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Work Visa in New Zealand: Types, Procedure & Eligibility

This article will cover how to register a work visa in New Zealand. It will also go through the requirements and different kinds of work visas available in New Zealand.

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Have you been dreaming of living and working in an attractive nation like New Zealand? 

Well, New Zealand offers a wealth of opportunities for skilled workers, entrepreneurs, and investors looking to build their careers or businesses in this scenic country. Eventually, navigating the complicated immigration system could be hectic, 

Work Visa in New Zealand: Types, Procedure & Eligibility

mainly for those unknown of the procedure. From understanding the different types of work visas in New Zealand available to the requirements and documents needed for the application, we have got you covered. 

That’s why in this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about obtaining a work visa in New Zealand.

Types of Work Visa in New Zealand

types of work visa in new zealand

Here are a few of the most common types of work visa in New Zealand contains:

Essential Skills Work Visa 

This visa is for people with the necessary skills and experience to work in New Zealand, and it is valid for up to five years.

Work to Residence Visa 

This visa is for a person who has an employment letter from an accredited employer in New Zealand and is looking to move to the country permanently.

Entrepreneur Work Visa 

Such type of visa is for individuals who wish to begin their company in New Zealand, and it is valid for up to three years.

Partnership-based Work Visa 

This visa is for people who are in a relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident and want to work in the country.

Silver Fern Job Search Visa 

Such visa is for young individuals aged 20-35 who are looking for employment and travel in New Zealand for up to nine months.

Post-Study Work Visa

Such type of visa is for global students who have finished their education in New Zealand and want to operate in the countryside for a while after graduation.

How do I get a Work Visa in New Zealand?

To get a work visa in New Zealand, you will require to follow a few steps:

Step 1:- Check Your Eligibility 

Immigration New Zealand provides a list of eligibility criteria for different types of work visas on its website.

Step 2:- Choose the Right Visa Category

Choose the visa category that best suits your situation and work experience.

Step 3:- Gather the Required Documents

To apply for a work visa, you will need to provide several documents, including your passport, a job offer from a New Zealand employer, etc.

Step 4:- Submit Your Application

You could obtain an employment visa online from the Immigration New Zealand website. 

Step 5:- Pay the form Fee

You have to give the visa form fee during the period of filling up your form. Eventually, the fee might differ as per the visa class and the processing time.

Step 6:- Wait for Your Visa

After you have offered your visa form and submitted the visa fee, you might be kept on hold for your work visa to be approved. 

Step 7:- Enter New Zealand

As your work visa is sanctioned, you are allowed to enter New Zealand and begin operating in your respective company. 

Keep a duplicate copy of your work visa with you while touring New Zealand.

Documents Required for Work Visa in New Zealand

The precise documents required for a work visa in New Zealand differ as per the kind of visa you are looking for. 

However, here are some documents that you may need to provide:

  • Valid Passport
  • You will need to provide an appointment letter from a New Zealand employer. 
  • Evidence of Skills and Qualifications
  • Police Clearance Certificate
  • Medical Certificate
  • English Language Proficiency
  • You might have to offer assurance of your financial support

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Work Visa

eligibility criteria for new zealand work visa

Down below are a few known New Zealand work visa requirements that you may need to meet:

  • Job Offer: you should possess an appointment letter from a New Zealand employer before you can apply for a work visa. 
  • Skills and Qualifications: You will need to demonstrate that you possess the mastery and credentials to perform the work you have been offered.
  • Health and Character: You may be required to go through a medical check-up and provide a police clearance certification to verify that you are in an adequate state & possess good character.
  • English Language Command: You will need to take an English language examination, like the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • Financial Support: You have to present that you possess sufficient funds to support yourself while you are in New Zealand. 
  • Application Fee: You have to give a visa form fee when you submit your work visa form. 

Processing Time for a New Zealand Work Permit

The overall processing time for a New Zealand work permit depends on various factors such as the type of visa you are applying for, the complexity of your case, and the workload of the immigration authorities. Normally, the processing time could be in-between from some weeks to multiple months.

If you apply for a visa online, the processing time is usually faster than if you apply on paper. You could inspect the existing verifying duration for New Zealand work permits on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Therefore, it’s recommended to assure that you possess all the essential papers and data to prevent any uncertainties in processing your New Zealand work permit form.

How much amount of funds is required for the New Zealand work permit?

The amount of money required for a New Zealand work permit depends on various factors, such as the type of visa, length of stay, cost of living, and whether you have dependents accompanying you. You will be required to give a form fee, which can range from NZD $495 to $2,850, depending on the type of visa you are filling for. 

Eventually, you will also have to pay for an immigration levy, which is currently NZD $580 per person. Additionally, you might have to go through a medical check-up and provide a police clearance certification, which can add to the costs. 

It’s also crucial to amass sufficient cash to ensure your living expenses in New Zealand, such as lodging, food, transport, and other everyday expenditures. 

 

Conclusion

Obtaining a work visa in New Zealand could be a life-altering experience for those who are willing to leap. It offers a unique blend of a vibrant economy, world-class education, and a high quality of life that is hard to beat.

Whether you are a skilled worker, entrepreneur, or investor, New Zealand has a visa category that can help you achieve your goals. However, the procedure for obtaining a work visa can be tricky and time-taking. Therefore, it’s essential to be well-informed and prepared before applying for a work visa in New Zealand.

So, start your New Zealand work visa process today with our experts at Odint Consulting. With the help of our experts, you will be able to apply for a New Zealand work permit visa and will guide you throughout the New Zealand work permit interview process.

FAQ’s

The processing time for a job permit form in New Zealand takes on average, from a few weeks to multiple months.

Yes, in most cases, work permit holders are allowed to get their primary family fellows, like a partner and dependent kids, with themselves to New Zealand. 

Yes, you can change employers on a work permit in New Zealand. But initially, you have to  inform Immigration New Zealand of the change and apply for a deviation of needs to your visa.

Yes, it is feasible to obtain permanent living in New Zealand while on a work permit.

The length of time you can stay in New Zealand on a work permit will depend on the type of visa you hold and the conditions attached to it.