Temporary Permits

Work Visa or Permit

If you wish to take up employment in New Zealand you need to apply for a work permit.

Employment means any activity undertaken for gain or reward.

There are three work permit categories:

• Skilled stream
• Family stream
• Humanitarian stream

Work permit applicants under the Skilled/General work policy must provide an offer of employment and meet registration requirements if applicable.

Applicants must also prove that no New Zealand resident or citizen is available to do the work offered to him or her (Labourmarket  Shortages Test).

If an application is based on an offer of employment in an occupation that is included on the current Immediate Skill Shortage List or the Long Term Skill Shortage List, visa officers will accept that no suitably qualified New Zealand citizen or resident is available.

Some employers have an Approval in Principle to employ non-New Zealand citizens or resident workers.

In all other cases, in addition to submitting an offer of employment, applicants must also submit evidence establishing that their prospective employer has made genuine attempts to attract and recruit suitable workers in New Zealand, but that there are no New Zealand citizens or residents suitably qualified by training and experience available, or readily able to be trained to do the work offered.

As well as meeting the above requirements, applicants must also meet health and character requirements and be bona fide applicants.

Under Family work policy partners of New Zealand citizens or residents may be issued with a work visa or permit if they are in a genuine and stable relationship, the New Zealand partner intends to be in New Zealand for the same period of time and supports the application.

Special work visas and permits are available for partners of holders of work visas and permits and permits issued under Long Term Business Visa Policy and Work to Residence (Skilled Migrant Category) Policy.

To find out whether you might be eligible for a work visa or permit under the General Work policy, please contact us by email or telephone. (click here)

   "We are looking forward to hearing from you."

Questions you might like to ask us:

	Jobsearch - Where can I get help with finding employment?
	Business for Sale - Can I buy an existing business?
	Study in New Zealand - Residence through studies?
	Open a bank account - how can I transfer my money?
	What are the English language requirements?
	Will I be eligible for public healthcare?
	What customs requirements are there?
	Will I be able to bring my pets?
	Will I be able to use my skills?