Can I apply for a Work visa or a Resident visa if I am skilled?
We often receive inquiries such as:
- “I have 10+ years of experience as a caregiver. Can I work in New Zealand?”
- “I’m a fashion designer with a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design. Can I work in New Zealand?”
- “I’m a dentist. Can I work in New Zealand?”
In general, you may be eligible if:
- You have a job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer, and
- The employer is willing to sponsor your New Zealand Work Visa, and
- The employer passes the Job Check with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to obtain a “Job Token.”
All three conditions must be met. A job offer alone is not enough; the employer must secure the Job Token through the INZ Job Check process. Without this token, you cannot apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), even if the employer is eager to sponsor you.
Is there an Open Work Visa option?
Yes, there are a few visa options that don’t require a job offer:
1. Working Holiday Visa:
- Available for certain countries (check eligibility https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/working-in-nz/how-long-can-you-work-in-new-zealand-for/working-holiday-visa).
- This visa is temporary and doesn’t allow permanent employment, making it challenging for employers seeking long-term employees.
2. Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV):
- Available to those who have completed qualifying studies in New Zealand. For example, after completing a Master’s degree in NZ, the person may be eligible for a 3-year Post-Study Work Visa (open condition) and may claim 5 points out of 6 points towards the “Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa”.
- The PSWV is generally an open work visa, allowing holders to work without employer sponsorship, which can be an advantage for both workers and employers.
3. Partnership-Based Open Work Visas:
- If you are in a partnership with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for an open work visa.
For most other cases, you will need to:
- Secure a job with a New Zealand accredited employer.
- Ensure your employer is willing to go through the Job Check process.
- Have the employer pass the Job Check and obtain a Job Token from INZ.
Also read: New Open Work Rights for Migrants’ Partners Starting Dec 2024
Challenges for Skilled Workers Without Work Rights in New Zealand
Securing employment without existing work rights in New Zealand can be challenging, but it’s not impossible, especially if:
- The employer has already tried to hire a New Zealander or resident but couldn’t find a suitable candidate.
- The employer is willing to go through the INZ process to sponsor a skilled worker from abroad.
New Zealand prioritizes local workers in its labor market, so INZ requires a labor market test to ensure no New Zealanders are available for the role before offering a work visa to a foreign applicant.
Important Tip for Regulated Occupations
If your occupation requires New Zealand Occupational Registration (e.g., nurse, teacher, plumber, veterinarian), you must contact the relevant New Zealand registration board to have your overseas qualifications recognized. For occupations that don’t require this, such as IT or marketing, you can focus on job hunting without needing to worry about registration.
Conclusion
Being skilled is valuable, but securing a job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer and meeting INZ’s requirements is crucial to obtaining a work visa. It’s much easier to move to New Zealand for work if you already have a job lined up.
Immigration Chambers offers expert guidance on navigating New Zealand work visa applications, ensuring a stress-free process with licensed advisers and up-to-date legal insights. Get in touch with our experienced Immigration Lawyer in Auckland today for personalized assistance with your New Zealand work visa.
Stay tuned for more information on New Zealand Resident Visas in our next article!