If you want to work in New Zealand, you must hold a valid work visa. Immigration New Zealand offers a range of work visas depending on your job, employer, skills, and the purpose of your stay. Choosing the correct visa is essential, as each visa has different eligibility criteria, conditions, and pathways.
Work visas allow overseas nationals to live and work in New Zealand temporarily. Some visas may also provide a pathway to residence, depending on your occupation, skill level, and long-term plans.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa is the most common work visa in New Zealand. It is designed for people who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. Accredited employers have been approved to hire migrant workers to fill genuine skill shortages.
To qualify, you must have a genuine job offer, meet the required skill level, and be paid at or above the market rate. This visa allows you to work for your approved employer for a set period, typically up to three or five years depending on the skill level of your role.
The AEWV can also provide a pathway to residence in some cases, particularly if your role is highly skilled or listed on a residence pathway such as the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List.
Selecting the right visa depends on your employment situation, qualifications, and long-term goals. The Accredited Employer Work Visa is generally best suited for those seeking ongoing employment in New Zealand, while the Specific Purpose Work Visa is more appropriate for temporary assignments or specialised short-term work.
Because visa requirements can be complex, obtaining professional advice can help ensure your application is accurate, complete, and aligned with your future plans. Talk with our team today!
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is designed for people travelling to New Zealand for a defined purpose or fixed-term assignment. This includes business secondments, specialist projects, equipment installation, sporting events, or entertainment engagements.
This visa is granted only for the duration required to complete the specific purpose. It is ideal for professionals, specialists, and employees of overseas companies who need to work in New Zealand temporarily.
Unlike the AEWV, this visa is strictly limited to the approved purpose, role, and employer.
Senior Associate | Solicitor
Solicitor
