Work Visa Options For Your Migrant Staff

No visa is required for your candidate to accept a position. But before they can start working, they need to acquire work rights.

New Zealand resident visa holders

Holders of a New Zealand resident visa can work in New Zealand for any employer in any occupation.

Visa holders with work rights

There's a chance that your preferred applicant is already able to work on their existing visa. Be aware that some work visas contain restrictions on the number of hours that can be worked each week or on how long an employee can work for one employer. If you think this might be the case, look at this page.

Applying for an employer-assisted work visa

Your candidate must apply for the appropriate work visa if they do not already have employment privileges.

If your candidate already has an employer-sponsored work visa, they might be eligible to apply for a new visa or get a "Job Change" to alter the employer listed on their current visa.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

If you have a job offer from a recognised firm, this visa permits you to work for that company.

The candidate must:

  • Hold a job offer from a recognised employer in New Zealand.
  • Meet the requirements for good health and moral character.
  • Be considered competent for the job offer due to a relevant degree or prior work experience.

Specific Purpose work visa

Your candidate may apply for a Special Purpose work visa for the duration of the project if the position is provided for a specified amount of time, is based on a specific project, or has a specific goal in mind. Depending on the function, maximum time frames may apply.

Other types of visas

Your candidate might apply for a number of additional uncommon visa kinds. The great majority of applications come under the four categories mentioned above, and the majority are subject to annual quotas.

What type of visa is needed for your candidate? How can you be of help?