Work in New Zealand

Types of Work Visas

New Zealand offers several types of visitor visas to cater to different needs, including but not limited to:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa – Allows migrants to work in New Zealand for employers who are accredited.
• Working Holiday Visa – Allows 18-35 year old travellers to work and travel for at least 12 months.
• Post-Study Work Visa – Allows students to stay and work after completing their studies to gain practical work experience.
• Partner of a New Zealander, Worker or Student Work Visa – Allows partners of individuals who are citizens or holding a resident, work or student visa to work in New Zealand.
• Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa – Allows workers to leave their job while exploitation is being investigated.
• Specific Purpose Work Visa – Allows workers to undertake a specific purpose or event in New Zealand.

Requirements for an Accredited Employer Work Visa

This visa is for individuals who have a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. It may be valid for 2-5 years depending on your skill level.

To be eligible for an AEWV, you must:

• Have a Valid Job Offer – From an accredited employer for at least 30 hours per week.
• Median Wage Requirement – The job must meet the median wage threshold, which is currently $29.66 per hour, unless an exemption applies through a sector agreement.
• Minimum Skill Requirement – You must have 3 years or more of relevant work experience or hold a qualification at Level 4 or higher.
• English Language Requirement – If your role is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5, you must show that you can speak and understand English via your citizenship, a test or acceptable qualification.
• Health and Character – You must provide medical certificates and police clearance to confirm you are in good health and of good character.

Requirements for a Working Holiday Visa

This visa allows young people from eligible countries to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months (or 36 months for some countries).

To be eligible for a WHV, you must:

• Age – be within the eligible age range specified by your country’s agreement with New Zealand (either 30 or 35 years old).
• Funds – have a minimum of $4,200 available funds for maintenance.
• Health and Character – You may need to provide health and character documents, depending on the length of your stay.

Requirements for a Post-Study Work Visa

This visa is for international students who have completed a qualification in New Zealand and wish to work here for up to 3 years.

To be eligible for a PSWV, you must:

• Qualification – have completed a qualification that is recognised by Immigration New Zealand. If your qualification is degree level 7 or above, you must have studied for at least 30 weeks. If you studied a non-degree level 7 or below, you must have studied towards a qualification that is on the ‘Qualifications Eligible for a Post Study Work Visa’ list.
• Job Offer – You may need to show evidence of a job offer related to your qualification if your qualification is non-degree level 7 or below.
• Health and Character – Medical certificates and police clearance are often required.

Requirements for a Partner of a New Zealander, Worker or Student Work Visa

This visa allows you to work in New Zealand if you have a partner who is a New Zealander or holds an eligible work or student visa.

To be eligible for a PBWV, you must:

• Your New Zealander Partner – have lived with your partner who holds a New Zealand passport or resident visa for more than 12 months to be granted a 2 year visa. Alternatively, your visa may be granted for 1 year if you have been living together for less than 12 months, but have sufficient partnership evidence.
• Your Partner’s Work Visa – your partner may support you for a work visa if their job is on the Green List, they earn at least $59.32 an hour, their job is on the transport or care workforce sector agreement or their job is ANZSCO skill level 1-3 and they earn above the median wage. Most people with an ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 role will not be eligible to support a visa for their partner.
• Your Partner’s Student Visa – your partner may support you for a work visa if they are studying towards a level 9 or 10 qualification or a level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List or specified on the ‘Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa’ list.
• Genuine and stable relationship – provide evidence such as tenancy agreements, shared bills, photos, communication records, statements from friends and family, length of relationship and future plans etc.
• Health and Character – Medical certificates and police clearance are often required.

Requirements for a Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

This visa protects migrants who are at risk of exploitation by providing them with work rights and access to support.

To be eligible for a MEPV, you must:

• Expolitation – have your report of exploitation assessed by Employment New Zealand. You can report exploitation by calling 0800 200 088 or filling in the form on their website.
• Current work visa – hold a valid work visa that is linked to your employer.

Requirements for a Specific Purpose Work Visa

This visa is designed for individuals who are coming to New Zealand to work in a role that has a specific purpose or duration.

To be eligible for a SPWV, you must:

• Specific Purpose of Employment – have a clear and specific reason for your work in New Zealand e.g. seasonal activity, short-term secondments, business reasons, investors, referees or judges, sports players and coaches, entertainers, etc.
• Job offer – You may need to show evidence of your job offer that aligns with the specific purpose of your visa.
• Qualifications and experience – have the necessary qualifications and experience required for the role.
• Health and Character – You may need to provide health and character documents, depending on the length of your stay.

How Hannah Can Help

Navigating the work visa process can be complex, but Hannah is here to make it easier for you. With in-depth knowledge of New Zealand’s immigration policies, Hannah will:

• Assess Your Situation – Determine the best type of visa for your visit based on your specific needs and circumstances.
• Guide You Through the Application Process – Provide step-by-step assistance with completing forms, gathering necessary documents and meeting all requirements.
• Offer Personalised Advice – Address any concerns and provide tailored recommendations to increase your chances of a successful application.

For expert guidance on New Zealand work visas and to ensure a smooth application process, contact Hannah today. Let her help you turn your New Zealand work plans into reality with confidence.

Ready to get started? Schedule a consultation and begin the application process for your work visa.