New Zealand Work Visa: Types, Requirements, and Application Process.

New Zealand is emerging as a preferred destination to study abroad as well as for employment. People from around the world apply for a New Zealand work visa to work in this island country, along with studying. If you are looking for a New Zealand Work visa, then in this article, we will elaborate on how to get a New Zealand work visa and which one suits your professional purpose the best.

Why Work in New Zealand?

Working in New Zealand offers a unique blend of natural beauty and a high quality of life. The country boasts stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to majestic mountains, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. New Zealand also prioritizes work-life balance, with a strong emphasis on family and leisure time. Its progressive policies promote diversity and equality, making it an attractive destination for those seeking an inclusive society.

Moreover, the nation’s strong economy and stable political environment provide job security. With a friendly population and a vibrant culture, New Zealand offers a fulfilling work experience in a picturesque setting.

Who Needs a New Zealand Work Visa?

Indians need a valid visa to work in New Zealand, and each work visa comes with its own set of requirements. In most cases, you can apply for a work visa if you meet the following eligibility criteria:

1. have a job offer from a New Zealand employer 
2. are coming for a specific work-related purpose or event
3. have a partner here and want to join them and work 
4. are from a country with a special work scheme, or have been studying and want to work here.

Some work visas can also lead to permanent residence, or the right to live, study, and work indefinitely. To apply, you must have the necessary skills, experience, and qualifications for employment in New Zealand.

Also Read: Apply for a New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa While You are On a Visitor or Student Visa.

5 Main Types of New Zealand Work Visas

New Zealand offers 12 different types of work visas for Indian applicants, but some are especially important to understand. Below are the key New Zealand work visas you should know about:

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is for those who have a job offer from an accredited employer. This visa permits up to five years of stay (depending on the work contract). The visa gives you permission to work for at least 30 hours a week, and to study for 3 months a year. To get this visa, you must be able to speak in English, have the necessary skills, and qualifications required for the job.

Post-Study Work Visa 

New Zealand is issuing a post-study work visa to international students. This visa is only for students who have completed their studies in New Zealand. The visa permits you to stay back and work in the country for 3 years (depending on your course). You can choose to work for any employer or a job that requires a degree level 7 or higher qualification. If you have a non-degree level qualification, you can work at a job that meets the requirements. However, you must have at least NZD 5,000 to pay your living expenses. Ensure that you are applying before the student visa expires.

Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for people who want to establish a business or want to work in their own business in New Zealand. The things you need for this visa are: a capital of NZD 100,000 to invest, and a solid business plan. You must also be able to get at least 120 points in the point scale system. You are allowed to stay up to 3 years with this visa. Holding this visa means that within 12 months, you can set up your business, choose to bring your partner/children, and even travel in and out of the country.

Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa

This visa is issued to those with exceptional talent in the field of sports, arts, or culture. You can stay for up to 30 months with this visa. However, to enter, you must have the support of a sponsor and a New Zealand organisation that recognises your excellence in the field. This is visa can serve as a pathway to permanent residency in New Zealand. Right after two years of stay, you can seek residency in the country. You can travel in and out of New Zealand. If the residency application becomes successful, you can stay indefinitely in the country.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

This New Zealand work visa is for those who have a partner who is a New Zealand citizen or has a resident visa. You are permitted to stay up to 3 years in the country wth this visa. However, you must prove that you have the support of the partner who is a resident or a citizen of the country. Your relationship must be genuine, and you must have sufficient funds to pay for your expenses. This visa allows you to work or study in the country. Moreover, you are allowed to travel in and out of New Zealand.

New Zealand Work Visa Requirements

Every Visa category has its New Zealand work visa requirements and conditions. However, there are requirements that are common for everyone.These requirements are as follows:

1. You must have a Real work account. This account works as your profile with the New Zealand Immigration Department and is used for formal communication.
2. Identity proof and Character proof, which must be recent.
3. Getting Medical certificates showing physical fitness 
4. Proof that you meet the financial requirements (For example, show bank balance). This is only applicable to certain work visas.
5. Proof of English langauge proficiency. For example, IELTS, TOEFL test results
6. Translation of documents into English, if they are originally made in a native language.
7. Official passport or certificate of identity and two acceptable visa photographs.
8. Proof of good character (completed character questionnaire, Police Certificates from your country of origin and any country where you’ve lived at least five years since turning 17)
9. Proof of being bonafide

New Zealand Work Visa Application Process 

The majority of the visa application procedure is completed online through New Zealand’s Immigration website. This online process is simple and quick, and the online form should take no more than 15 minutes to complete. Alternatively, you can send the application form for the kind of visa you choose, along with all relevant supporting papers, to the designated suitable site or centre.

Depending on the type of visa you filed for, you will be told whether you need to send in your passport or whether you will be issued an e-Visa. This is an electronic visa that is stored in the immigration system and substitutes for the actual sticker or stamp on your passport. This e-Visa is valid for work visas as well.

Steps to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa

As an Indian, you can apply for a New Zealand work visa through VFS Global. The paper visa application process is as follows:

1. Get the visa application form and complete the same. You can download the form or get it from the nearest visa application centre.
2. Gather the necessary documents. Ensure you have relevant documents.
3. Book a visa appointment and show up on the date of your visa appointment
4. Prepare for the visa interview, and attend the same. 
5. Biometrics will be recorded at this stage.
6. Pay the visa application fee (if you haven’t already paid)
7. Your visa application will be processed. 
8. A decision will be made, and you will be informed of the same.

New Zealand Work Visa Processing Time

On average, the New Zealand Work permit processing time can be anywhere from weeks to several months, depending on several conditions such as the type of work visa, applicant profile, visa staff availability, and embassy regulations. The processing time of the above work visas is provided below:

New Zealand Work Visas	Processing Time
Accredited Employer Work Visa	5 weeks
Post Study Work Visa	5 weeks
Entrepreneur Work Visa	13 months
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa	5 weeks
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa	7 weeks

New Zealand Work Visa Cost 

The New Zealand Work Visa Cost are as follows. The visa fees are subject to change. Also, the visa fees vary depending on the work visa you are applying for. Here we have provided fees of the work visas provided above.

New Zealand Work Visas	Fees
Accredited Employer Work Visa	NZD 1540
Post Study Work Visa	NZD 1670
Entrepreneur Work Visa	NZD 12380
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa	NZD 1630
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa	NZD 1630

Also Read: Why Would a Work Visa Be Denied to Indians?

Things to Expect When You Arrive in New Zealand on a Student Visa

You must know what to expect when you arrive in New Zealand. It’s a new country, and there are certain rules you need to follow. These tips will help you to have a smooth transition.

1. Expect checking at the border. You must have your passport, eVisa confirmation, and arrival card (given on the flight). You must be ready to answer questions about the purpose of your visit, accommodation, and job offer.
2. Accommodation: You might be picked up by your employer or you have to arrange transportation to your accommodation.
3. Get Your IRD Number (Tax ID):  To legally work and receive a salary, you must apply for an IRD (Inland Revenue Department) number. You need a New Zealand bank account, your passport, and a work visa for the same. Once documents are submitted, it takes around 2 to 5 days to be processed.
4. Get a bank account: You must have a New Zealand bank account.
5. Adjust culturally: You need to culturally adjust. Be open to understanding the unique Kiwi culture and customs, and embrace the differences and try to connect with locals.

FAQs

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How to Choose the Right Course When Studying Abroad in New Zealand	Australia Work Visa for Indias: Types, Requirements, Fees, and Application Process

Hope this article provided you with the required information about New Zealand Work Visas. Getting an academic degree abroad can help you pave your career path on a global level. We at Leverage Edu specialize in helping students with the enrollment and admission processes of their dream university. To begin your journey towards professional success, connect with our career experts with a free e-meeting today!