Working in New Zealand: New Zealand Work Visa Application Process

Atomic Answer: Working In New Zealand: New Zealand Work Visa Application Process is a critical component of the Canadian immigration framework. As of 2026, applicants navigating this pathway must adhere to the latest IRCC guidelines, ensure all documentation is properly prepared, and meet the specific eligibility requirements. Processing times and exact costs will vary based on individual circumstances.

Working in New Zealand: New Zealand Work Visa Application Process

A New Zealand work visa is a type of visa that people who come to New Zealand to work in the country must obtain. There is the possibility of obtaining more than one work visa in New Zealand. Each employee must create an application that suits their qualifications and conditions when applying for a work permit in New Zealand. In order to obtain a work permit in New Zealand, applicants must receive a job offer from an employer in New Zealand and apply for a work visa that suits the offer and their qualifications.

There are many different types of New Zealand work permits, such as skilled worker visas, religious worker work visas, new graduate work visas, and seasonal worker work visas. The New Zealand work permit program allows you to stay in the country for a limited period of time. A work permit issued for work on the high seas is also valid for New Zealand. Applications for a New Zealand work permit can be made both on land and at sea, but depending on the type of work permit, it is valid for either single or multiple entries. People who apply for a New Zealand work visa can also apply for a work permit after entering the country. The officer in charge of entering New Zealand checks whether the people who come to work meet the necessary conditions. It is recommended that people who want to work in New Zealand seek professional advice on choosing the visa that suits their qualifications and the application process for the relevant visas.

What are the New Zealand Work Visa Types?

New Zealand work visa types are listed below.

• New Zealand skilled worker work visa: Allows the applicant to stay in New Zealand for up to three years for full-time employment. A person with a New Zealand skilled worker work visa is entitled to study or receive job-related training in New Zealand for up to three months in any 12-month period.
• New Zealand work visa for artists and athletes: A type of visa that people aged 55 and under, sponsored by a nationally recognised institution in New Zealand, are eligible for if they can demonstrate special talent in their field of interest.
• New Zealand work visa for entrepreneurs: This is a type of visa that people who want to work for their own business in New Zealand and establish their own business are entitled to receive if they have 100,000 New Zealand dollars and 120 points in the points system. Entrepreneurs who are successful in their business can apply for a residence permit in New Zealand if they meet the necessary conditions.
• New Zealand work visa for new graduates: A work visa for students and trainees in New Zealand, valid for 1 to 3 years, allows new graduates who have completed their university education to work in the job group they specified in their visa application and were trained for.
• Special purpose New Zealand work visa: This is a type of work visa that is required for people coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or activity. The period in which the specific purpose will be completed must be stated. Business people, athletes, coaches, specialist assemblers or specialist service workers and Filipino nurses can benefit from a special purpose New Zealand work visa.
• New Zealand work visa for seasonal workers: People aged 18 and over can get a work visa for 6 months to plant, tend, harvest and pack crops in New Zealand.
• New Zealand work visa for religious workers: This is the type of visa that people who go to New Zealand to perform religious duties must obtain. In addition to a job offer, people with religious affiliation must also obtain sponsorship. As long as the work and sponsorship continue, after 3 years, New Zealand work visa holders for religious workers can apply for a residence permit.
• New Zealand work visa for fishermen: Valid for up to 12 months, it allows you to work as a crew member on a fishing vessel, with travel and accommodation expenses covered by the employer.
• New Zealand work visa for students and trainees: Students and trainees who want to experience practical working life can benefit from it. Those who receive formal religious education can benefit from a work visa in New Zealand for 36 months, trainee jockeys for 4 years, and those who will come for medical/dentistry and other practical training can benefit from a work visa for up to 6 months.
• New Zealand partner work visa: This is a type of work visa issued to spouses of New Zealand citizens and holders of a New Zealand student visa or a New Zealand work visa for more than 6 months.

There were two other types of work visas in addition to the occupational groups and additional situations listed above, but as of 31 October 2021, the work visa issued to workers with the necessary skills to meet New Zealand's long-term labour shortage and the work visa issued to specially skilled workers employed by accredited employers have been closed to application.

What is a New Zealand Skilled Worker Visa?

A New Zealand skilled worker visa is a type of visa that a person can obtain to work in New Zealand if they meet the requirements and have experience when offered a full-time job in New Zealand. An employer in New Zealand is required to check whether there are suitable employees in New Zealand for the position and qualifications they are looking for before making an offer to an employee in a foreign country.

What is a New Zealand Graduate Work Visa?

A New Zealand graduate work visa is granted to individuals who have completed a degree from a university in New Zealand and who intend to work in the country after graduation using the skills they have acquired in their field of study.

The qualifications of those granted a New Zealand graduate work visa depend on the department and university they study in New Zealand. Undergraduate students have 3 months after their student visa expires, and doctoral students have 6 months after their visa expires to apply for a New Zealand graduate visa . Those who wish to continue working in New Zealand must have NZ$4,200 as collateral.

What is a New Zealand Entrepreneurial Work Visa?

The New Zealand entrepreneur work visa is a type of visa given to entrepreneurs who want to set up a business in New Zealand and contribute to both themselves and the country's economy by advancing the business they intend to establish.

People who want to start their own business in New Zealand have the right to stay in the country for up to 3 years. People who set up a business in New Zealand and hold a New Zealand entrepreneur visa are allowed to include their spouse and children under the age of 19 on their visa.

How to Get a New Zealand Work Visa?

New Zealand work visa can be obtained physically or online; through authorized intermediary institutions and accredited visa agencies for New Zealand visa applications in Turkey. New Zealand visa applications, which were not accepted due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, will start accepting applications in July 2022. Applications for New Zealand work visa cannot be made before July 2022.

People who apply for a New Zealand work visa online are directed to the relevant page to apply after selecting the type of work visa to be applied for at https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa . For the New Zealand work visa online application, a RealMe account is created at https://apply.immigration.govt.nz. For the New Zealand work visa application, a credit card or debit card, a passport-sized photograph and the necessary supporting documents for the application must be ready. After the RealMe account is created for the New Zealand work visa application, the online application step is completed by uploading the necessary information and documents.

After applying online for a New Zealand work visa, an appointment must be made at VFS Global to submit the original passport and application. The application is completed after the visa service fee is paid to the VFS Global application center. Since the visa fee is paid at the time of application for New Zealand work permit applications made online, no visa fee is paid when the documents are delivered to the application center.

In cases where the New Zealand work visa application is not made online, the application form must be downloaded and filled in, and must be delivered in person to the offices of the visa application center VFS Global during business hours, or sent by post or mail, along with other documents required for the visa. After the New Zealand work visa application documents are delivered or sent by post or mail, an appointment must be made to complete the application process. The application process is completed after the visa fee and visa service fee are paid at the New Zealand work visa application appointment.

What are the Required Documents for a New Zealand Work Visa?

The documents required for a New Zealand work visa are listed below.

• New Zealand work visa application form: The New Zealand work visa application form must be filled out completely and with accurate information.
• Passport: Must be valid for 3 months beyond the date of departure from New Zealand. A photocopy of the passport must be uploaded to the system for online applications, while it is recommended to bring the original passport to speed up the process for physical applications.
• New Zealand work visa fee: The visa fee table should be reviewed as the visa fee varies in amount and currency depending on the New Zealand work visa type.
• Photo: For online applications, 1 photograph in jpg or jpeg format with dimensions of 900x1200 and 2250x3000 pixels between 500 KB - 3MB; for physical applications, 2 photographs with dimensions of 35x45 mm are required.
• Job offer: A current document from a New Zealand employer must be presented, detailing the job description, terms and conditions, payments and opportunities.
• Criminal record: The person applying for a work permit visaA report must be submitted stating that he/she has not committed any crimes against humanity, is not involved in terrorist organisations or has not made racist statements in New Zealand or any country outside New Zealand.
• Health report: Evidence must be provided that it meets New Zealand health standards and does not pose any threat to public health.
• Proof of qualifications relevant to the job offer: Documentation must be provided to demonstrate that the qualifications and skills required for work in New Zealand are met.
• Proof of experience relevant to the job offer: A history of working in New Zealand in jobs similar to the job you are applying for, details of previous jobs that demonstrate you have gained the necessary training and skills, average length of time worked, contact details of previous employers and the length of time you have worked in the job. Work experience must be in accordance with the Australian and New Zealand Standard Occupational Classification (ANZSCO).
• Employer supplementary form: Before recruiting employees from outside New Zealand, the employer must provide evidence that it is seeking suitable candidates from among New Zealand citizens, such as job advertisements published and records kept during the recruitment period.
• Professional registration: If the occupation to be undertaken in New Zealand requires professional registration, a certified copy of a full-time or temporary New Zealand registration and a certificate from the relevant authority confirming that the person is eligible for New Zealand registration must be obtained.

The documents mentioned above are the standard documents required for a work visa application and it is possible to encounter additional or different documents. Since each type of work and visa in the New Zealand work visa application is different from each other, the documents may vary.

How to Fill in the New Zealand Work Visa Application Form?

The New Zealand work visa application form must be completed by computer or by hand. If the documents required for the New Zealand work visa are not in English, all documents must be translated into English by professional sworn translators. The New Zealand work visa documents must have the signature or stamp of the official or private company or translator for which they are translated. Photocopies of all original documents must be made in addition to the New Zealand work visa application form.

Two passport-sized copies of 35x45 mm size must be attached to the New Zealand work visa application form. Name, surname and marital status, contact information, detailed questions about health status, duration of stay in New Zealand, and criminal record, job offer, financial situation and details about the type of visa to be obtained must be filled in the New Zealand work visa application form in accordance with the format and with correct information.

What Should a Job Offer Look Like for a New Zealand Work Visa?

The New Zealand work visa must be suitable for the job offered by the employer in New Zealand. It is important that all details of the job offer written by the employer, the scope of the job and the opportunities offered by the job are included in the New Zealand work visa application. The opportunities offered by the job offered in New Zealand are not considered valid for irregular conditions paid by the person working to the employer or the employer wants to pay the employee.

All job offers submitted for a New Zealand work visa must include the employer's full name, address, telephone number, email address and the full name and address of the person to whom the job offer is made, along with full details of the job scope. The job description in New Zealand must include the job title and design, the employer's address if different from the employer's address, the type of job, the duties and responsibilities required for the job, payment and working conditions, details of the qualifications, experience or education required for the job, confirmation of whether the job requires registration in New Zealand, the duration of the job and how long the job offer is valid for.

What should the health report for a New Zealand work visa be like?

For a New Zealand work visa, the health report must meet New Zealand health standards. New Zealand visa applicants must be informed about the health standards. The standard health requirements sought for New Zealand visa applicants are that they do not pose a threat to general public health, do not cost or demand high amounts of New Zealand's health or special education services, and will perform the functions they are entitled to upon entry to the country.

Anyone who will stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months must provide a medical report. Those who will stay in New Zealand for less than 12 months are required to provide a medical report if they come from countries that are not at low risk of tuberculosis or have spent more than 3 months in countries that are not at low risk of tuberculosis in the last 5 years. New Zealand may not request a medical report for visa applications, but the relevant authorities may request a medical report if deemed necessary after the application is made.

To prove that you meet the required health standards in New Zealand, individuals are required to submit a medical report. The four different medical reports that can be submitted with the New Zealand visa application form are the General Medical Report, the Restricted Medical Report, the Chest X-Ray Report and the Seasonal Worker Visa Medical Report.

In Turkey, Düzen Laboratory and Dr. Lale Tuncel in Ankara are the persons and institutions that provide health reports for New Zealand visas through the International Organization for Migration Migrant Health Center (IOM MHAC) in Istanbul.

How to Make an Appointment for a New Zealand Work Visa Application?

For New Zealand work visa applications, an appointment must be made through VFS Global. When applying for a work visa, an appointment can only be made from the VFS Global Ankara office for New Zealand. Before making an appointment for a New Zealand work visa application, it is necessary to ensure that the type of visa to be applied for is selected correctly, the necessary documents are completed with the application form, and the requested fees are met. If the original New Zealand work visa application documents are not in English, it is important to translate the documents into English and fill out the application form completely and without errors. The completed New Zealand work visa application form must be brought to the visa application center on the day and time of the appointment. After an appointment is made for a New Zealand visa, a confirmation email is sent to the registered email address with the application letter.

It is recommended to arrive at your New Zealand work visa application appointment 15 minutes before your appointment time. Only applicants, their guardians or legal guardians and those accompanying minors are allowed into the VFS Global visa application centre. Due to health and safety measures, it is not possible to enter the visa application centre where New Zealand work permit applications are received without an appointment. Payment can be made at the application centre during working hours on the day of the New Zealand work visa application appointment. If an appointment is missed at the VFS Global Visa Application Centre, the next appointment can be made 24 hours after the original appointment date and an appointment can only be rescheduled twice.

How Much Does a New Zealand Work Visa Cost?

New Zealand work visa fees are shown in the table below.

Visa Type	Online Application Visa Fee	Physical Application Visa Fee
New Zealand Skilled Worker Work Visa	495 New Zealand dollars	5,040 Turkish lira
New Zealand artist and athlete work visa	635 New Zealand dollars	6,465 Turkish lira
New Zealand entrepreneur work visa	3,365 New Zealand dollars
New Zealand special purpose work visa	530 New Zealand dollars	5,400 Turkish lira
New Zealand seasonal worker work visa	5,040 Turkish lira	5,040 Turkish lira
New Zealand clergy work visa	496 New Zealand dollars	5,040 Turkish lira
New Zealand fisherman work visa	5,040 Turkish lira	5,040 Turkish lira
New Zealand student and trainee work visa	495 New Zealand dollars	495 New Zealand dollars

The intermediary institution, visa application center, collects a visa service fee of 168 Turkish lira for online applications and 208 Turkish lira for physical applications.

How to Track New Zealand Work Visa?

New Zealand work visa tracking and query transactions can be tracked on the website where the application was made with the RealMe account used for online applications or with the reference number written on the receipt given when the visa application was made through VFS Global. Since there is no RealMe account for physical applications made for New Zealand work visas, queries can only be made through VFS Global.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Work Visa for New Zealand?

The duration of a work visa for New Zealand varies depending on the duration of the job offer. Unless there is a maximum stay in the special instructions, a work visa for New Zealand is granted for a maximum of three years.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most frequently asked questions to our center regarding New Zealand work visa applications and acquired rights are listed below with their answers.

What COVID-19 Measures Does New Zealand Have in Place for Foreign Workers?

Foreign workers entering New Zealand will need to submit a New Zealand Traveller Declaration to enter New Zealand from 31 March 2022 as part of the COVID-19 measures.

When completing the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, people are asked to provide basic documents such as a passport, an internationally valid vaccination card if necessary, a 14-day travel history, flight details, pre-travel tests if necessary, emergency contact information and an email address.

Who Does Not Require a New Zealand Work Permit?

People who do not require a New Zealand work permit are listed below.

• New Zealand citizen
• New Zealand residence visa holder
• Holder of a special type of temporary visa, whether diplomatic, consular or official
• Australian citizen
• Australian permanent resident holder
• Australian resident return visa holder
• Military visa holder
• Owner of a venture that does not fall into the business category in New Zealand

What Types of Jobs Do Not Qualify for a New Zealand Work Visa?

The following situations are considered invalid for New Zealand work visa.

• Official business representatives recognised by the New Zealand government
• Persons who act as sales representatives for an overseas company in New Zealand for not more than three months in total in any calendar year
• Persons who act in New Zealand as overseas purchasers of New Zealand goods and services for a period of not more than three months in total in any calendar year
• Persons performing work in the service of a government or intergovernmental or international organization that is entitled to any privileges and immunities under the Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities Act of 1968
• Persons who conduct business negotiations and discussions in New Zealand with authorised representatives of any overseas company, corporation or person for the establishment, expansion or termination of any business venture in New Zealand, not exceeding three months in total in any calendar year.
• Persons who have the right to come to work or do an internship with a scholarship or other award or scholarship recognized by the Directorate of Immigration Administration

The situations mentioned in the list above are not considered employment in New Zealand and therefore, there is no need to apply for a work visa for these jobs and situations. For situations that do not require a New Zealand work visa, individuals are entitled to complete their work in New Zealand with a short-term New Zealand visitor visa.

Can Family Members Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa?

Family members are not eligible to apply for a New Zealand work visa. If a New Zealand work permit holder is accompanied by a spouse, child, parent, legal guardian or other person, they must apply separately for a visa that meets their needs.

Do I Need a New Zealand Work Visa for Business Travel?

A New Zealand work visa is not required for business travel. People who are going to New Zealand for a short period of time for a commercial activity such as a business meeting, business training, congress, fair, seminar, a work-related project, or a corporate event are required to obtain a business visa, not a work visa.

Visitors to New Zealand who are entering the country for purposes other than business travel also need to obtain a different type of visa. Employees are required by law to obtain a New Zealand work visa for work that is longer than travel and is carried out by an employer in New Zealand .

What are the Work Opportunities Like in New Zealand?

When it comes to job opportunities in New Zealand, the most popular fields are information technology management, building and construction management, information technology architecture, marketing manager, supply manager, ship captain, mine manager and ophthalmologist. The largest employment centers in New Zealand are located in Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington. People working in fields such as dentists, psychiatrists, teachers, veterinarians and immigration consultants are required to register in New Zealand in order to obtain a work permit.

New Zealand has a wide range of work opportunities. Those who come to New Zealand to work and search for the most advantageous occupational group among New Zealand job postings should know that there is a need for employment in the mining and information technology fields and that merit is important in these professions.

What are the Working Conditions for an Engineer in New Zealand?

To work as an engineer in New Zealand, you must have a job offer from an employer. To work as an electrical and electronics engineer in New Zealand, you must be professionally registered.

In addition to the applications made by employees in New Zealand, employers must also comply with a set of guidelines. In order for an employee to be granted a New Zealand engineer visa , the employer must provide a narrative to the authorities that demonstrates that the employee complies with New Zealand employment and immigration laws.

What are the penalties for working illegally in New Zealand?

In New Zealand, the penalty for working illegally can be up to NZ$10,000. In New Zealand, the penalty is imposed on the employer who knowingly employs illegal workers. The maximum penalty for continuing to employ an illegal worker is NZ$50,000. In New Zealand, the penalty for exploiting an illegal worker is seven years' imprisonment or NZ$100,000. In New Zealand, both penalties can sometimes be imposed on people who employ illegal workers.