Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is for people who have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.

• The employer must send an online application link to the applicant.

• You can stay in New Zealand from 7 months to 5 years, depending on:

  • 1. Your occupation and skill level.

    2. Your pay rate.

    3. The date you applied for your visa.
       
       

Some work visas are available only for citizens of specific countries.

China Work Visas

• China Skilled Workers Visa: For citizens of China with a job offer on the China Skilled Job List. Valid for up to 3 years.

• China Special Work Visa: For Chinese nationals offered work as a chef, Mandarin teacher aide, tour guide, Wushu coach, or traditional medicine practitioner.
  
  

Indonesia Special Work Visa

• For Indonesian citizens with a job offer as a trained chef, Halal slaughterer, or Bahasa teacher’s aide.
  
  

Japan Interpreters Work Visa

• For Japanese citizens offered full-time interpreter roles in New Zealand’s tourism industry.
  
  

Philippines Special Work Visa

• For Filipino professionals such as registered nurses, farm managers, or engineers with valid qualifications and experience.
  
  

Republic of Korea Special Work Visa

• For Korean citizens qualified to work in occupations under the Korea Special Work list.
  
  

Thailand Chefs Work Visa

• For Thai citizens offered full-time work as Thai chefs with required qualifications and work experience.
  
  

Vietnam Special Work Visa

• For Vietnamese citizens qualified to work as chefs or engineers in New Zealand.
  
  

Domestic Staff of a Diplomat Work Visa

• For domestic workers employed by diplomatic or consular staff in New Zealand.

• Requires support from the employer and Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).
  
  

Entertainers Work Visa

• For foreign entertainers or production crew working in films, videos, or live performances where local expertise is unavailable.
  
  

Specific Purpose Work Visa

• For workers coming to New Zealand for a specific event, project, or short-term contract, including seasonal or business purposes.
  
  

Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa

• For applicants with exceptional talent in arts, culture, or sports.
  
  

Fishing Crew Work Visa

• For crew members working on fishing vessels in New Zealand waters for up to 12 months.
  
  

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

• For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents to live and work in New Zealand.
  
  

Partner of a Student Work Visa

• For partners of students studying Level 7 or 8 qualifications (on the Green List) or Level 9 or 10 postgraduate programmes.
  
  

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

• For partners of individuals holding an eligible New Zealand work visa.
  
  

Partner of NZ Scholarship Student Work Visa

• For partners of NZ Scholarship students funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
  
  

Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa

• For temporary workers employed in horticulture or viticulture industries.

• Requires a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer.
  
  

Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa

• For those already in New Zealand on a visitor or student visa who want to work up to 6 months in seasonal roles.

Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

• For those who have reported exploitation while on an employer-supported visa.

• Allows work for any employer in New Zealand while the case is investigated.
  
  

Trafficking Victim Work Visa

• For individuals certified by New Zealand Police as suspected victims of human trafficking.
  
  

Victims of Family Violence Work Visa

• For people who have experienced family violence while in a partnership-based visa or with a New Zealand partner.
  
  

Post Study Work Visa

• Allows graduates to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years after completing an eligible qualification.

• Duration depends on what and where you studied.
  
  

Business Investor Work Visa 

• Allows investors to run or invest in a business in New Zealand.

• Requires a minimum investment of NZD $1 million in an existing New Zealand business.