New Zealand Work Visa Requirements

Overview

New Zealand offers work visas such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Essential Skills, and Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for residence. Employers must often be accredited and conduct job checks. Your occupation, salary, and experience determine which visa you can apply for. Immigration NZ (INZ) sets the criteria and processes applications online.

Eligibility

• Job offer: From a New Zealand employer; for AEWV the employer must be accredited.
• Job check: For AEWV, the role must have passed a job check (unless exempt).
• Skills & experience: Meet the requirements for the role and visa type.
• Health & character: Meet health and character requirements set by INZ.
• English: May be required for some work or residence categories.

Required Documents

• Valid passport.
• Job offer letter and evidence of employer accreditation (for AEWV).
• Proof of qualifications and work experience relevant to the role.
• English test results if required (e.g. IELTS).
• Medical and chest X-ray certificate if required by INZ.
• Police certificates from countries where you have lived 12+ months.

Application Process

1. Secure a job offer from an accredited employer (for AEWV); employer completes job check if required.
2. Create an account on the Immigration NZ website and complete the relevant work visa application.
3. Upload supporting documents (passport, offer, qualifications, health, character).
4. Pay the application fee and submit the application online.
5. INZ may request more information or a medical/interview; respond promptly.
6. If approved, you will receive your visa and can travel to New Zealand to work.

Processing Time & Fee

Fees and processing times are set by Immigration New Zealand. Always verify on the official immigration.govt.nz website.

Important Tips

• Ensure your employer is accredited and the job check (if required) is approved before you apply.
• Provide clear evidence that you meet the qualification and experience requirements for the role.
• Complete medical and police checks as soon as requested to avoid delays.
• For residence (e.g. SMC), check the points threshold and prepare a complete application.