New Zealand attracts many immigrants on a yearly basis. This is because of the country’s availability of work opportunities in the labour market, inclusive culture, and prospective job outlook. There are endless reasons people seek to work and live in New Zealand. Whether you are hoping to work with free travel or you are drawn to Auckland culture, New Zealand offers wonderful work-life opportunities.
This article can help you understand work visa requirements for the country and how you can get a New Zealand work visa for yourself. Whether you are just getting started or ready to move ahead with a formal application process, connecting with qualified Advisors in New Zealand on Relocate is always one step away.
If you are a New Zealand citizen or resident, traveling from the Cook Islands, or traveling from Niue, you do not need to apply for a work visa to get employment in the country. Similarly, if you are an Australian citizen or have permanent residency in Australia, you do not need to apply for a work visa in New Zealand. However, Australian citizens and residents will be required to obtain a resident visa upon arrival in New Zealand.
For other global citizens interested in working and living in New Zealand, the answer is different. To live and work in the country, you will need to apply for a visa. But the requirements for your visa application will vary depending on the visa you choose, your country of residence, and other personal demographic information. For example, an essential skills work visa application will differ from a temporary work visa, student visa, visitor visa, working holiday visa, or residence visa application.
Keep reading to learn more about work visa categories and eligibility requirements for immigration to New Zealand.
The general requirements for getting a work visa in New Zealand vary based on the applicant’s country of origin. Requirements will also vary depending on the type of industry you work in and the type of visa you decide to apply for.
There are many visa options available for people looking to work and live in New Zealand. For example, there are specific visas for business entrepreneurs, international investors, and even visas for those only interested in visiting the country for a designated period.
Refer to the list below for additional information about New Zealand work visa requirements. If you have specific questions regarding your eligibility to be a visa holder, qualified Advisors on Relocate can advise you on work visa requirements and other information you may need to process your application forms.
While you can apply for a work visa before obtaining employment in New Zealand, it is easier to apply once you already have a job in place from an accredited employer. This is because the spots for eligible migrant workers can be limited, especially if your industry or work experience is not on the skills shortage list (a list that provides regional information on which jobs are in demand by New Zealand employers). If you are a worker who falls in the skilled migrant category, it will be easier to get a work visa, as your employment within New Zealand will contribute more to the country’s inland revenue.
Regardless of the type of work visa you intend to apply for, here’s what you can expect to go through to get a work visa offered by New Zealand.
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The first step of getting a work visa in New Zealand is to determine which work visa is right for you. One of the easiest ways to find the right options for you may be to simply visit the New Zealand government website. The landing page will guide you through a series of questions that can help you narrow down the list of work visas that apply to your specific situation.
Prepare to provide personal information, including country of origin, whether you have a job offer in New Zealand, and your age. The website will then display all the work visa options available to you.
Before you apply, take time to think over a few considerations that encompass a big move to a different country. An Advisor on Relocate can help you consider important things like what life is like in New Zealand and how the work culture might contrast that of your country of origin during your job search. Browse qualified Advisors in New Zealand today.
Once you know which work visa is best for you and have confirmed you meet the necessary criteria for the New Zealand visa option, the next step is to start your application. Although you can look online to find information on how to apply for your chosen visa and what you will be eligible for within the country (e.g., living, working, studying), you will likely want to work with a qualified Advisor on Relocate who is knowledgeable about New Zealand to make sure your application is filled out correctly and filed appropriately.
To begin, make sure the length of stay that the work visa you apply for corresponds to your plans. Some visas enable you to get permanent residency if you meet the visa conditions, such as through work to residence visas, while others only provide a temporary status of eligibility.
You will also need to consider who might join you in New Zealand. If you will move with your partner, dependent children, or a pet, this information needs to be disclosed in your application.
Some work visa types require English proficiency verification. However, New Zealand also offers language assistance for applicants interested in refining their English skills.
From there, you will start the first stage of the application process. Submit your application or Expression of Interest (EOI). After this preliminary screening process, you will be invited to apply for your visa. Application processing times can vary, though. Plan to wait anywhere between a few weeks to a few months for the first stage of your application process.
In the second stage, you will apply for your visa. After that, the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment (MBIE) will evaluate your application and determine if you are approved.
You can also use the online application portal to check the status of your application throughout the process. This will help speed up processing time, especially if the New Zealand government requests additional information for your application.
Once your application is processed and approved, you are ready to plan your move to New Zealand. The best way to simplify this process is to create a checklist for both before you leave and for when you arrive. This will help you move without stress and settle into your new home more quickly.
A few major factors to remember to plan for include temporary accommodations for the first few weeks you are in New Zealand (if you do not already have living accommodations set up,) transportation (whether you will need a car or use local transport options), and getting cell and internet connection (which can also be arranged once you land).
When you finally arrive in the country, settling in comfortably with your New Zealander neighbors will be something that is fostered. To help you adjust to your new home and culture with ease, refer to these tips for settling in. A qualified Advisor on Relocate can also advise you on New Zealand culture and ways of living.
Are you ready to apply for a work visa in New Zealand? Relocate can help connect you to relocation experts in New Zealand who are knowledgeable about the process and can guide you every step of the way. To get started, browse qualified Advisors in New Zealand and request a consultation today.
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