Here we are going to walk you through how to apply for New Zealand Work Visa & Work Permit if you are looking for job opportunities in foreign countries, it is essential that you are familiar with the immigration policies and processes beforehand. All countries have their own set of requirements in terms of crucial skills, legal documents as well as age bars.
As New Zealand is emerging as a preferred destination to study abroad and for employment, people from around the world apply for a New Zealand work permit and student visa to work and study in this island country. In this article, we will elaborate on how to get a New Zealand Work Visa and which suits your professional purpose best.
New Zealand Work Visa Requirements
In total, there are more than 80 categories of Visas that New Zealand offers to its visitors. Every Visa category has its own requirements and conditions. However, there are requirements that are common for everyone who wants to apply for New Zealand work visa and work permit. These requirements are as follows:
- You must have a Real work account. This account works as your profile with the New Zealand Immigration department and is used for formal communication.
- Identity proof and Character proof, which must be recent.
- Getting Medical certificates showing physical fitness
- Translation of documents into English, if they are originally made in a native language.
- Official passport or certificate of identity and two acceptable visa photographs.
- Proof of good character (completed character questionnaire, Police Certificates from your country of origin and any country where you’ve lived at least five years since turning 17)
- Proof of being bonafide
Types of New Zealand Work Visa
New Zealand Work Visas can be divided into two broad categories: Permanent and Temporary. In general, New Zealand does not offer a permanent Visa on arrival, except to Australian nationals. All those who are looking specifically for work Visas need to be aware of the following major categories and their requirements:
- Temporary Work Visa
A Temporary Work Visa is offered to individuals who wish to work in New Zealand for a short duration of time. These Visas vary highly as per different characteristics of individuals and their job types. The prominent types of Temporary Work Visas are:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
People who provide their services in sought-after domains in New Zealand can avail Essential Skills work Visa. These job profiles are listed by the New Zealand government on the skill shortage list, which is updated as per the labor market requirements. These people also have ease in applying for Work from Residence Visa, as skill-shortage jobs receive higher points on Residence Visa point charts.
How to Apply for New Zealand Work Visa – How to Apply for Essential Skills Work Visa
You will need the following documents to apply for an Essential Skills work visa:
- A job offer for a full-time position, as well as a copy of your employment contract.
- Your company must demonstrate that the post could not be filled by a New Zealander.
- An “Employer Supplementary Form” describing your job offer by the employer.
- Official past transcripts, certificates, and records.
- Occupational registration form (if applicable)
How To Apply for Working Visa in New Zealand
In order to work in New Zealand, foreign nationals need to apply for a New Zealand work permit. Foreign nationals can apply for a work visa in New Zealand under the following conditions:
- Have a job offer from a New Zealand employer
- Are coming for a specific work-related purpose or event
- Have a partner here, and you want to join them and work
- Are you from a country that has a special work scheme, or
- Have been studying here and wish to work in the country
New Zealand Work Permit Processing Time
Most visa applicants are on hold due to COVID-19. However, on average, the New Zealand Work Permit processing time can be anywhere from 3 months to 7 months depending upon a number of conditions such as:
- Type of work visa
- Applicant profile
- Visa staff availability
- Embassy regulations
Currently, the application process for visa applications is online and the country is only issuing visas for the following categories:
- Border Exceptions,
- Essential Skills work visas,
- Work to Residence visas,
- Partnership visas (temporary and residence),
- Post-study work visas,
- Student visas,
- Visitor visas, and
- Section 61 requests.
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FAQs
How much money do you need for a New Zealand work permit?
This varies by nationality, however, for immigration purposes, you typically need to be able to prove a minimum of NZ$350 per month or NZ$4200 for a 12-month period to pay living expenses while you’re here. A copy of your bank statement may suffice as proof of accessible funds.
Is New Zealand Open for a work visa?
Post-study work visas are available to people who have completed an appropriate qualification in New Zealand. If you are given a visa, you can work for any employer and undertake nearly any job in New Zealand.
How long does a New Zealand work visa take?
On average, it takes somewhere around 21 to 67 days to get an application completed and approved for the New Zealand work visa.
What jobs are in demand in New Zealand?
Here is a list of New Zealand’s skill shortages for immigration which includes:
Arts and Media.
Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation.
Farming, Fishing, Forestry, and Mining.
Construction and Infrastructure.
Business.
Health and Community.
IT and Telecommunications.
Education and Social Sciences.
Can I get a work visa without a job offer in New Zealand?
The sole exception is if you qualify for one of our ‘open’ work visa categories, such as a Working Holiday visa, a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, or a Post-Study Work Visa.
