Work visas

Who Needs a Work Visa?

If you plan to work in New Zealand, you’ll need a valid work visa — regardless of your nationality — unless you are a New Zealand citizen or resident.

You do not need a work visa if you’re working remotely for a New Zealand company while physically located overseas. A work visa is only required when the work is carried out onshore in New Zealand.

Sometimes, people arrive in New Zealand as visitors and unexpectedly secure a job due to their unique skills, qualifications, or overseas experience. In such cases, you must apply for a work visa before you can legally start work — and the type of visa must align with your job offer and personal circumstances.

Work visas can be complex, and much is at stake:

  • An approved visa may be your crucial first step toward residence in New Zealand.

  • The wrong visa could prevent you from bringing your partner or children, leaving you separated from your family.

  • If you’re not fully aware of the requirements, you may risk losing both the job opportunity and your future immigration pathway.

Getting it right from the beginning is essential.

Common types of work visas

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the most common work visa for migrants in New Zealand.

To be eligible:

  • Your employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

  • The employer must complete and pass a Job Check to confirm the role is genuine and that there are no suitable New Zealanders available

You can only apply for the visa after the Job Check is approved and you’ve received a valid job offer.

Visa duration depends on the job:

  • Up to 5 years for roles considered skilled or those on the Green List or earns a high income

  • Up to 3 years for most other roles

  • You must either leave New Zealand for at least 1 year after this time, or if you are eligible, apply for a different type of visa

Key requirements:

  • A full-time job offer that meets employment and remuneration requirements from an accredited New Zealand employer

  • Relevant qualifications and/or work experience, as well as employer requirements

  • Meet health and character requirements

  • Meet English requirements and work experience for unskilled roles

2. Working Holiday Visa

This visa is for young people from eligible countries who want to holiday in New Zealand while working to support their travels.  It is typically for applicants aged 18–30 (or up to 35 depending on the country).

Key points:

  • Usually valid for 12 months (longer for some countries)

  • Allows you to travel and take up casual or short-term work

  • Not suitable for long-term employment or bringing spouse or children

  • You can apply for an AEWV if you want to take up permanent employment

3. Specific Purpose Work Visa

This visa is for people who need to come to New Zealand for a defined short-term purpose, such as:

  • Installing or servicing specialist equipment

  • Attending a business meeting or conference

  • Participating in sports, entertainment, or cultural events

  • Taking up a fixed-term assignment for a multinational employer

Applicants must show that the work is time-limited and that their presence is essential.

4. Partner of a New Zealander or Eligible Work/Student Visa Holder

If your partner (spouse) is a:

  • New Zealand citizen or resident

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa holder working in a skilled job

  • Student Visa holder studying at degree-level or above

…you may be eligible for a partnership-based work visa.

 

Key points:

  • Allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand (open work visa)

  • Length of visa depends on your partner’s visa type or residence status

  • You must provide evidence of a genuine and stable relationship

  • There are income and job requirements (for your spouse’s work visa), and specific qualification (for your spouse’s student visa)

Common Mistakes When Applying for a Work Visa

  • Not understanding skilled vs unskilled jobs
    This can lead to receiving a shorter visa or missing out on a potential residence pathway. It’s important to match your actual job duties — not just the job title — with the correct ANZSCO code.

  • Difficult to navigate complex visa requirements
    Immigration requirements around work visas are especially complex, and may differ based on the job, occupation, the employer requirements and/or your specific background.  These may include: whether an unrelated qualification may still be acceptable, what counts as market rate for your role, and how to meet specific visa thresholds (e.g. English language or experience).

  • Poor timing around employer steps
    Employers must be accredited and complete a Job Check before you can apply. If these steps are delayed, and your employer expects you to start quickly, they might withdraw the job offer before you have been granted an AEWV.

  • Not knowing whether you can switch jobs
    Many people wrongly believe they’re locked into one employer for the duration of their visa. While it is possible to change jobs, you’ll need to meet specific conditions and may need to reapply for a new work visa.

  • Misunderstanding your ability to bring family
    Some work visas don’t allow you to support your partner or children, and you may be left in a difficult situation if you have applied for your family’s visas only to find out they cannot join you.

  • Relying on outdated or unofficial advice
    Work visa policies change frequently. Relying on information from online forums, friends, or old sources can be risky and lead to declined applications.

if in doubt, talk to an expert

This is a no-obligation 15-minute FREE consultation to understand your interest in working in New Zealand, any challenges you’re facing, and what types of work visas might be possible for you.  This isn’t a detailed assessment but a starting point to see whether you’d like to explore further support.

After this consultation, and depending on the type of visa or immigration service you would like, we may proceed directly to signing an agreement and commencing work for you, or you may prefer to first request a comprehensive assessment.  This full assessment is particularly useful if you have a complex background, or want a clearer picture of your options before committing to ongoing services.

By submitting your information to me, you agree to the Assessment Terms and Conditions and our Privacy Policy.

If you are interested in a Partnership-based work visa, please go to the Family visas section.

Complete a work visa questionnaire

After you have completed the above questionnaire, you can book a 15-minute consult with me.  Make sure you choose the right time zone.  I will be in touch with you shortly once an appointment has been booked.