How To Get A New Zealand Work Visa

If you want to make a living in New Zealand or have a job offer from a NZ-based employer, you’ll need to apply for a work visa. There are more than 80 visas for employment purposes in New Zealand. Before submitting your application, ensure you know which visa is best for you. In this article, you’ll learn how to get a New Zealand work visa.

You can apply online for most NZ work visas, provided you are eligible and hold all the required documents.

Here are the online application steps:

• Create a New Zealand Government RealMe account. You won’t have to set up one if you’re applying for a Silver Fern Job Search Visa or a working holiday visa.
• Prepare your supporting documents for upload
• Explore NZ work visa options and find which one suits you
• Initiate the online application process. However, you may need to apply on paper, depending on which work visa you want to obtain.
• Wait for processing. You can check your visa status via your RealMe account. If additional information or documents are required for processing, you’ll receive an email informing you of a letter accessible from your online account.

What Documents Do I Need For a Work Visa in New Zealand?

The following are the document requirements for NZ Work Visa:

• A valid passport and any other acceptable identification document
• A photo of you
• Proof of good character, such as the police clearance certificates from countries you’ve lived in for at least five years since you turned 17
• Medical certificates

Note that the certified translations of these documents are mandatory if they are not in English.

Is It Easy to Get a Work Visa for New Zealand?

Yes, getting a visa to work in New Zealand is stress-free and fast, as most of the application process is online. You can apply through New Zealand’s Immigration website in less than 15 minutes.

Can I Get a NZ Work Visa Without a Job Offer?

Yes, you can apply for a New Zealand open work visa even when you haven’t received a job offer from an NZ-based establishment. The visa allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand without applying for a job in advance.

Related: Study in Canada from New Zealand – Full Guide.

Can I Convert My Visitor Visa To A Work Visa in New Zealand?

No, you cannot convert a New Zealand visitor visa to a work visa, but can apply for jobs and attend interviews while holding the visa. Hence, you must obtain a work visa to start working and should not violate the law, as it is punishable.

How Long Does a Work Visa Take to Process in NZ?

The average processing time for a New Zealand work visa is two working days. However, most applications for NZ working holiday visas take at most 18 working days.

Is New Zealand Offering Work Visa Now?

Yes, New Zealand work visas are open to applications from foreigners who want to earn a living anywhere within the country. These include international students, foreigners with a job offer, a partner in NZ, or from a country with a special work scheme.

Read Next: How To Get A Residence Visa In Dubai.