New Zealand work visa – what you should know

New Zealand is well-known as the ‘Paradise of the Pacific’ for a very good reason! The country is filled with beautiful landscapes, mountain ranges, green fields, and crystal-clear rivers. 

While the beauty of this country attracts thousands of tourists on an annual basis, there is more than meets the eye. New Zealand is also an economy that is seeing a sharp rise in activity post the COVID-19 pandemic across a wide range of sectors. 

Therefore, now is one of the best times to consider making the shift to this country for professional purposes. The advantages of living and working in New Zealand are plenty, including high pay and excellent quality of life. 

If working in New Zealand is your goal, take the first step in actualizing your dream by learning more about obtaining a New Zealand work visa! 

What factors should I keep in mind when choosing the type of New Zealand work visa? 

When choosing a New Zealand work visa that is suited to your requirements, here are some factors to consider- 

• How long do you intend to stay in the country? 
• Whether you have a relevant job offer from an authorized employer in New Zealand. 
• When you intend to travel to the country. 
• Do you have all the necessary documents needed to complete the different legal formalities? 
• Do you intend on shifting to New Zealand for work purposes with your family and/or dependents? 

Some work visas can help you become a permanent resident of the country where you will have the legal freedom to live, study, and work indefinitely. 

What are the different pathways I can consider when applying for a New Zealand work visa? 

There are four different pathways that you can choose from when applying for a New Zealand work visa. These are- 

• Skilled stream 

By opting for the skilled stream, you will obtain a ‘Work to Residence’ if your skills are in demand. This provides you with a pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand. 

• Family stream 

The Family stream allows partners of New Zealand work visa holders to undertake temporary employment opportunities in the country. This stream is recommended if your ultimate goal is to apply for residency. 

• International/humanitarian stream 

Opting for a New Zealand work visa via the international and humanitarian stream allows you to seek employment on a reciprocal basis. The provisions given are primarily to help the country meet its international humanitarian obligations. 

• Special work stream

The Special work stream is designed for candidates who are looking for the following types of New Zealand work visas- 

• Religious worker visas 
• The foreign crew of fishing vessels visas 
• Viticulture & horticulture seasonal work visas 

What are the different New Zealand work visa types? 

There are four primary types of New Zealand work visas. It is important to understand what each visa permits, based on your requirements. You should also have a clear understanding of the objectives you wish to achieve while pursuing employment in New Zealand. 

The four popular New Zealand work visa types include- 

Working holiday visa 

A working holiday visa allows you to take up employment opportunities in the country for up to one year. This is an excellent New Zealand work visa if you want to travel and experience living in the country for 1 year. Candidates from the United Kingdom and Canada are eligible to stay in New Zealand for up to 23 months with a working holiday visa. 

You can work for any employer in New Zealand on a non-permanent basis. However, if you are looking to stay in the country for longer, you will need to apply for another relevant visa. 

The estimated cost of a New Zealand working holiday visa is USD 280. The processing time can take approximately 31 days. 

Essential skills visa 

The Essential skills New Zealand work visa allows you to move to the country temporarily to work for a specific employer. This is an excellent choice for candidates who have been offered a full-time job opportunity in the country. 

However, it is important to note that this type of visa is job-specific and will not ‌enable you to get a residence visa. 

The cost of this type of New Zealand work visa is USD 495 and the processing time can take up to 64 days. 

Work to residence visa 

This is a popular type of New Zealand work visa that is a pathway to residency after you have held the visa for 24 months. This is an excellent choice if you have been offered a full-time job opportunity in the country and are looking to eventually live permanently in New Zealand. 

An important point to remember is that this visa is tied to a specific job with an accredited employer or in an area that is experiencing a skill shortage. You will be able to apply for the residence if you continue working with your employer for two years. 

The cost of a work-to-residence visa is USD 635 and the processing time can take between 76 days to 4 months. 

Skilled migrant visa 

A skilled migrant New Zealand work visa can give you residence in the country. This is the best option if you want to stay in New Zealand indefinitely and have an employment opportunity from an authorized employer. 

To apply for a skilled migrant visa, you need to send an Expression of Interest (EOI) where you claim points for your job offer and skills. The New Zealand government uses a point-based system to assess EOIs. If you gain the required number of points, you will be invited to apply for a skilled migrant visa. 

The cost of the EOI is USD 530 and the cost of the application for a skilled migrant visa is USD 2710. The processing time for the application is about 15 months from the date of submission. 

What are the requirements for New Zealand work visa applicants? 

Unless this has been specifically stated otherwise, all applicants seeking a New Zealand work visa need to- 

• Be of good health and moral character. 
• Be bona fide applicants. 

During your New Zealand work visa application process, you will need to produce the relevant evidence showcasing- 

• You are suitably qualified by training to do the job you have been offered. 
• You can meet the requirements needed to obtain full or provisional New Zealand registration. 
• You have an official offer of employment and relevant evidence from the New Zealand Dental Council or Medical Council. You should also be eligible for registration subject to attending a personal interview with a Council 

representative. This interview will be conducted within one month of your arrival in the country. 

What are the requirements of a New Zealand work visa? 

Did you know that there are more than 80 categories of visas that New Zealand offers to its visitors? Every visa category has its list of conditions and requirements that need to be met. 

Some of the most common requirements for a New Zealand work permit include- 

• Proof of good character – You will have to complete a character questionnaire and have police certificates from your country of origin and any other country where you have lived for at least 5 years after turning 17. 
• Proof of being bona fide. 
• Official passport and/or certificate of identity. 
• Two acceptable visa photographs as per specifications. 
• Translated official documents if the originals are in a native language and not in English. 
• Medical certificate as proof of physical fitness. 
• Recent Character Proof and Identity Proof. 
• You should also have a RealMe work account. This account acts as your profile with the New Zealand immigration department and is the primary point of formal communication. 

How do I translate my documents into English for the New Zealand work visa application? 

If you need to provide medical or police certificates that are not in English, you will have to present certified and translated documents. The government may also ask you to provide translations of other documents that are not in English. 

The translation of your official documents should be strictly done by- 

• An official or private translation business. 
• A high commission or embassy. 
• The translation service of New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The DIA provides translation services for citizenship and immigration requirements. 

It is important to note that translations done by the following agencies will not be accepted- 

• An immigration adviser assisting you with your application. 
• A member of your family. 
• The person directly applying for the visa. 

What is a New Zealand entrepreneur visa? 

The New Zealand entrepreneur visa is a non-job work permit designed especially for professionals seeking to establish themselves in the country’s job market. The visa is initially authorized for 12 months, during which you will have the legal right to establish your business. 

If you can prove economical viability and success in your establishment, your visa validity will be extended by 12 months. 

You will need to invest a minimum of NZD 1,00,000 to deem your business as successfully established. 

Your business will also be graded across a wide range of parameters, including the character of the entrepreneur and records of fraud and/or bankruptcy

What are the rules that New Zealand employers need to comply with? 

Employers in New Zealand wishing to employ foreign citizens or residence class visa holders should only employ candidates eligible to work in New Zealand. 

Employers need to offer contracts to candidates in strict accordance with the employment-related conditions of their visas. All the offers of employment should also be sustainable and genuine. 

 Employers who choose to support a visa application should have a history of compliance with the employment law. 

COVID-19 updates – what you need to know 

Post the COVID-19 pandemic, the New Zealand government has updated the rules and regulations that foreign travelers are expected to meet. Once your eligibility for travel is established, you should provide the required documentation stating that you have met New Zealand’s full vaccination requirements. You will also need to produce official evidence of a negative COVID-19 test result from a pre-departure test. Additionally, you will also need to complete a New Zealand Traveler Declaration. 

You will be given a Passenger Arrival Card that needs to be filled with relevant details before passing through the Customs Passport Control. The Passenger Arrival Card will be given to you during your flight. 

What are the most in-demand jobs in New Zealand in 2022? 

One of the advantages of pursuing professional opportunities in New Zealand is that there is a wide range of job prospects across different industries. In fact, New Zealand’s economy is rapidly picking up its pace post the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Some of the most in-demand job opportunities in New Zealand in 2022 include- 

1. Administrative assitant 

Salary – NZD 47000 to NZD 71000 per annum 

As an administrative assistant, you will be tasked with helping organizations manage their processes efficiently and effectively. Different kinds of organizations in the country have a growing demand for administrative assistants who can streamline the organizational processes. 

2. Child welfare worker 

Salary – NZD 48000 to NZD 66000 per annum 

Social workers who specialize in cases involving children are in high demand in New Zealand. With the right knowledge, skills, and training, you will be able to assist children who require competent adults to advocate for them. 

3. Data entry operator 

Salary – NZD 42000 to NZD 60000 per annum 

Companies across all sectors in New Zealand require data entry operators to help them stay organized and efficient. If you are a good typist, detail-oriented, and look forward to picking up new skills, a career as a data entry operator is an excellent choice to consider! 

Key takeaways 

• New Zealand is a country that offers a wide variety of well-paying career opportunities across industries. 
• This attracts millions of professionals from around the world on an annual basis. 
• Learning everything there is to know about receiving a New Zealand work visa can help you achieve your goal of living and working in the country. 
• New Zealand’s economy is slowly picking up pace post the COVID-19 pandemic, offering several career prospects across a wide range of sectors. 

Was this blog informative? If so, please share your thoughts in the comments below. Click here to reach out to us for more information on obtaining a New Zealand work visa! We would be happy to assist you with your queries! 

Liked this blog? Read next: New Zealand student visa | 8 things you need to know!

FAQs

Q1. What are the eligibility criteria for an investment visa? 

Answer – If you have at least NZD 3 million to invest in a business, you are eligible for an investor visa. 

Q2. What is the age limit to apply for a skilled migrant visa in New Zealand? 

Answer – You need to be of 55 years or under to be eligible for a skilled migrant visa in New Zealand. 

Q3. How do I know which visa is the right option for me? 

Answer – If you are unable to determine which visa is the right option for you, you can seek the assistance of the New Zealand Licensed Immigration Advisers. These advisers will assess your personal & professional background to determine which visa is suitable for you.