Work Visa — Work in New Zealand
Explore Employment Opportunities in New Zealand
New Zealand offers employment opportunities across a range of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, construction, engineering, information technology and other skilled occupations.
For overseas applicants who wish to work in New Zealand, obtaining the correct work visa is essential.
Different visa categories apply depending on your occupation, employer, qualifications, work experience and personal circumstances.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a major pathway for eligible overseas workers who have received a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
Applicants generally need:
- A genuine full-time job offer from an accredited employer.
- An approved job check for the relevant position.
- Relevant qualifications or work experience meeting immigration requirements.
- Occupational registration where required.
- English-language ability where applicable.
- Compliance with health, character and other visa requirements.
The employer must provide the applicant with the appropriate visa application link.
Other Work Visa Categories
Depending on your circumstances, other visa options may include:
- Partnership-based Work Visas.
- Working Holiday Visas.
- Post Study Work Visas.
- Specific Purpose Work Visas.
- Eligible seasonal employment visas.
Each visa has different eligibility requirements, duration and employment conditions.
Can a Work Visa Lead to Residence?
Some employment opportunities may support eligibility for a residence pathway.
However, holding a Work Visa does not automatically qualify a person for New Zealand residence. Residence eligibility depends on the applicable immigration instructions and individual circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a job offer before applying?
For an Accredited Employer Work Visa, a qualifying job offer is required. Some other work visa categories do not require a job offer.
Can I bring my family?
Certain work visa holders may be eligible to support separate visa applications for their partners and dependent children, subject to relevant requirements.
Can I change employers?
Some work visa holders may need approval through a Job Change application or another immigration process before changing employers, occupations or locations.
Contact Our Team
Whether you are an overseas worker exploring employment opportunities or an employer seeking general information, contact us to discuss arranging appropriate assistance.
Email: kenton@nz.lawyer