New Zealand's work visa system provides pathways for skilled workers to contribute to the economy. Whether you're coming for a specific job, accompanying a partner, or transitioning from study, understanding the work visa landscape helps you navigate your options effectively.
Overview of Work Visas
What Work Visas Allow
Employment: Legal right to work for NZ employer(s).
Duration: Temporary right to stay and work.
Conditions: Specific conditions about who, where, and how you can work.
Path Forward: Many work visas lead to residence pathways.
Types of Work Visas
Employer-Sponsored: Require specific employer and job offer.
Open: Can work for any employer.
Occupation-Specific: Tied to specific occupation or industry.
Graduated: Post-study work visas for graduates.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
What Is AEWV?
The main work visa for most workers:
Employer-Sponsored: Must have job offer from accredited employer.
Employer Accreditation: Your employer must be accredited by INZ.
Job Check: Role may need labour market test approval.
Your Application: You apply once employer and job approved.
AEWV Requirements
Job Offer: From accredited NZ employer.
Suitable Qualifications: Meet requirements for role.
Wage Level: Usually must meet minimum wage thresholds.
Health and Character: Meet immigration health and character requirements.
Genuine Intention: Genuine intention to work in role.
AEWV Process
Step 1: Employer becomes accredited.
Step 2: Employer advertises role (if Job Check required).
Step 3: Job Check approval (if applicable).
Step 4: You apply for AEWV.
Step 5: Visa granted; you can start work.
Duration
Up to 3 Years: AEWV granted for job duration, maximum 3 years.
Renewal: Can apply for new visa before expiry.
Pathway: May lead to residence through various pathways.
Post-Study Work Visas
For Graduates
Work visas for those completing NZ qualifications:
After Study: Available after completing eligible NZ study.
Duration: 1-3 years depending on qualification and location.
Open Work: Can work for any employer.
Experience Building: Designed to build NZ work experience.
Eligibility
Completed Study: Finished eligible NZ qualification.
Recent Completion: Applied within specified time of completion.
Met Study Conditions: Complied with student visa conditions.
Qualification Level: Duration depends on qualification level.
Value
Open Rights: Work for any employer without sponsorship.
Experience: Build NZ work experience for residence.
Networking: Establish professional connections.
Pathways: Can lead to employer-sponsored or residence visas.
Partner of Worker/Student Visas
Partner Work Rights
Partners of workers and students:
Partner of Worker: May get open work visa.
Partner of Student: Rights depend on study level.
Duration: Linked to principal applicant's visa.
Conditions: Typically open work rights.
Requirements
Genuine Partnership: Must prove genuine relationship.
Principal's Status: Depends on principal's visa type.
Health and Character: Must meet requirements.
Working Holiday Visas
What They Offer
Working holidays for young people:
Work and Travel: Combine work with tourism.
Age Limits: Typically 18-30 or 18-35 depending on nationality.
Duration: Usually 12-23 months depending on scheme.
Any Work: Can work for various employers.
Limitations
Same Employer Limit: Maximum period with same employer.
Not Leading to Residence: Generally doesn't lead to residence.
Once Only: Usually only available once.
Specific Nationalities: Only available to certain nationalities.
Specific Purpose Work Visas
Special Categories
Work visas for specific situations:
Essential Skills: Legacy category for critical skills.
Specific Purpose: Unique circumstances not fitting other categories.
Religious Workers: For religious roles.
Entertainers: For entertainment industry.
Sports Workers: For sports-related work.
When They Apply
Unusual Situations: When standard categories don't fit.
Specific Circumstances: Tailored to particular needs.
Check Eligibility: Not everyone qualifies.
Choosing the Right Visa
Factors to Consider
Employment Situation: Do you have job offer? From accredited employer?
Current Status: Where are you now? What visa do you hold?
Long-Term Goals: Want residence eventually? Or temporary work?
Qualifications: What qualifications and experience do you have?
Partner/Family: Are family members coming too?
Common Pathways
Job Offer: AEWV through employer sponsorship.
Recent Graduate: Post-study work visa.
Partner: Partner work visa.
Young Traveler: Working holiday scheme.
Application Process
General Steps
Assess Eligibility: Confirm you meet requirements.
Gather Documents: Collect required documentation.
Submit Application: Apply online or as required.
Pay Fees: Pay application fee.
Await Decision: Processing time varies.
Required Documents
Passport: Valid passport.
Job Documentation: Employment agreement, job details.
Qualifications: Evidence of relevant qualifications.
Health: Medical certificates if required.
Character: Police certificates if required.
Financial: Evidence of funds if required.
Processing Times
Variable: Processing times vary by visa type and circumstances.
Priority Processing: Some categories processed faster.
Seasonal Demand: Processing times vary by season.
Check Current: Always check current processing times.
Rights and Conditions
What You Can Do
Work: According to visa conditions.
Access Services: Limited access to public services.
Travel: Usually multiple entry.
Study: Some study permitted depending on visa.
What You Cannot Do
Work Outside Conditions: Cannot work for other employers if employer-specific.
Overstay: Cannot remain past visa expiry.
Vote: Cannot vote without residence/citizenship.
Full Services: Limited access to some social services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which work visa is best for me?
It depends on your circumstances. With a job offer from accredited employer, AEWV is typical. Recent graduates use post-study work visa. Partners use partner work visas. An adviser can assess your specific situation.
How long does a work visa take to process?
Processing times vary by visa type and individual circumstances. AEWV processing can take weeks to months. Check Immigration NZ for current processing estimates.
Can I change employers on a work visa?
On employer-specific visas like AEWV, you need a new visa to work for a different employer. On open work visas, you can change employers freely.
Do I need a job offer before applying for a work visa?
For AEWV, yes—you need a job offer from an accredited employer. For post-study and some other visas, job offers aren't required.
Can my family come with me on a work visa?
Yes, partners and dependent children can usually be included in your application or apply for their own dependent visas.
Need help finding the right work visa? Find a licensed immigration adviser who can assess your options.