How to Get a New Zealand Work Visa (9 Steps)

Have you received a work offer for New Zealand but are still determining what to do before you can travel to the beautiful country to begin your new job? Do not fear, as you have found the right place for step-by-step, easy-to-follow instructions on how to get a work visa in the country!

The complicated process for acquiring a Verified International Stay Approval, more commonly known as a visa, is often confusing and convoluted, making it difficult to understand what you need to do and what you must have to get one. Below is all the information you require to eliminate a large portion of the headache.

Steps to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa

Visa applicants undergo a rigorous process when applying for a New Zealand work visa. If you’re interested in getting one, here are the steps to follow to acquire the country’s work visa:

Step 1. Determine Which Variety of Visa You Need

There are over 80 different types of visas based on the kind of work situation or occupation that applies to you. You can go here to determine which visa best applies to your situation and review it to ensure there are no special requirements involved with your type of work visa. Once you have this knowledge, you will know everything that will help you in conjunction with these instructions.

Step 2. Do the Online Application

Once you know which visa is appropriate for your situation, it’s time to begin filling out the New Zealand work visa application. Answer all the personal information to the best of your ability, and have any documents nearby that you may need about your identification in case you need them. Once you have the information compiled, you must upload a series of documents, which are listed below.

Step 3. Prepare Two Recent Photographs

There are particular requirements for these photographs. If you deviate from the guidelines, officials will ask you for a new one, which can cause delays as you prepare your visa paperwork. Using a professional photographer can give you a better chance of success and abide by the following rules.

The images must be in color and saved as a .jpg file. You must be looking straight ahead with a neutral expression, your head filling 70-75% of the space in the photo. Make sure the background is plain (typically gray is preferred) and that there is proper lighting. Ensure that you do not have red eyes or any obstructive clothing. The guidelines are in-depth, so ensure you have a peek here for all the specifics.

Step 4. Prepare a Valid Passport

Your passport should be approved if it is valid for at least three months after your expected arrival date in New Zealand. Make sure you photocopy all of the pages and have at least one blank page, which the officials will use for an entry stamp.

Step 5. Get Your Affidavit of Good Character

Proving that you are a person of good character is important because you need to have what is required for your application for residence to be accepted. If you get close, you might receive a character waiver as long as all of your other documentation is complete, which will permit you. There is a variety of information that officials will want to verify for approval, as well as another long list of situations that are eligible for the waiver. The entire list of what you need to succeed can be found here.

Step 6. Undergo a Health Verification

A New Zealand work visa requires a medical examination and chest X-ray. You must get a copy of the results and provide it for health approval. Make sure that the physician you use is approved for visa verifications.

Step 7. Prepare the Family Requirements

If you need to bring your children or spouse alone while you work, support visas are available in New Zealand. Some options available are a work visa for your spouse, student visas for your children, or visitor visas, which any family member is eligible for.

Step 8. Verify Your Means of Stable Living

The visa committee will need proof that you will be stable in the country to meet the visa committee’s approval. It means that you will need to have health insurance for the duration of the visit in case there’s an emergency, all flight plans for traveling both to and from the country, a confirmed residence to ensure you have a place to stay, and bank statements or other information to show that you have a steady income and will be able to handle your finances while working in New Zealand.

Step 9. Present a Proof of Payment

Finally, you can submit your application once all information is collected and prepared. To complete the process, you will need to make a series of payments, so always keep your receipts handy so that you can verify that you have covered all expenses for your New Zealand work visa and travel.

Documents Needed for a New Zealand Work Visa

Here are the items that you will need:

FAQs: Work Visa Applications for New Zealand

Are there Exemptions for Applying for a New Zealand Work Visa?

Unless you have residency in New Zealand, the only other option to enter the country visa-free is to be a resident of Australia. If you do not meet these requirements, you must complete the procedure to apply and acquire a New Zealand work visa to stay in the country legally for work purposes.

Finally, if you want to advance your career and personal life, consider applying for a work visa to New Zealand. But take your time with all the steps, as doing so increases the likelihood that your application will be rejected or encounter other issues. Doing the application process carefully and paying great attention to detail can increase your chances of success and start a successful journey in this country!

We hope this article on how to get a work visa in New Zealand was helpful. If you’re interested in studying abroad, make sure to check out our Study in New Zealand Page and the Available Programs for International Students!