Are you dreaming of working in New Zealand but unsure where to start? Every day, we receive countless questions on Instagram (@Immigrationchambers) and TikTok (@Newzealandimmigration) from individuals asking
- “Can I work in New Zealand?”
- “Hey, can you give me an NZ work visa?
- “Please guide me on how to apply for a New Zealand work visa.”
- “Hi, I want to apply for an NZ Work Visa or a resident visa”
Here’s what we want to clarify:
We assist with various NZ visa applications, but Immigration New Zealand is the only entity that can issue a New Zealand visa — not us. We are not an employment agency, so we do not help you secure a job. However, many of our clients have already secured employment from an Accredited Employer willing to sponsor them, and we help them through the visa process. We also assist employers who wish to hire migrants but need to become accredited first.
If you’re wondering about the pathway to work in New Zealand, this guide is for you.
Types of NZ Work Visas
1. NZ Work Visa
To apply for a NZ work visa, you typically need to have secured employment with a New Zealand Accredited Employer willing to sponsor your visa. This is to ensure that Locals (New Zealand citizens and residents) are prioritized by the employers and employers are hiring migrants only when necessary.
Common Challenges:
- Most employers prefer candidates who already have work rights in New Zealand, as this means the employer doesn’t need to sponsor a visa.
- An employer must pass a “job check” from Immigration New Zealand before they can hire a migrant over a New Zealand citizen or resident. This involves proving to Immigration New Zealand that the job was advertised to New Zealanders and that no suitable local candidates were found. Yes, the employer can’t sponsor a New Zealand work visa for a migrant just because they wanted to. They need to pass a “job check” and get a token from Immigration New Zealand. The token will then be given to the migrant whom they want to sponsor for the migrant to be able to apply for a work visa.
- A company-sponsored work visa is linked to a specific role and company. You can only work for that employer and in that role as it is noted in your work visa. If you wish to change jobs, you’ll need a new employer to sponsor your visa.
2. Open Work Visa
An Open Work Visa allows you to live in New Zealand while looking for a job and working for any employer.
Common Challenges:
Eligibility is generally limited to:
- Graduates who have completed certain levels of study in New Zealand.
- Dependents of student visa holders (e.g., a spouse of a student with an open work visa).
- Partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, provided you can prove a genuine and stable relationship.
What to Do Next
If you’re determined to work and live in New Zealand, Licensed Immigration Adviser David Fisher offers these tips:
- Attempt 1: Check if your country has a Working Holiday Visa agreement with New Zealand. If so, you might be eligible to apply.
- Attempt 2: Apply for multiple job openings, but take notes of listings that specify they only consider candidates with current work rights in New Zealand. That means the employers are not eligible or not willing to sponsor a New Zealand work visa for migrants.
- Attempt 3: If you have the resources, consider a paid consultation with David Fisher to explore pathways through a Student Visa. In our next content, we’ll discuss how studying in New Zealand can lead to work opportunities and potentially permanent residency.
Common Concerns
“I’ve applied for 100 jobs in New Zealand but haven’t heard back.”
This may be because employers prefer candidates who already have work rights in New Zealand. If your applications have not been successful, consider focusing on pathways like a New Zealand Student Visa or Working Holiday Visa.
Wrapping up
Working in New Zealand is a dream for many, but navigating the visa process can be challenging. Whether you’re seeking a work visa through an Accredited Employer or exploring options like the Open Work Visa, understanding the requirements and common obstacles is key to success.
This isn’t a sales pitch—our goal is to help you achieve your dream of migrating to New Zealand before immigration policies become stricter. If you’re among the few who are proactive, Licensed Immigration Adviser David Fisher will be happy to assist you in a consultation session!
Don’t wait—immigration policies may change, making it harder to secure your New Zealand work visa. Contact our Immigration Adviser in Auckland today or connect with us on Instagram (@Immigrationchambers) or TikTok (@Newzealandimmigration), or schedule a consultation with David Fisher to explore your options.