Do you have a job offer but no visa? Consider a work permit. If you have a job offer without a visa, you can apply to obtain a Temporary Work Permit, which will allow you to work in New Zealand.
You may qualify under a special visitor category and won’t need a work permit if:
- You are a New Zealand or Australian citizen or hold an Australian or New Zealand residence permit
- Your visit to New Zealand is associated with work for an overseas government, or a short-term trip for business or sales
Meeting Temporary Work Permit requirements
To be eligible for a Temporary Work Permit, you must:
- Be in good health and of good character
- Have a passport that is valid for up to a minimum of three months past the date you plan to leave New Zealand
- Be genuinely in your desire to work in New Zealand
- Apply for the right visa/permit for your visit
All the work you do in New Zealand must stay in-line with the conditions specified in your permit, and be lawful. There will be an expiry date on your permit, which will need to be abided by. Temporary Work Permits are issued under several different policies, and it is necessary to apply under the right category for your situation, especially if you have received a job offer.
I have a job offer in New Zealand
If your job offer falls onto the immediate skills shortage list, you may be best to directly apply for a visa under the general work policy. If it is not on the immediate Skill Shortage List, then your employer needs to demonstrate that no other New Zealand worker is available to do the job, and you must be able to prove that you have the appropriate qualifications and training to take the job.
My field of work is highly specialised
There are specific policies associated with the Temporary Work Permit for some specialised positions. If you are a minister of religion or planning to work in New Zealand as part of a religious order, you can use one of these policies. In addition, Immigration New Zealand also currently recognises crew members of chartered foreign fishing vessels, Japanese interpreters, Thai chefs, and seasonal horticulture and viticulture workers.
I am a tour guide
To legally work as a tour guide, leader or escort in New Zealand, you will need to be granted a Specific Purpose work visa before you travel to the country.