Work Visas

New Zealand offers several work visa options for people with suitable employment, qualifications, experience, family relationships or a specific reason for working in the country.

The appropriate visa depends on your proposed work, occupation, employer, qualifications, experience, remuneration, family circumstances and current immigration status.

Some work visas are linked to a particular employer, occupation and location, while others provide broader work rights. Holding a work visa does not automatically provide a pathway to residence.

Navigating New Zealand’s work visa system can be complex. Trusthaven Immigration provides specialist advice and application assistance to workers, partners, graduates and New Zealand employers.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa—or AEWV—is New Zealand’s principal temporary work visa for people who have an eligible job offer from an accredited employer.

An AEWV application generally requires:

A current and genuine offer of full-time employment
Employment from an accredited employer
An approved Job Check for the position
Employment for at least 30 hours per week
Pay and employment conditions meeting the applicable requirements
Relevant qualifications, occupational registration or work experience
English-language evidence where required
Acceptable health, character and genuine intentions

Unless an exemption applies, applicants generally need either at least two years of relevant work experience or a relevant qualification at level 4 or higher.

An applicant must also meet:

The occupational-classification requirements applying to the position
Any qualification or experience requirements specified in the Job Check
Any occupational-registration requirements
Any additional requirements imposed by Immigration New Zealand or the employer

A CV or an unsupported reference letter will not be sufficient. The supporting evidence should establish the applicant’s position, duties, employment dates, hours and relevant experience.

Applicants must not pay or promise money to an employer or recruiter in exchange for a job offer. Immigration New Zealand may decline an AEWV application where payment has been offered for the employment.

Duration and Maximum Continuous Stay

An AEWV may be granted for up to five years, but the visa duration and maximum continuous stay depend on factors including:

The applicant’s occupation
The occupational skill level
The remuneration
The date of application
The length and conditions of the job offer
Previous AEWVs held
Any sector-specific settings

Depending on the circumstances, the maximum continuous stay may be three or five years.

After reaching the applicable maximum continuous stay, the person may need to spend a specified period outside New Zealand before becoming eligible for another AEWV.

Supporting Your Partner or Children

Partners and dependent children cannot be included in an AEWV application. They must submit separate visa applications.

An AEWV holder may potentially be able to support:

A work or visitor visa for their partner
A visitor or student visa for a dependent child

The ability to support family visas depends on matters including:

The worker’s occupation
The occupational skill level
The worker’s remuneration
Whether the occupation is on the Green List
Whether the employment falls within an eligible sector arrangement
The age and dependency of the children
The immigration instructions applying at the time

Holding an AEWV does not automatically give a partner open work rights or allow dependent children to study as domestic students.

Changing Your Employer, Job or Location

Holding a work visa does not necessarily allow you to change your employment freely.

If you hold an employer-specific work visa and want to change your employer, occupation or work location, you may need to apply for:

A Job Change
A variation of visa conditions
A new work visa

The appropriate application depends on your existing visa conditions and the proposed employment.

For an Accredited Employer Work Visa, the proposed employer generally needs the appropriate accreditation and an approved Job Check for the relevant visa category.

A Job Change does not normally extend the expiry date of the existing visa. If the new employment requires a different visa category or a longer period of stay, a new visa application may be necessary.

You should not begin working under the new arrangements until you have received the required immigration permission.

You should obtain advice promptly if you:

Change employer
Move into a different occupation
Change work location
Receive substantially different duties
Reduce your hours
Experience a change in remuneration
Move from employment to contracting or self-employment
Are made redundant
Stop working for your employer
Want to undertake a second job

A change in employment can affect both your current visa conditions and any future residence pathway.

Green List Roles & Residence

New Zealand’s Green List identifies selected occupations that may provide a Straight to Residence or Work to Residence pathway.

There is no separate Green List work visa. A person may initially undertake the relevant employment while holding:

An Accredited Employer Work Visa
A Post-Study Work Visa
A partnership-based work visa
Another visa permitting the employment

Green List residence depends on meeting the specific requirements applying to the occupation. These may include:

New Zealand occupational registration
Prescribed qualifications
Relevant work experience
Professional membership
Minimum remuneration
Employment with an accredited employer
Acceptable employment duration and conditions

Having a job title that appears on the Green List does not automatically establish eligibility. The applicant’s actual duties, qualifications, registration, remuneration and employment arrangements must satisfy the requirements.

A person can hold a valid work visa and still not qualify for Green List residence.

Detailed information about Straight to Residence, Work to Residence and restricted occupations is available on our Green, Amber and Red Lists page.

Partnership-Based Work Visas

A person may qualify for a work visa based on their relationship with an eligible New Zealand citizen, resident, worker or student.

Immigration New Zealand will normally need to be satisfied that:

The relationship is genuine and stable
The couple is living together
The supporting partner is eligible to support the application
Both partners meet the applicable immigration requirements

Marriage by itself does not establish eligibility. The quality, consistency, and duration of the partnership evidence is important.

Partner of a Worker Work Visa

You may be eligible if your partner holds an eligible New Zealand work visa.

Eligibility and employment conditions depend on your partner’s visa, occupation, skill level, and remuneration. Some applicants may receive open work rights, while others may be subject to employment conditions.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

You may be eligible if your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident and you are living together in a genuine and stable relationship.

The visa duration depends on the couple’s circumstances and the period for which they have lived together. This visa may also give the applicant time to meet the requirements for a future partnership residence application.

Partner of a Student Work Visa

You may be eligible if your partner holds a Student Visa and is studying:

An eligible Level 7 or Level 8 qualification; or
A Level 9 or Level 10 qualification

Eligibility depends on the particular programme of study and the immigration instructions applying at the time of application.

Post-Study Work Visa

Eligible international students who complete an approved New Zealand qualification may be able to apply for a Post-Study Work Visa.

The visa can allow a graduate to remain and work in New Zealand for up to three years, depending on the qualification completed and the period of eligible study undertaken in New Zealand.

Work conditions depend on the qualification:

Holders of eligible degree-level 7 or higher qualifications may receive open work rights.
Holders of eligible non-degree qualifications at level 7 or below may be required to work in employment related to their studies.

Applicants must apply within the applicable timeframe and meet the qualification, funds, health, character and genuine-intentions requirements.

A Post-Study Work Visa is generally available only once. Course selection, cross-crediting, recognition of prior learning and changes to a programme of study can therefore affect eligibility.

From 16 November 2026, Post-Study Work Visa eligibility will extend to certain applicants who:

Complete a New Zealand level 7 Graduate Diploma
Study full-time in New Zealand for the full duration of the qualification
Do not rely on cross-crediting or recognition of prior learning to reduce the required study
Hold a bachelor’s degree completed in New Zealand or overseas

Eligible applicants may receive open work conditions. The visa may be granted for the period spent studying the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand, up to a maximum of one year.

An overseas bachelor’s degree will not require an International Qualification Assessment for this particular eligibility test, although Immigration New Zealand may examine its authenticity.

Applications submitted before 16 November 2026 remain subject to the earlier immigration instructions.

We can assess your study history, qualification, application deadline, proposed work conditions and potential pathways after graduation.

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

From 16 November 2026, eligible international graduates can apply for the new Short-Term Graduate Work Visa.

This visa provides up to six months of open work rights, giving eligible graduates time to look for employment and, where appropriate, transition to an Accredited Employer Work Visa.

Applicants must generally:

Have completed an NZQCF level 5, 6 or 7 qualification
Have studied the qualification full-time in New Zealand for at least 24 weeks
Have completed a qualification that does not otherwise provide Post-Study Work Visa eligibility
Apply within three months of their Student Visa expiring
Have at least NZD $5,000 available
Meet the applicable health and character requirements
Not have previously held a Post-Study Work Visa or Short-Term Graduate Work Visa

English-language, foundation and bridging qualifications do not qualify.

Employment may be undertaken under an employment agreement or a contract for services, but the visa does not permit business ownership.

A person can only be granted one Short-Term Graduate Work Visa, and it cannot be extended.

Short-Term Graduate Work Visa holders cannot support:

A partner for a partnership-based work visa
A dependent child for a Dependent Child Student Visa

They may potentially support family members for visitor visas. Partners and children can also apply for other visas in their own right.

Specific Purpose Work Visa

A Specific Purpose Work Visa may be available when someone needs to work in New Zealand for a defined purpose or event.

It may apply to certain:

Senior or specialist businesspeople
Employees on secondment
Installers or servicers of specialised equipment
Sportspeople, coaches, judges or referees
Nurses undertaking an approved registration process
People completing other recognised short-term assignments

The duration and evidence required depend on the particular purpose. Applicants may need to provide a job offer, invitation, assignment details, relevant qualifications or experience and evidence showing how long the work will take.

This visa is intended for a defined purpose rather than ordinary ongoing employment.

Student and Trainee Work Visa

This visa is available to people coming to New Zealand to gain practical work experience or undertake formal workplace training.

It can cover certain:

Medical and dental trainees
Religious trainees
Apprentice jockeys
Students undertaking approved practical training
Other applicants gaining experience related to their studies or profession

The proposed training must meet the requirements applying to the relevant category.

Special Country and Exchange Arrangements

New Zealand has work visa arrangements with certain countries, occupations and exchange programmes.

Requirements may include restrictions relating to citizenship, age, occupation, duration of employment or the number of visas available.

Seasonal Work Visas

New Zealand has visa options for eligible seasonal employment, including work in horticulture, viticulture and other approved seasonal roles.

Available categories may include employer-led seasonal visas and schemes involving specified employers or participating countries.

Eligibility can depend on:

The type of seasonal work
The employer’s immigration approval
The applicant’s nationality
The duration and timing of employment
Previous time spent working in New Zealand
Health, character and genuine intentions

Seasonal visas generally restrict the holder to approved work for a limited period.

Working Holiday Visas

New Zealand has Working Holiday schemes with several countries and territories.

Eligibility requirements—including age, available places, length of stay and permitted employment—vary between schemes. These visas are primarily intended for travel, with temporary employment helping the visa holder fund their stay.

Some Working Holiday Visa holders who complete qualifying seasonal work may be eligible for a short extension.

Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa

The Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa may be available to a migrant worker who holds an eligible employer-supported work visa and has made an exploitation report that has been assessed as credible.

If granted, the visa can allow the person to leave exploitative employment and work lawfully elsewhere while the matter is addressed.

Workplace exploitation can involve matters such as:

Unlawful deductions
Underpayment
Excessive working hours
Threats relating to immigration status
Payment demanded for a job
Unlawful accommodation arrangements
Being required to perform duties substantially different from the agreed employment
An employer retaining the worker’s passport
Coercion or other serious employment breaches

The category has specific eligibility and application-time requirements.

A person experiencing immediate danger should contact the New Zealand Police and appropriate employment-support services rather than waiting for an immigration application.

Victims of Family Violence Work Visa

This visa is available to someone who has experienced family violence and was in a qualifying partnership with a New Zealand citizen, resident or temporary migrant.

The applicant must provide specified evidence of the family violence and meet the relevant relationship requirements.

If granted, the visa can provide independent work rights so the applicant is not required to remain dependent on an abusive partner for their immigration status.

Religious Worker Work Visa

This visa is for people undertaking recognised religious work for an eligible sponsoring religious organisation in New Zealand.

Qualifying activities may include:

Teaching religious scripture or philosophy
Leading worship, prayer or religious ceremonies
Providing spiritual guidance and care
Performing other recognised religious duties

The sponsoring organisation and proposed religious work must meet Immigration New Zealand’s requirements. The visa can initially be granted for up to two years, with the possibility of further time subject to eligibility.

Entertainers Work Visa

Entertainers, performers, production crew and certain other people working in New Zealand’s entertainment industry may require an Entertainers Work Visa.

The production or engagement must normally be supported by an eligible New Zealand organisation. Consultation with relevant industry bodies or unions may also be required.

The evidence and visa duration depend on the applicant’s role and the nature and length of the production.

Talent in Arts, Culture and Sports

A person with exceptional talent in arts, culture or sport may be able to obtain a work visa where they are supported by an appropriate New Zealand organisation and sponsor.

Applicants generally need to demonstrate that:

They have an international reputation and record of excellence in their field
They remain prominent in that field
Their presence will enhance New Zealand’s achievements or participation
They are supported by a New Zealand organisation of national repute
They have an acceptable sponsor
They meet the applicable age, health and character requirements

Eligible visa holders may potentially qualify for residence after completing the required period of active engagement in their field in New Zealand.

Other Pathways from Temporary Work to Residence

A temporary work visa does not automatically lead to New Zealand residence.

Depending on the applicant’s occupation and circumstances, eligible employment may contribute to residence through:

The Skilled Migrant Category Points-Based Pathway
The Skilled Work Experience Pathway
The Trades and Technician Pathway
Green List Straight to Residence
Green List Work to Residence
Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
Transport Work to Residence Visa
Highly Paid Residence Pathway
Another eligible residence category

Each pathway has separate requirements concerning matters such as:

Occupation
Duties
Occupational classification
Qualifications
Occupational registration
Remuneration
Employer accreditation
Skilled work experience
English
Age
Health and character

Time spent working in New Zealand does not necessarily qualify merely because the person held a valid work visa.

The employment must satisfy the residence requirements applying during the relevant period. Changes in employer, occupation, duties, hours or remuneration can affect whether the employment continues to count.

Early advice can help determine whether current or proposed employment supports a realistic residence strategy.

Common Work Visa Application Issues

Work visa applications can be delayed or declined because of:

An invalid, incomplete or non-genuine job offer
An employer without the required accreditation
The absence of an approved Job Check
Employment documents that do not comply with New Zealand employment law
Insufficient evidence of qualifications or work experience
Duties that do not correspond with the claimed occupation
Missing occupational registration
Failure to meet the applicable English-language requirement
Inconsistent employment or immigration histories
Paying or promising money for a job offer
Applying under the wrong visa category
Insufficient partnership evidence
Applying outside the permitted timeframe
Health, character or genuine-intentions concerns
Missing or improperly translated documents
Beginning new employment without the required immigration permission

Providing a large number of documents does not necessarily resolve these issues. The application must establish that the applicant meets the specific requirements of the selected visa category.

How Trusthaven Immigration Can Help

Our Licensed Immigration Advisers can assist with:

Assessing your work visa options
Reviewing your job offer and employment documents
Checking employer accreditation
Reviewing Job Check requirements
Checking qualification and work-experience evidence
Identifying occupational-registration requirements
Assessing occupational classifications
Reviewing remuneration and employment conditions
Calculating AEWV maximum continuous stay
Assessing stand-down requirements
Preparing Accredited Employer Work Visa applications
Preparing Job Change applications
Assessing partnership-based work visa eligibility
Reviewing partnership evidence
Assessing visas for dependent children
Checking Post-Study Work Visa eligibility and deadlines
Assessing Short-Term Graduate Work Visa eligibility
Reviewing seasonal and specific-purpose visa options
Advising workers affected by redundancy
Assisting workers affected by exploitation
Preparing and submitting visa applications
Responding to Immigration New Zealand concerns
Addressing previous visa declines
Comparing temporary work and residence requirements
Planning potential residence pathways
Assisting with complex work visa applications

Our assessment considers the applicant’s complete employment, qualification, immigration, and family circumstances rather than relying only on the job title or visa currently held.

Get Professional Work Visa Advice

Choosing the correct work visa requires more than identifying a job or employer.

Your proposed duties, employer accreditation, Job Check, qualifications, work experience, occupational registration, remuneration, family circumstances and future residence plans may all need to be considered.

Contact Trusthaven Immigration for a professional assessment of your New Zealand work visa options.