. Depending on the type of work visa, it can lead to residency if certain criteria are met.
Key Types of Work Visas in New Zealand:
- Essential Skills Work Visa: Issued based on a job offer, typically for roles that are difficult to fill locally. It is often linked to the occupation shortage lists and may include farm jobs in NZ.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): Granted to individuals employed by accredited New Zealand employers who fill job vacancies through recruitment agencies in NZ. This visa streamlines hiring skilled workers from overseas.
- Working Holiday Visa: For young people from certain countries, allowing them to travel and work in New Zealand for a short time (usually 12 months or 23 months for some countries).
- Post-Study Work Visa: For students who have completed eligible qualifications in New Zealand, allowing them to gain work experience through NZ part time jobs related to their field of study.
What You Can Do with a Work Visa:
- Work for a Specific Employer: Some visas are tied to a particular employer or role, meaning you must work in the job stated in your visa application.
- Work in Any Role: In some cases (e.g., after obtaining a post-study work visa), you may be allowed to work for any employer without job restrictions.
- Stay for the Duration: You can live in New Zealand for the duration of your visa, which could range from several months to a few years.
- Apply for Residency: Some work visas can be a pathway to residency if you meet the qualifications, work in specific industries, or have long-term employment.
How to apply for a work visa in New Zealand
To apply for a work visa in New Zealand, follow these general steps:
- Choose the Right Visa Type
New Zealand offers various work visa types, and selecting the right one depends on your situation:
- Essential Skills Work Visa: For job offers in skilled roles that are hard to fill locally.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer who is accredited to hire overseas workers.
- Post-Study Work Visa: For graduates of New Zealand institutions.
- Working Holiday Visa: For young people (18-30 or 35) from specific countries who want to work while travelling.
- Specific Purpose Work Visa: For short-term work or specific projects.
- Visit the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website to see visa categories that suit your circumstances.
- Check Eligibility Requirements
Each visa type has specific requirements, such as:
- Job Offer: For most work visas, you need a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer.
- Skills and Qualifications: Certain visas require specific skills or qualifications. For example, the Essential Skills Work Visa often depends on whether your occupation is on the skill shortage list.
- Health and Character: You will need to meet health and character requirements, including providing medical certificates and police clearance from any country you have lived in for 12 months or more.
- Age Limit: Some visas, like the Working Holiday Visa, have age limits (usually 18-30 or 35).
- Gather Required Documents
Common documents include:
- Job Offer Letter: Proof of employment from a New Zealand employer.
- Qualifications: Copies of educational certificates if required.
- Proof of Experience: For skilled work visas.
- Medical and Police Certificates: For health and character checks.
- Passport: Valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay.
- Submit Your Application
- Most applications can be submitted online via the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
- For some visa types, you may also apply through a paper application, but online applications are generally faster.
- Pay the Application Fee: Visa fees vary based on the visa type and nationality.
- Attend an Interview (if required)
In some cases, Immigration New Zealand may request an interview or additional documentation.
- Wait for Processing
Processing times can vary depending on the type of visa, the number of applications, and the country you are applying from. Check the current processing times on the INZ website for updates.
- Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you will receive your work visa, either electronically or as a label in your passport. Make sure to comply with the visa conditions, such as working for a specific employer or in a specific job.
Helpful Tips:
- Check for Accredited Employers: For the Accredited Employer Work Visa, make sure your employer is accredited by INZ.
- Review the Skill Shortage Lists: If your occupation is on a shortage list, your visa application may be processed more quickly.
Why you should check for accredited employers when looking to apply for a job in New Zealand
Checking for accredited employers when applying for a job in New Zealand is important for several reasons, particularly if you are looking to apply for a work visa. Here is why:
- Eligibility for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Easier Work Visa Process: New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requires that you have a job offer from an accredited employer. Only accredited employers can hire workers from overseas under this visa, streamlining your application process.
- Trusted Employers: Accredited employers meet specific standards set by Immigration New Zealand, ensuring they are legitimate, financially stable, and committed to fair treatment of employees. This offers peace of mind that you are dealing with a reliable company.
- Pathway to Residency
Some accredited employers may offer jobs that provide a pathway to residency. If you are working for an accredited employer and in a skilled role, this could help you meet criteria for residence pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category. This makes finding work with an accredited employer a strategic move for your long-term stay.
- Less Red Tape for Employers
Employers who are accredited can hire overseas workers without having to prove they couldn’t find suitable New Zealanders for the role. This makes it easier for companies to bring in skilled foreign workers quickly, increasing your chances of securing a job offer.
- Faster Processing Times
Working with an accredited employer often results in faster visa processing times, as Immigration New Zealand may prioritise applications where the employer is already approved to hire foreign workers. This can shorten the time it takes for you to start working in New Zealand.
- Confidence in Employment Practices
Accreditation is only granted to companies that demonstrate a commitment to good employment practices, such as paying fair wages and providing appropriate working conditions. This ensures that foreign workers aren’t exploited, giving you greater confidence in the job you are accepting.
- Future Opportunities for Sponsorship
If you are seeking a long-term career in New Zealand, accredited employers are often more likely to sponsor employees for permanent residency or future work visas, making them more attractive options for international workers.
Checking for accredited employers is crucial as it directly impacts your eligibility for certain visas, improves your chances of getting a job offer, and ensures that you are working with a reputable and trustworthy employer.
