New Zealand Work Visa Options
New Zealand's work visa system offers multiple pathways depending on your occupation, skills, and whether you have a job offer. Some visas are temporary, while others lead directly to permanent residence.
ProVisas helps both employers and workers navigate the process — from employer accreditation through to visa approval and residence planning.
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The most common NZ work visa. Requires an accredited employer and job check.
Learn moreThe Green List
Fast-track pathway for in-demand occupations. Tier 1: straight to residence. Tier 2: residence after 24 months.
Learn moreSpecific Purpose Work Visa
For short-term specialised work — events, technical installations, sports, secondments.
Learn moreWorking Holiday Visa
Travel and work in NZ for 12-23 months. Ages 18-30 (some countries up to 35).
Learn moreSkilled Migrant Category
Points-based resident visa pathway. Job offer, skills, and wage assessed.
Learn moreWork to Residence
Pathways from a work visa to permanent residency including Green List Tier 2 and Care Workforce.
Learn moreHow ProVisas Helps
- Free eligibility assessment — we tell you which visa pathway is right for your situation
- Complete application preparation with all required documentation
- Employer accreditation support for businesses hiring migrant workers
- Residence pathway planning — we map your route from work visa to permanent residence
Employers must be accredited, job checks must be completed, and wage thresholds must be met. One error in the process can delay an application by months. A licensed adviser ensures everything is right the first time.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most common work visa. It requires a job offer from an accredited employer who has completed a job check with INZ.
For most work visas like the AEWV, yes. However, some pathways like the Green List Tier 1 or Working Holiday Visa do not require a job offer at the time of application.
The Green List is a fast-track pathway for people in occupations New Zealand needs most. Tier 1 provides straight-to-residence, while Tier 2 provides residence after 24 months of work.
Many work visa holders can include their partner and dependent children. Partner work visa eligibility depends on your visa type and conditions.
Processing times vary by visa type. AEWV applications typically take 2-6 weeks. Complex cases or those requiring additional checks may take longer.
Yes. Several work visa pathways lead to residence, including the Green List, Skilled Migrant Category, and Work to Residence pathways.
