Work in New Zealand

Work in New Zealand

We're Looking for Qualified and Skilled Migrants

Bring Your Skills to New Zealand

New Zealand currently has more jobs than we have people. So this may be the best time for you to bring your skills to New Zealand where the country is looking for migrants with the experience and skills to make a real contribution to an economy that’s on the move.

Here are your five options for a visa to work in New Zealand:

1. Skilled Migrant Category - must be 55 or younger

The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based system in which you claim points for skills, experience, and other factors to gain residence - a status that allows you to work and live in New Zealand, freely travelling in and out of the country - on a permanent basis. You do not necessarily need a job to apply - although a skilled job offer greatly improves your chances of being selected as it will add to your total points. Click here for more info.

2. Work Visa

You can apply for a temporary work visa if you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and are skilled in an occupation that's in demand.

You can also apply for a temporary work visa if you want to work in New Zealand for a specific event, are a student or trainee wanting to gain work experience, or are coming to join your partner in New Zealand.

Once you have started work in New Zealand on either of these work visas, you have the option of applying for residence without leaving the country. If you have a Skilled Migrant Category application under consideration and a job that starts soon, you can apply for a temporary work visa to start the job. Click here for more info.

3. Work to Residence

You may be qualified in a highly specialised or in-demand field, or have an exceptional talent in sports or the arts. If so, you can apply for a work visa under the Work to Residence category. This category allows you to work temporarily in New Zealand as a step towards gaining permanent residence, click here for more info.

4. Working Holiday Scheme

The Working Holiday Scheme for 18 to 30 year olds (or 18 to 35 under the BUNAC scheme for US citizens) is a temporary visa that allows you to come to New Zealand to vacation and work for up to 12 months. UK nationals can use this particular visa for a stay of up to 23 months. Note that the upper age limit, and some rules around length of employment, differs by country of origin, so be sure to click here for more info.