Have you received a job offer in New Zealand, or are you exploring your options for working in the country? Before you travel to begin a new job, check whether you need a work visa and which visa is appropriate for your situation. Below are step-by-step instructions to help you get started.
The process of applying for a visa can be confusing because New Zealand has several visas that allow people to work. The correct visa and supporting documents depend on your circumstances, the type of work you plan to do, and the conditions attached to the visa. The information below explains the general process, but you should always review the requirements for your chosen visa on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Steps to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa
Most New Zealand visa applications can be submitted online. However, the exact process and required documents depend on the visa you select. Here are the general steps to follow when applying for a New Zealand work visa:
Step 1. Determine Which Variety of Visa You Need
New Zealand offers a range of visas that allow people to work in the country. Some work visas require a job offer and restrict you to a specific job, while others allow you to work without having a job offer when you apply. Use Immigration New Zealand’s Find and choose a visa tool and review its work visa overview to determine which option best fits your circumstances.
Step 2. Do the Online Application
Once you know which visa is appropriate for your situation, review the application instructions for that visa. Most visas can be submitted online. You will generally need to upload supporting documents and a photograph, complete the required information, and pay the applicable fee. The documents you need depend on your visa and personal circumstances. For most online visa applications, you will also need to create a RealMe account.
Immigration New Zealand provides a detailed overview of the process on its How to apply for a visa online page.
Step 3. Prepare Two Recent Photographs
The number of photographs you need depends on how you apply. For an online application, you generally need to upload one acceptable digital photograph. If you apply using a paper form, check the form carefully because the required number and format of photographs may differ.
Your photograph must clearly identify you, have been taken within the last six months, and not be digitally altered or enhanced. For an online application, it must be a JPG or JPEG file in portrait mode with a 3:4 aspect ratio and a file size between 512 KB and 3.14 MB. Your face should be clearly visible, your expression should be neutral, and the background should be plain. Review Immigration New Zealand’s visa photograph requirements before uploading your image.
Step 4. Prepare a Valid Passport
Your passport or acceptable travel document should be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand. For an online application, provide a clear scan of the passport information page containing your photograph, name, date of birth, and document details. Immigration New Zealand may request additional passport pages or ask you to send your original passport after you apply. Review its passport guidance for online applications for details.
Step 5. Get Your Affidavit of Good Character
There is no standard document called an affidavit of good character for every New Zealand work visa application. However, visa applicants must meet New Zealand’s character requirements and provide complete and accurate information. Depending on your visa, age, previous countries of residence, and planned length of stay, you may need to submit police certificates. Review Immigration New Zealand’s good character and police certificate guidance for the requirements that apply to you.
Step 6. Undergo a Health Verification
A medical examination and chest X-ray are not automatically required for every work visa application. Whether you need to provide medical evidence depends on factors such as the visa you are applying for, how long you intend to stay, the countries where you have lived, and whether you previously submitted medical certificates. If Immigration New Zealand requires a medical examination or chest X-ray, you must use an approved panel physician and provide the appropriate certificate or eMedical reference number. Check the official health requirements before arranging an appointment.
Step 7. Prepare the Family Requirements
Whether you can support visa applications for your partner or dependent children depends on the type of work visa you hold. Many work visa holders can normally support a visitor or work visa for a partner and visitor or student visas for dependent children. However, some work visas do not allow this, and others have additional job, income, or skill-level requirements. Review Immigration New Zealand’s guidance on bringing family members before making plans.
Step 8. Verify Your Means of Stable Living
The financial and travel evidence you need depends on your visa. Some visas require proof that you can pay your expenses or have an acceptable sponsor. Some also require evidence that you can leave New Zealand at the end of your stay. Medical insurance is required for certain visas, but it is not a universal requirement for every work visa. Review the page for your chosen visa and Immigration New Zealand’s genuine intentions guidance to confirm what you must provide.
Step 9. Present a Proof of Payment
When you apply online, upload your supporting documents and photographs and pay the applicable application fee. The fee and processing time depend on the visa you select and where you apply from. Immigration New Zealand will contact you if it needs additional information. Use the official fees, decision times, and where to apply tool to check the current details for your visa.
Documents Needed for a New Zealand Work Visa
The documents you need depend on the work visa you select and your personal circumstances. Use the table below as a general guide and check the official page for your chosen visa before applying.
| DOCUMENTS TO CHECK WHEN APPLYING FOR AN NZ WORK VISA |
|---|
| Passport or acceptable travel document | For an online application, upload a clear scan of the information page. Immigration New Zealand may request additional pages or your original passport. |
| Visa photograph or photographs | For an online application, upload one acceptable digital photograph. If you apply on paper, follow the application form for the required number and format. |
| Documents required for your chosen visa | Depending on the visa, these may include a job offer, employment agreement, job description, qualifications, work experience, or occupational registration. |
| Police certificates | Provide these if they are required for your visa and circumstances. |
| Medical or chest X-ray evidence | Provide the required certificate or eMedical reference number if Immigration New Zealand asks for it or your visa requires it. |
| English translations | Provide English translations of supporting documents when required, together with the original or certified copies requested by Immigration New Zealand. |
| Financial, travel, sponsorship, or insurance evidence | Provide these only when they are required for your chosen visa. Requirements vary by visa. |
| Family documents | If your partner or dependent children are applying for visas, provide the documents required for their separate applications. |
FAQs: Work Visa Applications for New Zealand
Are there Exemptions for Applying for a New Zealand Work Visa?
New Zealand citizens and Australian citizens do not need a visa to work in New Zealand. Australian permanent residents can normally live, work, or study in New Zealand without applying for a visa before traveling, but they generally need a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before traveling unless they already hold a valid New Zealand visa. Australian citizens and permanent residents are normally given an Australian Resident Visa when they arrive if they meet the applicable requirements.
People who hold a New Zealand resident visa or Permanent Resident Visa can also work in New Zealand without applying for a temporary work visa. Other travelers should use Immigration New Zealand’s Find and choose a visa tool and check their visa conditions carefully. Some other types of visas may allow limited work under specific conditions.
If you want to advance your career and personal life, consider exploring your options for working in New Zealand. Take your time when preparing your application. Carefully reviewing the requirements and providing complete, accurate information can help prevent avoidable delays.
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!
