Work Visas
Visas in New Zealand are highly sought after, but applying for them can be a stressful, complex, and time-consuming process. The stakes are high and the cost of failure severe. We understand that New Zealand Immigration visa application services need to be treated with the highest priority and the greatest of care.
There are several temporary work visa options available, but how you do know which work visa is right for you? Are you even eligible for the work visa you want? What happens if your work visa runs into trouble?
If you fit within any of the following scenarios then you may be eligible to apply for a work visa to New Zealand:
- I have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- My partner is a New Zealand citizen/resident or has a work visa
- I want to come to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event
- I have just completed a qualification in New Zealand
- I have a job offer that is in shortage in New Zealand
- I am a traveller from a country that has an approved Working Holiday Scheme in New Zealand
Partner of a New Zealander or work visa holder
If you are living with a New Zealand citizen or resident in a stable and genuine relationship, you may qualify for this type of work visa.
However, with a number of requirements to meet, being the partner or spouse of a New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder does not automatically guarantee a work visa.
Not only must the relationship be genuine. but you must be living under one roof.
While there is no minimum “living together” period under this category, it is important to understand the various criteria that Immigration New Zealand applies when determining whether your relationship is genuine and stable. Your application requires attention to detail and careful compliance with immigration requirements.
Only some work visa holders can support their partners for work visas. There are specific rules for partners of work visa holders which depend on the salary and skill level of the support partner.
Accredited Employer work visa
This may be the most frequently-used work visa category, however, a job offer in New Zealand does not necessarily guarantee a work visa. For an overview, see here. It is critical for you and your employer to understand the strict policy requirements in place under this category.
- Is the employer accredited?
- Is there a job token: Has your employer made genuine attempts to find suitable local New Zealand citizens/residents for the position?
- What is the skill level of the role according to ANZSCO?
- What evidence do you have of past work experience?
- If you think you are in a Green List (highly skilled/ skills shortage) position, do you satisfy the specific immigration requirement for that occupation?
The Pacific Legal team can advise whether you qualify for this special pathway.
Work to Residence work visa
If you are qualified in a specialised or in-demand occupation, or highly paid and have an offer of employment from an accredited employer in New Zealand, this work visa may be your path to residence in New Zealand. This application requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
Specific Purpose work visa
This type of application requires a job offer from a New Zealand employer, and it is most suited for specialised type of work such as entertainers, performing artists, film crew, sports coaches and players, business investors etc.
Post Study work visa
If you have just completed a qualification in New Zealand, you could possibly be eligible to apply for a work visa with open conditions. The duration of the work visa will depend on the qualification level you studied if you completed it outside of Auckland.
This special work visa category allows you to find skilled employment relevant to your completed course and thereby increase your chance of meeting residence criteria under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Is your work visa application in trouble?
On occasions, even the most straightforward work visa applications can run into problems. Those problems can be medical conditions, criminal convictions, visa officers misapplying the instructions or assessing you as not eligible for a visa you applied for. Quick intervention can often save an application from being declined.
Pacific Legal has experience in dealing with cases involving complex medical and character waivers and problems with labour market tests.
Talk to Pacific Legal Today
Contact us today to speak to one of our Immigration Lawyers
Pacific Legal has advised on hundreds of work visa applications, in addition to providing specialised corporate visa services for employers. If you have a job offer in New Zealand and are thinking of applying for a work visa, or your work visa application has run into difficulties, be sure to contact us for professional advice and representation.
