Overview
New Zealand offers several work visa pathways, but how open the country is for you depends on your passport. On the WikiVisa openness scale (where a lower score means more open), an Australian passport scores 5/100 — Very Open, meaning you can easily get a work visa without a job offer. A Chinese passport scores 75/100 — Restrictive, so you'll likely need employer sponsorship. A Kenyan passport scores 85/100 — Very Restrictive, making a job offer and accredited employer essential. Check New Zealand's openness for your passport → to see where you stand. If your score is low (open), you may qualify for a working holiday or post-study visa. If your score is high (restrictive), focus on the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Who qualifies
Eligibility depends on the visa type, but general requirements include:
- A valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond your intended stay)
- Good health and character (may require medical exam and police certificate)
- Genuine intention to work (not to overstay or breach visa conditions)
- Sufficient funds to support yourself initially (typically NZD 1,000–2,000 per month)
- For employer-sponsored visas: a job offer from an accredited employer and relevant skills/qualifications
Visa types
| Visa Type | Who it suits | Key features | Duration | Work rights |
|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer | Most common work visa; requires employer accreditation and labour market test | 7 months to 5 years | Tied to specific employer and role |
| Working Holiday Visa | Citizens of partner countries aged 18–30 (up to 35 for some) | Open work rights; no job offer required; limited to one entry | Up to 12 months (up to 23 months for UK/Canada) | Open (any employer, any sector) |
| Post Study Work Visa | International graduates of New Zealand institutions | Open work rights based on qualification level; no job offer needed | 1–3 years | Open |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | Workers for short-term projects, seasonal jobs, or business visits | Tied to a specific purpose; flexible duration | Up to 12 months (extendable) | Restricted to the purpose |
How to apply
- Determine the right visa type — Use the table above or check your eligibility on the Immigration New Zealand website.
- Prepare your documents — Gather all required documents (see below). Ensure translations are certified if not in English.
- Submit an Expression of Interest (if required) — Only for some residence pathways; most work visas apply directly.
- Complete the online application — Create a RealMe account on the Immigration New Zealand website and fill out the form.
- Pay the fee — Fees vary by visa type and are paid online (see costs table).
- Attend biometrics appointment (if required) — Some nationalities need to provide fingerprints and photo at a Visa Application Centre.
- Wait for processing — Processing times vary; check current estimates on the official site.
- Receive decision — If approved, you'll receive an eVisa or a label in your passport.
Costs & timelines
| Visa Type | Application fee (NZD) | Average processing time |
|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | 550–1,200 | 4–8 weeks |
| Working Holiday Visa | 245–420 | 2–4 weeks |
| Post Study Work Visa | 700–1,000 | 3–6 weeks |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | 300–600 | 2–4 weeks |
*Fees and processing times are approximate and change regularly. Verify current fees at the Immigration New Zealand - Official Government Portal.*
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport (with at least 3 months validity beyond intended stay)
- Passport-sized photos (meeting NZ visa photo requirements)
- Job offer letter (for employer-sponsored visas)
- Employer accreditation certificate (for AEWV)
- Evidence of qualifications (degrees, diplomas, or trade certificates)
- Work experience evidence (CV, reference letters)
- Medical certificate (if staying more than 6 months or from a high-risk country)
- Police certificate (from your home country and any country you've lived in for 12+ months in the last 10 years)
- Proof of funds (bank statements, pay slips)
- Travel insurance (recommended)
- Completed application form (online)
Common mistakes
- Applying for the wrong visa — Many applicants choose a visa that doesn't match their situation, leading to rejection. Check your eligibility carefully.
- Incomplete or incorrect documents — Missing translations or uncertified copies can delay or deny your application.
- Not meeting health or character requirements — Failing to disclose medical conditions or past convictions can result in a ban.
- Underestimating processing times — Apply well in advance of your intended start date.
- Overstaying a visitor visa — You cannot switch to a work visa from a visitor visa if you've overstayed.
FAQ
Can I apply for a work visa from within New Zealand?
Yes, if you hold a valid temporary visa (e.g., visitor or student visa) that allows it. Some visas require offshore applications.
Do I need a job offer for a work visa?
For the AEWV and Specific Purpose Work Visa, yes. For Working Holiday and Post Study Work visas, no.
How long can I stay on a work visa?
From 7 months (AEWV for lower-skilled roles) up to 5 years (AEWV for higher-skilled roles). Working Holiday visas are usually 12 months.
Can I bring my family?
Yes, but family members need to apply separately for visitor or work visas. Some work visas allow dependent children to study.
What if my visa application is refused?
You can request a reconsideration or appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, but you must have valid grounds.
Next steps
Your New Zealand work visa options depend heavily on your passport. For example, an Australian passport (score 5/100 — Very Open) means you can easily get a Working Holiday visa. But a Kenyan passport (score 85/100 — Very Restrictive) means you'll need an employer-sponsored route. Check New Zealand's openness for your passport → to see your score and which visa types are realistic. Then start gathering documents and applying. For detailed requirements by nationality, see New Zealand visa requirements for your nationality.