New Zealand offers several pathways for foreign nationals who want to work in the country. Whether you have a skilled job offer, want to explore working holiday options, or plan to transition from study to employment, this guide covers every major New Zealand work visa category, including eligibility, costs, processing times, and how to apply.
What Is a New Zealand Work Visa?
A New Zealand work visa is an official document issued by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that allows foreign nationals to take up employment in the country. The type of visa you need depends on your skills, the length of your stay, whether you already have a job offer, and your long-term plans for living in New Zealand.
Most work visas require sponsorship from an employer, but some categories – like the Working Holiday Visa – are available without a job offer.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the primary work visa for skilled workers coming to New Zealand. It replaced several older visa categories and is now the standard pathway for employer-sponsored employment.
Key Details
- Cost: NZD $1,540
- Length of stay: Up to 5 years, based on the job offered
- Processing time: 80% of applications processed within 7 weeks
- Residence pathway: Can lead to a resident visa through the Skilled Migrant Category
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for an AEWV, you must:
- Have a full-time job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand
- Meet the work experience and/or qualification requirements for the role
- Satisfy health and character requirements
- Have spent the required time in New Zealand if applying for a further AEWV
How Employers Get Accredited
Before an employer can hire you on an AEWV, they must become accredited with INZ. The accreditation process verifies that the employer is a genuine business, meets employment standards, and commits to supporting migrant workers. Employers must also complete a job check to confirm there are no suitable New Zealanders available for the role.
Application Process
- Your employer sends you a link to the online application form
- You complete the application and provide supporting documents
- INZ assesses your application against the visa requirements
- If approved, you receive your visa and can begin working
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
If you want to live and work in New Zealand permanently, the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) is the main residence pathway for skilled workers.
Key Details
- Cost: NZD $6,450
- Length of stay: Permanent residence (live, work and study indefinitely)
- Age limit: 55 years or younger at the time of application
- Points required: 6 skilled resident points from your skills and work experience
Eligibility Requirements
- Be aged 55 or younger
- Be working for, or have a job offer from, an accredited employer in a full-time role
- Have at least 6 skilled resident points based on qualifications, work experience, and income
- Meet English language requirements
- Meet health and character requirements
Points System
Points are awarded for:
- New Zealand work experience – higher points for longer experience in skilled employment
- Qualifications – recognised qualifications at NZQF Level 4 and above
- Income – higher earnings in New Zealand generate more points
- Partner’s qualifications and employment – additional points if your partner also contributes skills
Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Scheme allows young people from eligible countries to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (or 23 months for UK citizens).
Key Details
- Age requirement: 18-30 years old (18-35 for certain countries)
- Duration: 12 months (23 months for UK citizens)
- Job offer required: No – you can find work after arriving
- Eligible countries: Over 40 countries participate in the scheme
Conditions
- You must not take permanent employment
- You can study for up to 6 months
- You must have sufficient funds for your stay and onward travel
- You must hold a return ticket or have funds to purchase one
Post-Study Work Visa
If you have completed a qualification in New Zealand, the Post-Study Work Visa allows you to stay and work for up to 3 years. This visa does not require a job offer at the time of application.
Key Details
- Duration: 1-3 years depending on your qualification level
- Job offer required: No
- Employer restrictions: You can work for any employer in any role
- Pathway: Can lead to an AEWV or residence through the SMC
Eligibility
- You must have completed an eligible New Zealand qualification
- The qualification must be at Level 4 or above on the NZQF
- You must apply within a set timeframe after completing your studies
Other Work Visa Categories
Specific Purpose Work Visa
For people coming to New Zealand for a specific, short-term purpose such as:
- Business visitors or conference attendees
- Professional athletes or coaches
- Religious workers
- Media and film crew members
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
If your partner holds a work visa in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a partnership-based work visa. This allows you to work for any employer while your partner’s visa is valid.
RSE (Recognised Seasonal Employer) Scheme
For workers from Pacific Island countries who come to New Zealand to work in the horticulture and viticulture industries during peak seasons.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Use the Immigration New Zealand website to find the right visa for your situation. The online tool lets you compare visas and check requirements.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
Common documents required include:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay)
- Proof of job offer (for employer-sponsored visas)
- Evidence of qualifications and work experience
- Medical certificates and chest X-rays (for stays longer than 12 months)
- Police clearance certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Most applications are submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand portal. Your employer must send you a link for AEWV applications.
Step 4: Wait for a Decision
Processing times vary by visa type. AEWV applications take around 7 weeks for 80% of applicants. Residence applications can take several months.
Step 5: Travel to New Zealand
Once your visa is approved, you can travel to New Zealand and begin working. Make sure you understand your visa conditions, including any restrictions on the type of work or employer.
Costs of New Zealand Work Visas
| Visa Type | Application Fee (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | $1,540 |
| Skilled Migrant Category (Residence) | $6,450 |
| Working Holiday Visa | $280-$420 |
| Post-Study Work Visa | $700-$1,500 |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | $700-$1,500 |
Additional costs may include medical examinations, police certificates, immigration levy, and document translation fees.
Living in New Zealand – What to Expect
New Zealand offers an excellent quality of life with:
- Work-life balance – New Zealand consistently ranks among the top countries for work-life balance
- Healthcare – publicly funded healthcare is available to residents, and ACC covers workplace injuries
- Education – free public education for children of work visa holders
- Minimum wage – the adult minimum wage is NZD $23.15 per hour (as of April 2024)
- Annual leave – minimum 4 weeks paid annual leave
- Safe environment – New Zealand is one of the safest countries in the world
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch employers on an AEWV?
Yes, but your new employer must also be accredited, and you may need to apply for a new visa if changing roles.
Can I bring my family?
Yes. Most work visas allow you to include partners and dependent children in your application or support their visa applications separately.
How long does it take to get permanent residence?
Through the Skilled Migrant Category, you typically need to have worked in New Zealand for at least 2 years in skilled employment before applying for residence. Processing times for residence applications are generally 6-12 months.
Do I need a job offer before applying?
For the AEWV, yes – you must have a job offer from an accredited employer. For the Working Holiday Visa and Post-Study Work Visa, a job offer is not required.
What happens if my visa application is refused?
You may be able to request a reconsideration or lodge a new application with additional evidence. Immigration New Zealand provides information about appeal options on their website.
