work visas in new zealand

 

If you wish to work in New Zealand and apply for a work visa there are certain work visa requirements you need to fulfill. Here is a complete guide that will help you find how to apply for the New Zealand work visa. If you are someone who is dedicated towards work and has a great passion, then New Zealand may be the dream place for you to fulfill your dreams. Working hard is very important if you want to be in New Zealand. Apart from work, New Zealand also believes in making the best of time after work. The people here believe in hard work but at the same time have a heart towards problems of their employees and their needs. 

New Zealand Work Visa Requirements - 

If you are not a citizen of New Zealand or Australia, you will need a work visa to work in New Zealand. There are a variety of work visas to choose from if you wish to work in New Zealand.  

When to apply for a work visa to New Zealand?

1. If you have a job offer from New Zealand. 

2. If you wish to come to New Zealand for some work-related event. 

3. If you have your partner in New Zealand and you want to join them for work. 

4. If you were studying in New Zealand and wish to continue working here. 

 

Work visa requirements - 

• For getting a work visa you must have a job offer first and a New Zealand job permit. 

• You should have all the relevant required documents with you. 

• You should have a certificate of good character in case of applying for some types of work visas in New Zealand.

• You must have a medical certificate giving information about your health.

• For some visas, you must have an understanding of the English language. 

 

Explore the right work visa for you - 

1. Work to the resident visa of New Zealand - 

If you are planning to work in New Zealand and later settle in the country, this type of work to resident visa may be the right option for you.

There are mainly two types of work to resident visa - 

• Long term - skill shortage based

If you are having a job offer from any occupation which is listed on the long term skill shortage list, you can apply for a work to resident visa. 

 

• Accredited employer-based 

If you have a job offer from any accredited employer in New Zealand, you can apply for a work to resident visa.

 

Points to note before you apply for New Zealand work visa - 

• You must be under 55 years of age. 

• You must meet the health and character requirements. 

• You must have the specified work experience and qualifications to work in the long term skill shortage list. 

• You can apply for residence in New Zealand only after you have worked for 2 years or more. 

• You can only stay for up to a time period of 30 months with this visa. 

• You cannot bring your partner and children under this visa, however, they may apply for their visa based on their relationship with you. 

 

2. Essential skills work visa in New Zealand - 

This type of visa is suitable for you if you are only looking for a temporary stay in New Zealand. 

The duration of your visa will depend upon your job duration, salary offer, and labor market conditions also. 

If you have the relevant skills and qualifications for the jobs listed in the skill shortage list and also have a job offer from the same, you can apply for an essential skills work visa as per your requirement.

It is often seen that the employers are unable to find employees for some essential skills. Those skills are then listed and reviewed by the government. New Zealand welcomes people from around the globe to work for those occupations as there are not eligible people in New Zealand for those jobs. 

 

3. Working Holiday Visas in New Zealand - 

Working holiday visa option is ideal for people who wish to work temporarily in New Zealand and at the same time explore the beauty of the country. 

Every year people from around the world come to New Zealand to work and spend some time in the country, this visa is ideal for such people. 

 

Points to note before you apply - 

• Working holiday visa is only granted to people having the age between 18 to 30. However, 18 to 35 for people belonging to certain countries only. 

• The duration of this type of visa is only up to 12 months but for countries like the UK and Canada, it is for 23 months.

• You should have enough money to pay for the return ticket before you apply for this visa. 

• You should only apply for this type of visa if the holiday is your primary reason to come to New Zealand and work should be secondary. 

 

FAQs - 

1. What are the documents which may be required for a work visa to New Zealand?  

You should have an identity and proof of good character. You should also have a health certificate. 

For some category of work visas, you may also need to find a job in New Zealand before you apply for the visa. 

 

2. Can I convert my tourist visa into a work visa in New Zealand?  

You cannot work in New Zealand while you have a visitor visa. You may find a job in New Zealand while you are there for the purpose of vacation and then apply for a work visa. 

 

3. What is the required age limit to apply for a work visa in New Zealand?  

Most of the work visas do not have an age limit, however, you must be between 18 to 30 years of age to apply for a working holiday visa. 

 

4. Is it easy to get a work permit in New Zealand?  

If you have a permanent job offer in New Zealand, you can apply for a work to residence visa.