Work Visas for New Zealand – Find the Right Visa for Your Skills

Want to work in New Zealand? There are several work visa options depending on your skills, job offer, and circumstances. Some visas are temporary, while others can lead to residence. We’ll help you figure out which visa suits your situation and make sure your application is properly prepared.

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Work Visas

Check Your Eligibility

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) lets you work in New Zealand for an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. This visa requires your employer to sponsor you, which means they’ve demonstrated a commitment to fair employment practices and meeting local hiring obligations.

Benefits include faster processing and no labour market testing requirements. Your employer handles much of the sponsorship process, but you still need to meet visa requirements including skills, qualifications, and health and character standards. We can help both employers and employees navigate the AEWV application process.

The Green List

The Green List is Immigration New Zealand’s skills shortage list, created to address critical workforce gaps. If your occupation is on the Green List, you may be eligible for a streamlined work visa with a clear pathway to residence.

The Green List has two tiers: Straight to Residence (for highly skilled occupations) and Work to Residence (requiring some work experience in New Zealand first). Your employer must be accredited to sponsor you, and you’ll need to meet specific qualifications and experience requirements for your occupation. Licensed advisers can assess whether your occupation and qualifications match Green List criteria.

Specific Purpose Work Visa

The Specific Purpose Work Visa is for short-term work situations that don’t fit other visa categories. This includes religious workers, entertainers, film crew, sports people, and employees of foreign companies doing specific projects in New Zealand.

This visa is typically granted for shorter periods and for specific purposes rather than general employment. Requirements vary significantly depending on your work type and circumstances. Our advisers can assess whether your situation qualifies for a Specific Purpose Work Visa and help you understand what documentation you’ll need.

Working Holiday Visa

New Zealand has working holiday arrangements with select countries, allowing citizens from these nations to explore the fun side of NZ while working part-time. However, the Working Holiday Visa conditions are not standard across all members.

A Working Holiday Visa allows you to holiday in New Zealand while you work a little. But, if you breach any visa conditions, you may land in deep waters, like deportation. You can count on Professional Visa Solutions to protect your immigration interests.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based residence visa for skilled workers who can contribute to New Zealand’s economy. If you have the right qualifications, work experience, and skills, this visa offers a direct pathway to permanent residence.

This is an invitation-based system; you need to meet minimum points thresholds and specific criteria before you can apply. The requirements are strict, but licensed advisers can assess your situation, identify ways to strengthen your profile, and help you understand whether you’re likely to receive an invitation. Book a consultation to discuss your eligibility.

For more information or personalised guidance:

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for a New Zealand work visa?

Requirements vary by visa type, but generally include a valid job offer from an approved employer, relevant skills and qualifications, and meeting health and character standards. Some visas require your employer to be accredited or to demonstrate they couldn't find a suitable New Zealander for the role.

Each work visa category has specific criteria. What qualifies you for one visa may not work for another. Book a consultation so we can assess which work visa suits your situation and what documentation you'll need.

How do I apply for a sponsored work visa in New Zealand?

You need a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Your employer handles much of the sponsorship process, while you provide documentation proving your qualifications, skills, work experience, and meeting health and character requirements.

Applications are submitted online with supporting documents. Getting the documentation right is crucial; the most common causes for delays in application processing times are missing or incorrect information. Our licensed advisers help ensure your application is complete and properly prepared before submission.

Can I transition from a temporary work visa to a residence visa in New Zealand?

Yes, several pathways exist. The most common are through the Green List (either Straight to Residence or Work to Residence tiers), the Skilled Migrant Category if you have enough points, or through an Accredited Employer Work Visa if your occupation and employer meet specific criteria.

Each pathway has different requirements around salary thresholds, time working in New Zealand, and skill levels. Our advisers can assess your current situation and map out the most realistic route to residence based on your occupation, experience, and employer.

What are the benefits of having a work visa in New Zealand?

A work visa lets you legally live and work in New Zealand, gain valuable international experience, and earn in New Zealand dollars. Many work visas allow you to bring your partner and children, and some provide pathways to permanent residence.

Beyond immigration benefits, New Zealand offers a high quality of life, excellent work-life balance, and strong worker protections. Book a consultation to explore which work visa options match your skills and career goals.

Which companies sponsor work visas in New Zealand?

Only employers accredited by Immigration New Zealand can sponsor work visas. Accredited employers span all industries and company sizes, from small businesses to large corporations. They must demonstrate they're reliable employers who meet New Zealand employment standards.

You typically need to secure a job offer first, then your employer initiates the sponsorship process. We help workers understand visa requirements and ensure their applications are properly prepared.

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Visas to Work in New Zealand