New Zealand attracts skilled professionals, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Its breathtaking scenery, lively cities, and friendly culture make it a top choice for many people looking to work and settle down. But before you start packing, you need to know how to get a New Zealand work visa.
At Ezy Immigration, we make the process easier for you—one step at a time.
1. Know the Different Types of Work Visas
New Zealand has several work visa options based on your circumstances:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): This visa applies to skilled workers who have a job offer from an accredited employer.
- Post-Study Work Visa: International graduates who completed their studies in New Zealand can apply for this visa.
- Working Holiday Visa: Young travelers who want to work while they explore NZ will find this visa suitable.
- Specific Purpose or Event Visa: This visa is for people who need to complete short-term assignments or specialized work.
- Partner of a Worker Visa: This allows partners of work visa holders to join them and work in NZ.
- Partner of a New Zealander Worker Visa: This allows partners of NZ citizens/ residents to join them and work in NZ.
Each type of visa has its own set of requirements, so picking the right one is your first task.
Do you need help to figure out which visa fits your situation? Get in touch with a licensed immigration adviser at Ezy Immigration.
2. Look into the Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, check if you meet these basic requirements:
- Job Offer: A full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer (if this applies to you).
- Skills & Experience: Your qualifications or work experience should match the job requirements.
- Health & Character: You’ll need to get medical checks and a police certificate.
- Accredited Employer: For AEWV, your employer must have accreditation from Immigration New Zealand and a valid Job Check/ Token.
You can also see if your job is on the Green List, which gives you a quick path to residence. Learn more about residence visa services from Ezy Immigration.
3. Get Your Documents Ready
Here’s a list of documents you’ll need:
- Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- Job offer letter and employment agreement (for employment based visas)
- Academic and professional qualifications
- Relevant Work Experience (minimum 2 years)
- Updated CV
- Health and police certificates
- Proof of relationship (if you’re applying as a dependent partner)
Getting your documents right makes a big difference—errors can slow things down or even get your application turned down. Let Ezy Immigration take a look at your paperwork before you send it in.
4. Hand in Your Work Visa Application
When you’ve got everything set, you’ll apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website or get help from a licensed adviser. How long it takes can change from 2 to 8 weeks based on what kind of visa you’re after.
Want to get it right on your first try? Our work visa specialists can take care of the whole application process for you.
5. What Happens After You Apply?
Once you’ve turned in your application:
- Immigration New Zealand might ask for more documents or explanations.
- You’ll get an answer by email or through an online portal.
- If they say yes, your visa terms will spell out where you can work how long you can stay, and other rules.
Helpful hint: Make sure your job offer stays current and let INZ know about any job changes or new situations.
6. Can You Bring Your Family?
Many work visa holders can bring their partner and kids who depend on them. Your partner might also qualify for an open work visa, and your children can go to school in New Zealand.
To get help with family visas, check out our Family Visa Services page.
7. Path to Residency
A New Zealand work visa often serves as the first step to become a resident. If your job is on the Green List or if you’ve worked for two years under an AEWV, you might qualify for a residence visa. Another pathway is if you hold at least a bachelor’s degree and gain 2-3 years of NZ work experience, you may then be eligible for residence under Skilled Migrant Category.
Read our blog about the Path to New Zealand Residency to find out more.
Why Work With Ezy Immigration?
Dealing with immigration rules can be tough. Ezy Immigration offers:
- Advice from licensed immigration advisers
- Custom help for your visa type
- Quicker processing with fewer errors
- Confidence from beginning to end
Don’t risk costly holdups. We’ll make your work visa process easy and worry-free.
Schedule a meeting today to get personalized guidance from our experts.
Conclusion
Getting a New Zealand work visa doesn’t need to be hard. If you’re a skilled worker, a graduate, or joining a partner, success comes down to knowing your choices, preparing your papers well, and seeking professional help.
At Ezy Immigration, we’ve assisted hundreds of individuals like you to make the move and begin a new phase in Aotearoa. We’re eager to lend a hand to you as well.
