How can you get a job in New Zealand if you do not have a visa yet?

Your job search in New Zealand and the Catch 22 dilemma.

The Catch 22 dilemma does not only affect your visa application process - you need a job to get a visa - it also makes your job search in New Zealand a lot more complex:

  • Often only applicants who hold a visa that allows them to work in New Zealand may apply for roles.
  • Online job portals might not even let you submit your job application.
  • Electronic systems might filter your application out before it can even be seen by a human eye.
  • New Zealand employers might be hesitant to offer a job to somebody who does not hold a visa yet.
  • Recruiters will not accept you as a preferred candidate because you are not 'work ready'.]
be 56 years or under

"Only applicants with the right to work in New Zealand may apply"
or
"Unfortunately, we are not able to consider your application if you do not possess a valid work visa"

graphic of recruiters searching for applicants

"Please get back in contact with us once you have obtained either residency or a work permit and we would be only too happy to assist.

Good luck with your job search."

be 56 years or under


"Your chances of obtaining a visa are good, once you have secured a job offer.

Good luck with your job hunt and we see you when you have secured a job."

image of catch 22 dillemma in practice

How will the Catch 22 dilemma affect your job hunt?

Migrant perspective:

'Hi Anna, My husband Paul and I have been exploring the possibility of emigrating to New Zealand. We have already been advised that we would require job offers to secure visas. The biggest challenge we are encountering is in applying for vacancies in New Zealand. Do you offer assistance in this regard?'

Recruiter perspective:

'Dear S. Thank you for your recent application for work in New Zealand. While the New Zealand market is currently seeking skilled candidates, most employers prefer to interview candidates face to face rather than conduct phone or video conference interviews. It is also preferred that you already are eligible to work in New Zealand and be available within four weeks. Please get back in contact with us once you have obtained either residency or a work permit and we would be only too happy to assist. Good luck with your job search. Regards, RG, Recruiter, Wellington'

Employer perspective:

Employers are not permitted to employ anybody who does not have the legal right to work in New Zealand. The prospect of offering a job to a migrant is daunting and the visa application process highly bureaucratic.
This might make it difficult for you to convince a potential employer that you are the best candidate for the role.

Why New Zealand employers can be hesitant to offer a job to a migrant

The implications of offering a role to a migrant who is not officially permitted to work in New Zealand yet are huge and employers often simply do not have the time to take care of the required formalities while running their day-to-day business.

For these practical reasons they might prefer job candidates who are readily available to start working for them. But it is also the complexity of the process that might deter them.

Employers responsibilities: The process of employing a migrant is complex

For employers who are looking at hiring migrants for the first time, the immigration process can seem overwhelming. They may be unsure of what to do and at what stage.

They must ensure the migrant's visa status:

The Immigration Act is clear that employers must not hire migrants who are not entitled to work for them. The onus and obligation is placed on the employer.
Before a migrant can begin working, the employer must check that the conditions of their visa allow them to work in New Zealand. They need to ensure that their prospective employee is able to settle here and work for them.

They might have to undertake a Labour Market Test:

Some visas require the employer to complete a Labour Market Test before hiring a migrant.
The New Zealand employer has to prove that they have made genuine attempts to find a New Zealander who can fill the position before offering the job to a migrant. This is a lengthy and quite challenging process which might deter the employer from offering a job to a migrant.

Is the migrant really fully committed?

The decision to move to a new country is a life changing step for any migrant on many levels. It is not uncommon - and entirely understandable - for migrants to have a change of mind about leaving their home country.

For the employer however this change of mind will be a frustrating experience, especially if they have supported the visa application process, counting on gaining the specific skills of that migrant for their business, and then having to start their recruitment process all over again.

How working with us will empower you to break through the job hunt Catch 22

While our team of Job Search Professionals will provide expert advice on navigating New Zealand's employment market as well as the job application process, our Licensed Immigration Advisers will take care of all visa formalities for you and assist your New Zealand employer with their part in the visa application process, including labour market testing if necessary.

Your Licensed Immigration Adviser will advise and support the New Zealand employer, considerably alleviating the pressure of having to comply with visa requirements, and making their proportion of the visa application process a lot less daunting.

By engaging the help of a Licensed Immigration Adviser you can demonstrate your full commitment to your job search process and convince your future employer that you are serious about working for them.

Involving a Licensed Immigration Adviser will make a deciding difference for the success of your job hunt. It will make the process of employing you a lot easier for your New Zealand employer!

Beat the Catch 22:

Visa Assistance and Job Search Service from under one umbrella.

A Migrant Perspective

'Hi Anna, My husband Paul and I have been exploring the possibility of emigrating to New Zealand. We have already been advised that we would require job offers to secure visas. The biggest challenge we are encountering is in applying for vacancies in New Zealand. Do you offer assistance in this regard?'

A Recruiters Perspective

'Dear S. Thank you for your recent application for work in New Zealand. While the New Zealand market is currently seeking skilled candidates, most employers prefer to interview candidates face to face rather than conduct phone or video conference interviews. It is also preferred that you already are eligible to work in New Zealand and be available within four weeks. Please get back in contact with us once you have obtained either residency or a work permit and we would be only too happy to assist. Good luck with your job search. Regards, RG, Recruiter, Wellington'

An Employers Perspective

Employers are not permitted to employ anybody who does not have the legal right to work in New Zealand. The prospect of offering a job to a migrant is daunting and the visa application process highly bureaucratic.
This might make it difficult for you to convince a potential employer that you are the best candidate for the role.

At NZIC we look at the full picture when approaching your migration process.

Our Licensed Immigration Advisers will coordinate your visa application process with your job search and our Job Search Professionals will align your job search with your visa process.

The Solution: Our Fusion Service Visa Service and Job Search Service from under one umbrella. At NZIC we look at the full picture when approaching your migration to New Zealand.

Our holistic approach to your immigration process will empower you to break through the Catch 22 wall.

Together our Visa Service and our Job Search Service will provide you with a powerful tool: Our Fusion Service.


Your Job Search and our Fusion Service in practice - A Success Story:

Our Client

Our Licensed
Immigration Adviser

The Employer

Our Client


"Good evening! This morning I phoned Ruth W. from X. I have let her know that we are in daily contact. I also told her that from my perspective, all is in excellent shape, and I am confident we will receive an answer to the work visa application very soon.She mentioned that she wants me to start next week. I have a feeling that they are not willing to wait any longer. Ruth is very keen to know in which phase we are and how things are looking. Could you please give her a quick update on the current situation? Thank you very much.Kind regards, Christopher."


"Hello Carsten! Yeah! A dream has come true and I am so happy!
I cannot wait to join the X. team. :-) Thank you very much for your help and support in this challenging time. I really appreciate all you have done for me. Kind regards, Christopher"


"Good morning Christopher. Sorry to have woken you this morning!!  As discussed,  your work visa has been approved - congratulations!  Attached is the confirmation we have received from Immigration New Zealand.  Please print this document and keep with your passport at all times.  We wish you luck on your first day! Kind regards, Carsten Hallwass, Licensed New Zealand Immigration Adviser."


"WOW, Totally awesome Christopher. So thrilled for you that you get to have your dream to come true and you get to work in New Zealand.  And for us here at X, we are thrilled that you will be working for us now. Thank you so much for all you have done to achieve this great result. Please thank Maj and the other members of the team who have all done their part in achieving a work permit for such a fine young man as Christopher is.This is certainly a wonderful day! Have a great one too and kindest regards, Ruth W. | Director."

Working with us will empower you to break through the Catch 22 job search wall!

Read more about job searching in NZ:

Job Searching in NZ

Do you want to migrate to New Zealand?

Base your move on solid grounds: Ask us for a Free Assessment and join our Immigration Webinar.

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NZIC was a great help in getting my family and I to New Zealand.  Anna was worth her weight in gold. In the end, I got a great job in a great city.  Carsten and his team were very thorough and helpful when it came time to apply for and get our visas. They are now helping us with our resident visas, and I'm certain that the process will be the same.  I'd recommend them highly.

KJ
USA
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At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!

AF
Indonesia
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NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.

CK
Germany
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Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.

BV
South Africa