New Zealand Work Visa Services | Licensed Immigration Adviser

Your Trusted Partner for New Zealand Work Visas

Leaving your current country of residence and settling in New Zealand is arguably one of the biggest decisions of your life. It will involve a number of challenges, but nothing is more important than finding a job and the best available pathway for your visa.

We can assist you. We, a team of advanced New Zealand immigration experts, assist skilled professionals, workers and their families on their journey to immigrating to and getting settled in New Zealand. We provide our clients with the necessary support at every stage of the immigration process.

We have many years of experience in the migration industry. We have successfully assisted many thousands of migrants from different countries all over the world to fulfill their visa goals and career aspirations in New Zealand. We are knowledgeable about the intricacies of New Zealand Immigration Law, the requirements of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), and the extensive and rapidly changing landscape of visas. You don't need to struggle with it on your own.

We make your New Zealand immigration dreams a reality.

Why Choose Us as Your New Zealand Immigration Consultant?

We Have a Record of Success
Thousands of applicants have been successful with our help from around the world.

We Help You Personally
The advice we give is individualized based on your skills, education, and goals.

Complete Support
From determining if you qualify for a visa and helping you get a job to providing settlement services.

Expert Knowledge
We have the latest knowledge of Immigration New Zealand policies and the various types of visas available.

Wide Experience
We have assisted clients from many countries, industries, and backgrounds with their applications.

Work Visa Streams to New Zealand

There are a number of pathways for people seeking to migrate for work to New Zealand. Two of the main pathways are outlined below.

1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa
Targeted at people who have the required skills, qualifications, and work experience that New Zealand requires. This pathway is based on points and favors applications that have work experience, qualifications that are recognized, and job offers that are in a skill shortage occupation.

Suitable for:
- Recognized professional qualifications in New Zealand
- Work experience in occupations that are in demand
- People who desire a direct pathway to permanent residence.

2. Work to Residence Visa
This visa is applicable for people who have qualifications in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand. This visa provides the holder with the right to work in New Zealand. The holder is also given the opportunity to apply for residence once he/she has fulfilled the set criteria.

Who is this for?

Workers in professions with a demand in New Zealand, especially those in construction and engineering, healthcare, IT, and trades.

Applicants seeking temporary residency as a stepping stone to applying for permanent residency.

Those with formal employment contracts with New Zealand approved employers.

Start Your New Zealand Journey Today

We provide assistance across the various routes under the Skilled Migrant Category and the Work to Residence Visa. Get in touch with us to learn how we can assist you with your visa application.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – New Zealand Work Visas

1. What is the easiest way to get a work visa for New Zealand?

There is no ‘easiest’ visa, rather the best pathway for you will be based on your skills, qualifications, work experience, and whether you have a job offer. Some of the more common visa pathways are the Skilled Migrant Category, Work to Residence Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), and Essential Skills-based work visas.

2. What is an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The AEWV is New Zealand’s most common temporary work visa, and requires a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. It has replaced many of the older work visa categories and, more often than not, is the stepping stone towards residence.

3. How long does it take to get a New Zealand work visa?

This will depend on the category of visa you apply for, and whether the visa is “in demand” and therefore has high volume applications. The process can take a few weeks, but more often than not will take several months to complete. It also depends how complete your application is and how accurate the information you submit is.

4. Can my family come to New Zealand on my work visa?

In most cases, you can apply to have your partner and dependent children come to New Zealand as well. This will depend on the work visa you hold as well as how long your visa will be.

5. What kinds of jobs are offered in New Zealand?

These jobs may include healthcare workers, engineers, IT specialists, trades (building, electrical, plumbing etc), teachers, and agricultural workers just to name a few. Typically these kinds of occupations will be listed on the New Zealand Green List, and the other skill shortage lists.

6. What is the New Zealand Green List?

New Zealand’s Green List identifies occupations with genuine skill shortages. Residents of these occupation types have a quicker and easier pathway to citizenship.

7. Is a job offer required to apply for a work visa?

A valid job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand is typically required for the majority of work visa categories, including the AEWV. Some visa categories, such as the Skilled Migrant Category, do not always require a job offer, but these categories are competitive and a job offer is an advantage.

8. Can a work visa lead to permanent New Zealand citizenship?

Yes. Many work visas, including the Work to Residence Visa and AEWV, can lead to New Zealand citizenship.

9. How much does a New Zealand work visa cost?

The exact cost will depend on the categories of the visa chosen. Immigration New Zealand determines the visa categories and costs and are subject to change. The visa application process requires various medical checks, police clearance certificates, and various assessments of qualifications which will incur additional costs.

10. Do I need to prove my qualifications are recognized in New Zealand?

Yes. Most skilled work visas require an evaluation of qualifications as comparable to a New Zealand qualification, typically through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) or another comparable evaluating body.

11. Why should I use a licensed immigration consultant over doing it myself?

Licensed immigration advisers mitigate the risk of mistakes, position your application in line with current Immigration New Zealand policies, recommend the most efficient pathways, and increase the chances of successful application, while simultaneously reducing the risk of stress and rejection.

12 Can I work in New Zealand without a job offer?

Some visas (working holiday, some visitor visas) allow limited work; most work visas require a job offer.

13. What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

The main work visa pathway requiring the employer to be accredited and the job to pass a job check.

14. Can a work visa lead to residence?

Yes — several pathways (Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence, Work to Residence) are designed to lead to permanent residence after set conditions are met.

Disclaimer: Immigration laws and policies are subject to constant change. The content provided is general in nature and doesn’t constitute immigration advice. Please consult a licensed immigration adviser for trusted advice relating to your situation.