Do you have a job offer but no visa? Consider a work permit. If you have a job offer without a visa, you can apply to obtain a Temporary Work Permit which will allow you to work in New Zealand.
You won’t need a work permit if:
- You are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or hold an Australian or New Zealand residence permit
- Your visit to New Zealand is associated with work for an overseas government, or a short-term trip for business or sales.
Meeting Temporary Work Permit requirements
To be eligible for a Temporary Work Permit, you must:
- Be in good health and of good character
- Have a valid passport
- Be genuinely planning to work in New Zealand.
All the work you do in New Zealand must stay in-line with the conditions specified in your permit, and be lawful. There will be an expiry date on your permit, which will need to be abided by. Temporary Work Permits are issued under several different policies, and it is best to apply under the right one for your situation.
I have a job offer in New Zealand
If your job offer falls onto the immediate skills shortage list, you may be best to directly apply for a visa under the general work policy. If it is NOT on the immediate Skill Shortage List, then your employer needs to demonstrate that no other New Zealand worker is available to do the job.
I plan to study and work in New Zealand
You can apply under two different areas if you plan to study and then work in New Zealand. You can utilise the Student and Trainee Policy or the Study to Work Policy.
I am joining my partner in New Zealand
You can use the family stream to obtain a visa rather than using a Temporary Work Permit.
My field of work is highly specialised
There are specific policies associated with the Temporary Work Permit for some specialised positions. If you are a minister of religion or planning to work in New Zealand as part of a religious order, you can use one of these policies. Tour guides can also apply for a special work visa.