WORK VISAS TO NEW ZEALAND

ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA TO NEW ZEALAND

Work visas allow migrants with appropriate skills, qualifications and work experience to work temporarily in New Zealand.

In some sectors, New Zealand employers are finding it difficult to recruit and/or readily fill positions, even positions that are not on the Long Term Skill Shortage (LTSSL) or Immediate Skill Shortage Lists (ISSL).

Applicants with a job offer from a New Zealand employer may make an application for a work visa.

NEW ZEALAND ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To obtain a work visa and/or permit under the Essential Skills work policy, applicants must meet basic requirements set by Immigration New Zealand. These include meeting health and good character criteria.

Individuals applying under the Essential Skills work policy also need a genuine, full time job offer which:

• Is for an occupation on the LTSSL or ISSL; or
• Is from an employer that holds a current "approval in principle" to recruit overseas workers;
• Meets a labour market test – meaning the position cannot be easily filled by a New Zealand citizen or resident.

Applicants must also be suitability qualified and experienced for the position offered.

NEW ZEALAND ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA ENTITLEMENTS

The Essential Skills work policy differentiates between occupations based on their skill level in the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Applicants who have a job offer for a Level 1 occupation with a salary of at least NZ$55,000 may receive a one-off work visa and permit for a maximum of 5 years. Applicants with Level 2 to 5 occupations will be given a work visa and/or permit for a maximum of 3 years, and may apply for further work permits after this.

Work visa and/or permits granted under the Essential Skills Work Policy are endorsed with the occupation, employer and region in which the holder may work in.

Partners and dependent children who wish to accompany work visa holders need to apply for a separate visitor, student or work permit. Individuals who choose to apply for residence at a later stage may use their New Zealand work experience to claim additional points under the Skilled Migrant Category.

NEW ZEALAND ESSENTIAL SKILLS VISA COSTS AND PROCESSING TIMES