This ones for the future Kiwi workers. New Zealand work visas give you the chance to build a career while living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Who the Work Visa Is For

Work visas are designed for people who want to:

• Take up a job offer in New Zealand with an approved employer
• Fill skill shortage roles where Kiwi workers aren’t available
• Work while travelling under specific schemes (like Working Holiday Visas)
• Join a partner or family member in New Zealand with work rights
• Build a pathway to residence through skilled employment

The Most Common New Zealand Work Visa Types

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The main visa for most foreign workers. You need a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration NZ. Usually valid for up to 3 years, depending on the job and pay.

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
For highly skilled workers who meet New Zealand’s points-based criteria. This is both a work and residence pathway.

Working Holiday Visa
For young people (usually 18–30, sometimes 35 depending on country) who want to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (23 months for some). Perfect for short-term jobs, hospitality, or seasonal work.

Essential Skills Work Visa (legacy)
This older visa type has been replaced by the AEWV, but some people may still hold it.

Specific Purpose or Event Visa
For workers coming to New Zealand for a short-term role like a project, sports season, or specialist contract.

Partnership-Based Work Visa
If your partner is a New Zealander or on a qualifying visa, you may be eligible for open work rights.

What the Visa Lets You Do

Depending on the visa type, you may be able to:

• Work full-time for your accredited employer or in your approved role
• Bring your partner and children if they qualify for dependent visas
• Access healthcare and education if you later transition to residence
• Travel in and out of New Zealand while your visa is valid
• Build a pathway to residence through skilled work categories

What You’ll Usually Need to Apply

Most work visas will require:

• A job offer from an accredited NZ employer (for AEWV)
• Evidence of skills and qualifications (CV, references, trade certificates, degrees)
• Proof of pay and conditions meeting Immigration NZ’s minimum thresholds
• Medical and police checks (health and character requirements)
• Valid passport and photos
• For Working Holiday Visas: proof of funds to support yourself and a return ticket

Processing Times & Costs

Processing times vary:

• AEWV: 4–12 weeks (faster if employer accreditation is in place)
• Skilled Migrant Resident Visa: 6–12 months or more
• Working Holiday Visas: often 1–6 weeks, depending on your country

Costs:

• AEWV application fee: around NZD $750–$860
• Resident visa: NZD $4,000+
• Medical checks: $250–$400
• Police certificates: varies by country

Pathway to Residence

Many people start on a temporary work visa, then progress to residence. Common pathways include:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa → Residence Visa if your role is long-term and meets skill or earnings thresholds
• Skilled Migrant Category: points-based system considering job, pay, qualifications, and experience
• Green List Pathway: certain high-demand jobs (healthcare, construction, IT) have fast-tracked residence options

Residence gives you the right to stay in NZ indefinitely, sponsor family, and eventually apply for citizenship.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even genuine applications can be delayed or declined if you:

• Accept jobs from non-accredited employers
• Don’t meet pay thresholds required for your role
• Submit incomplete job descriptions or contracts
• Apply too late and risk overstaying
• Misunderstand your visa conditions, such as employer or location restrictions

How We Can Help

Applying for a work visa isn’t just paperwork — it’s about securing your future. We’ll help by:

• Checking your eligibility for different work visa types
• Reviewing your job offer and employer accreditation status
• Preparing your CV and qualifications in the format Immigration NZ prefers
• Making sure pay and role conditions meet visa thresholds
• Guiding you through health, character, and document requirements
• Planning your pathway to residence once you’re working in NZ

Whether it’s short-term work or a long-term move, we’ll guide you through the process so you can focus on building your career (and enjoying a few treats along the way). Book a consultation today, and let’s get your Kiwi work journey started.