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New Zealand Work Visa

About New Zealand

  • New Zealand, known in the Māori language as Aotearoa ("Land of the Long White Cloud"), is a stunning island nation in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, clean environment, and high quality of life. Comprising two main islands—the North and South Islands—it features diverse geography ranging from alpine peaks and active volcanoes to serene beaches and lush forests. New Zealand is celebrated for its outdoor lifestyle, low crime rate, and strong sense of environmental sustainability. It has a stable democratic government, a world-class healthcare system, and a growing, multicultural population, with over 26% of residents born overseas. The country values cultural inclusivity, with rich Māori heritage woven into its national identity. Whether you're drawn by its top-tier education system, booming job market in healthcare and technology, or simply the peaceful pace of life, New Zealand offers an exceptional destination to live, work, study, or explore.
  • Population just over 5.3 million (2023), with 1.3 million born overseas (≈ 26.6%)
  • International migration is now the primary driver of population growth; natural increase is slowing
  • Notable features: lush landscapes (Southern Alps, fjords, vineyards in Marlborough and Hawke’s Bay), Māori cultural heritage, reputation for outdoor lifestyle and political stability
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Types of Visas

Visitor & Digital Nomad Visa

  • Visitor Visa for tourism, business, visiting family; Business Visitor separately processed
  • From Jan 27, 2025, remote workers may apply under Visitor Visa (up to 90 days) as digital nomads

Working Holiday Visa

  • Available to citizens of ~45 countries (e.g. UK, Canada, India, China)
  • Duration: up to 23 months for UK & Canada; ~12 months for most others
  • Age restriction: typically 18–30 (some up to 35)

Student Visa

  • Full‑time study; often includes part-time work rights
  • Processing: ~2–6 weeks depending on visa type (exchange, pathway, etc.)

Work Visas

  • Includes: Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), post‑study, specific‑purpose, partner, etc.

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa

  • Points-based: must meet minimum 160+ points or simplified current threshold (minimum 6 required to be invited)
  • Requirements: age ≤ 55, health/character, job offer with accredited employer, English, etc.
  • Application fee: NZD 4,290 for residence stage (EOI stage is free)
  • Processing: typically 6–9 months for residence approval, plus up to 30 working days to issue permit stamp

Investor & Entrepreneur / “Golden Visa”

  • Investment-based streams:
  • Growth visa: NZD 5 million held for 3 years
  • Balanced visa: NZD 10 million over 5 years
  • No English-language requirement required as of April 2025
  • Family can be included; only 21 days presence needed in NZ; processing ~11 days

Parent Boost Visa (since June 8, 2025)

  • Multi-entry for migrant parents for 5–10 years
  • Requires health insurance, financial criteria, good character

Work Visas in New Zealand

  • New Zealand offers a range of work visa options for skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and temporary workers. These visas are designed to support the country’s growing economy by filling skill shortages and attracting global talent, while also offering migrants a pathway to permanent residency.

Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

  • The AEWV is the main work visa route for skilled foreign workers. It allows you to work for a New Zealand-accredited employer in a job that meets minimum pay and skill thresholds.

Key Features

  • Must have a job offer from an accredited employer
  • The role must pay at least the median wage (currently NZD $29.66/hour) or meet exemption criteria (like Green List occupations)
  • Visa is valid for up to 3 years (extendable to 5 years for high-skilled roles)
  • Offers a pathway to residence through the Green List or Work to Residence categories

Eligibility

  • Meet health and character requirements
  • Job must be genuine and full-time
  • English language requirements may apply depending on the role

Green List Work to Residence Visa

  • For roles that are in demand and on the Green List (such as doctors, nurses, engineers, IT specialists), you can work in New Zealand for 24 months and then apply for residence.

Benefits

  • Direct pathway to permanent residency
  • Lower English language requirements
  • Shorter processing times and priority handling

Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Work Pathway

  • Professionals with high qualifications and work experience may be eligible for a Skilled Migrant Resident Visa after gaining employment and meeting the points-based system requirements.

Points are awarded for

  • Job offer in NZ
  • Age, qualifications, work experience
  • Partner’s qualifications
  • NZ work experience

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

  • If your partner holds a work visa (such as AEWV or SMC), you may be eligible for an open work visa, allowing you to work for any employer in NZ.

Specific Purpose or Event Visa

  • This visa is for individuals entering New Zealand for a specific project or event—e.g., business consultants, sports players, film crew, etc.

Post-Study Work Visa

  • For students who’ve completed eligible qualifications in NZ, this visa allows them to work for 1 to 3 years, depending on their course and level.

Work Visa Costs (as of 2025)

Visa Type Fee (NZD) Processing Time
AEWV approx. $750 6–8 weeks
Work to Residence approx. $990 3–4 months
Partner of a Worker approx. $700 2–3 months
Post-Study Work approx. $700 5–7 weeks
SMC Residence (after work) approx. $4,290 (residence) 6–9 months (PR stage)

Benefits of New Zealand Work Visas

  • Live with family (partner and children can often join)
  • Access to public healthcare and schools
  • Work in a safe, politically stable, and inclusive country
  • Opportunity to move into permanent residency after 2–3 years in many cases

In-Demand Work Areas (Green List Examples)

  • Healthcare: Nurses, GPs, specialists
  • Construction: Civil engineers, surveyors, project managers
  • IT & Tech: Software developers, cybersecurity analysts
  • Education: Early childhood and secondary teachers
  • Agriculture & Trades: Dairy farmers, electricians, plumbers
  • New Zealand’s work visa programs are increasingly streamlined and employer-driven, aiming to match global talent with local labour market needs. If you’re skilled, motivated, and seeking an exceptional quality of life, a New Zealand work visa could be the ideal gateway to your future.

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Why Choose Us?

Expertise You Can Trust

  • With years of experience navigating Canada’s complex immigration system, our team of certified immigration consultants and legal experts ensures every application is prepared accurately, professionally, and in compliance with the latest IRCC policies.

End-to-End Support

  • From helping you secure a job offer or LMIA, to preparing work permit applications, to guiding you toward permanent residency — we’re with you every step of the way. No guesswork, no missed steps.

Tailored Pathways

  • We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We assess your unique background — education, work experience, goals — and match you with the best visa stream (employer-specific, open, Global Talent, IEC, etc.).

Faster Processing with Strategic Programs

  • We specialize in high-priority and fast-track programs like:
  • Global Talent Stream (2-week processing)
  • Francophone Mobility Stream
  • Post-Graduate Work Permits
  • We help you get to Canada quicker.

Strong Employer Network

  • We collaborate with reputable Canadian employers actively hiring foreign talent in tech, healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades — increasing your job chances significantly.

Transparent Pricing

  • No hidden fees. You’ll receive a clear breakdown of service costs, IRCC fees, and timelines before you commit.

1000+ Clients Served Successfully

  • Our success rate speaks for itself. We’ve helped thousands of individuals and families realize their Canadian dream — and we’d love to help you next.

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