Work Visas

Explore Diverse Pathways to Work in Aotearoa

While the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is the most common work visa for many, New Zealand offers a variety of other work visa categories designed for specific situations, skills, and purposes. Whether you are a recent graduate, seeking temporary work, or reuniting with family, there might be a suitable visa for you.

At ZFS NZ, we provide expert guidance across the full spectrum of New Zealand work visas. We are committed to helping you find the best pathway to work in New Zealand, beyond the AEWV.

Our Other Work Visa Services Include:

Here's an overview of other key temporary work visa categories we assist with:

  • Post-Study Work Visa:

    • Who it's for: International students who have successfully completed an eligible qualification from an approved New Zealand education provider.

    • Purpose: Allows graduates to gain valuable work experience in New Zealand, often leading to potential pathways for skilled migration.

    • Key Requirements:

      • Must have completed a qualification at NZQF Level 4 or higher (or specific lower levels if on an eligible list).

      • Must have studied full-time in New Zealand for the required duration (e.g., 30 weeks for a degree level 7 or higher).

      • Must apply within a specific timeframe after your student visa expires.

      • Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

    • Stay Duration: Up to 3 years, depending on your qualification level and duration of study.

    • Work Rights: Generally open work rights (can work for any employer), though for certain non-degree qualifications (Level 7 or lower), the job must be related to your field of study.

    • Pathway: A crucial step towards gaining skilled work experience for future resident visa applications (e.g., Skilled Migrant Category, Green List Work to Residence).

  • Working Holiday Visas:

    • Who it's for: Young people (generally aged 18-30, or 18-35 for some nationalities) from countries with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand.

    • Purpose: Primarily for a holiday, with work as a secondary intention to fund travels.

    • Key Requirements:

      • Citizenship of an eligible country.

      • Meet age criteria for your country's scheme.

      • Have sufficient funds for your stay.

      • Hold an onward or return ticket.

      • Meet health and character requirements.

    • Stay Duration: Typically 12 months, though some countries have schemes allowing 23 months.

    • Work Rights: Allows temporary work for various employers, usually with limits on how long you can work for one employer. Full-time work is generally permitted.

    • Popularity: These visas are often highly sought after and popular. Many schemes have limited quotas and open for applications only once a year.

  • Specific Purpose Work Visa:

    • Who it's for: Individuals coming to New Zealand for a very specific, time-limited work purpose that doesn't fit other visa categories. This is a versatile category for unique situations.

    • Purpose Examples:

      • Specialist personnel on short-term secondments (e.g., within a multinational company).

      • International sports players, coaches, or referees for specific events/seasons.

      • Film production crew members for a particular project.

      • Overseas technicians for machinery installation or maintenance.

      • Religious workers.

      • Performers and entertainers for specific engagements.

    • Key Requirements:

      • Evidence of the specific purpose/event and its time-limited nature.

      • Relevant qualifications and experience for the specific work.

      • Evidence of a job offer or contract (if applicable).

      • Sufficient funds for your stay.

      • Meet health and character requirements.

    • Stay Duration: Varies depending on the purpose and duration of the event/project (e.g., 3 months to 3 years for some categories).

    • Benefit: Often does not require the employer to be accredited or for a job check to be completed, offering flexibility for unique work needs.

  • Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa:

    • Who it's for: Individuals in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, who do not meet the requirements for a resident visa yet.

    • Purpose: Allows you to live and work in New Zealand to be with your partner.

    • Key Requirements:

      • Your partner must be a New Zealand citizen or resident who is eligible to support your application.

      • You must be living together in a genuine and stable relationship.

      • Meet health and character requirements.

      • Evidence of your relationship (e.g., shared living arrangements, finances, social recognition).

    • Stay Duration: Typically granted for up to 3 years, with the intention that you may later apply for a Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa.

    • Work Rights: Generally open work rights (can work for any employer in any role).

  • Partner of a Worker Work Visa:

    • Who it's for: Partners of individuals holding specific temporary work visas in New Zealand (e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) at or above the median wage, specific Green List roles, Post-Study Work Visa, some Specific Purpose Visas).

    • Purpose: To allow you to join your partner in New Zealand and work.

    • Key Requirements:

      • Proof of a genuine and stable relationship with the primary visa holder.

      • The primary visa holder must be on an eligible temporary work visa.

      • Meet health and character requirements.

      • Important Note: As of March 10, 2025, most partners of AEWV holders (not on the Green List or earning 2x median wage) now only have open work rights if their partner's job is at or above the median wage (currently NZD $33.56/hour). If your partner earns less than the median wage, you will generally be granted a visitor visa.

    • Stay Duration: Matched to the primary applicant's visa.

    • Work Rights: Open work rights if criteria are met (see important note above).

General Requirements for Most Work Visas

While specific requirements vary, most New Zealand work visa applications will require you to demonstrate:

  • Good Health: Meeting Immigration New Zealand's health criteria (may involve medicals).

  • Good Character: Providing police certificates if required.

  • Genuine Intention: Demonstrating your genuine intention to comply with your visa conditions and leave New Zealand at the end of your authorised stay (for temporary visas).

  • Sufficient Funds: Proof you can support yourself or have an acceptable sponsor.

How ZFS NZ Can Help You

Navigating the various work visa categories, their specific requirements, and ongoing policy updates can be challenging. Our expertise ensures your application is robust and tailored to your situation. We provide:

  • Personalised Eligibility Assessment: A thorough evaluation of your skills, qualifications, job offer (if applicable), and personal circumstances to identify the most suitable work visa.

  • Comprehensive Documentation Support: Detailed checklists and meticulous preparation of all necessary documents, including job offers, qualifications, work experience evidence, financial proofs, health certificates, and police clearances.

  • Application Preparation & Submission: Meticulous completion and submission of your online or paper application to Immigration New Zealand.

  • Liaison with INZ: Managing all communication with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, promptly responding to any queries or requests for further information.

  • Compliance Advice: Clear explanation of your visa conditions and responsibilities while in New Zealand.

Ready to explore your work opportunities in New Zealand? Contact ZFS NZ today for a comprehensive consultation on New Zealand's diverse work visa options. Let our Auckland-based Licensed Immigration Adviser expertise guide you to your next career step in Aotearoa.