How Much Is A Working Visa For New Zealand

If you have decided to work in New Zealand, then it is time for you to know about working visas for New Zealand. But before we do that, let’s talk about working visas in general. There are two ways to work legally in New Zealand a/k/a America’s Australia. You can obtain a Job Offer from a company in New Zealand, or obtain a Skilled Migrant Visa and search for a job on your own after arrival.

Looking to head to New Zealand but just not sure how much to budget for? After planning my own move there, I wanted to share some tips on how you can get the most in your move. By knowing what is involved, you will be able to get a working visa and budget more precisely.

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How Much Is A Working Visa For New Zealand

Working and living in New Zealand is a dream that countless people share. For those who want to emigrate, a work visa may be needed to start the process. The requirements can get confusing at times, but we’ve compiled all of the most important ones below.

New Zealand is an attractive expat destination, famed for outstanding natural beauty and a great work life balance. If you’re thinking of getting a work visa for New Zealand you’re in the right place.

This guide covers the New Zealand work visa requirements and options, including who can get a working holiday visa for New Zealand.

Moving overseas can be exciting, but living between countries can be pretty expensive too.

That’s why this guide also covers how you can cut the costs of currency exchange and international transfers with Wise, to make your money go further when you move.

New Zealand’s Work Visa Requirements

Different work visa types may have different eligibility requirements, application forms, costs, or processes. In general, to apply for a work visa in New Zealand you need:

• Proof of identity (passport or certificate of identity and two acceptable visa photographs);
• Proof of good health (completed health questionnaire and chest x-ray and a medical examination after arrival);
• 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);
• Proof of being bona fide.

Every document you provide needs to be the original document or a certified copy.

When applying for a visa, you will typically find a guide on the official website that corresponds to each visa type. You are advised to read through this document beforehand to make sure you are on top of every requirement. Then, you want to have each document with you and ready for submission before beginning your application process.

If your visa is subject to a points scale, you can typically find a simulation on the immigration website that allows you to test if you meet the required points to apply. Keep in mind that only an immigration officer can award you points during the assessment of your visa. Read more about this below.

Difficulties Obtaining a New Zealand Visa

In general, it may be difficult to get a work visa in New Zealand due to limited spots or tight deadlines for application. If your country has a set quota, that means applications will open on a specific day. Typically, you will have 59 days from the application date to apply, but this timeframe may depend on your nationality and the country where you are currently residing. But even with this interval, you can expect vacancies to disappear quickly. Be precise and follow the deadline that applies to you.

Once the quota is reached for each country, you can only apply again the following year. For some countries, the quota is as low as 50 people a year while for others the quota is unlimited (Canada, the UK, Japan, etc.). You can check a complete list of work visas for the conditions that apply to your country.

Work Visa Application Process and Form

Much of the process for visa applications is done online through New Zealand’s Immigration website. This online process is easy and fast, and it should not take more than 15 minutes to complete the online form. Alternatively, you can submit the application form that corresponds to the type of visa you chose as well as all the necessary supporting documents, to the corresponding receiving center.

Depending on the visa type you applied for, you will be notified whether you need to send in your passport or you are going to receive an eVisa. This is an electronic visa held in the immigration electronic system that replaces the physical sticker or stamp on your passport. This eVisa applies to the following visa types:

• Student Visa
• Work Visa
• Visitor Visa
• Business Visitor Visa
• Group Visitor Visa
• Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa
• Dependent Child Resident Visa

To receive an eVisa, you will need to create an online account on the immigration website and continue the application process there. You are advised to print the eVisa letter, and to keep it with you when in the country.

Types of Temporary Work Visas

It is important to know that all work visas in New Zealand are temporary, even the specific visas that can lead to a permanent residence which are covered further in this guide. When talking about a temporary work visa in New Zealand that means these types of visas are not geared towards getting permanent residence.

There are two main temporary work visas in New Zealand:

• Working Holiday Visa, which has a duration of one or two years;
• Essential Skills Work Visa, which allows you to stay between 1 and 5 years depending on your level of skill and the duration of the employment contract;

Essential Skills Work Visa

The Essential Skills Work visa is for skilled workers whose job is listed on the Essential Skills in Demand List. It allows you to work in the country for up to five years, but the duration may depend on your skill level. For a foreigner to fill a job position with this visa, the employer must prove that they could not hire a New Zealander.

To apply for an Essential Skills work visa, you will need the following documents:

• A job offer for a full-time position, and a copy of your employment agreement.
• Your employer to prove that a New Zealander could not be hired for the position.
• An “Employer Supplementary Form” describing your job offer (completed by employer).
• A document proving the necessary qualifications (original or certified copy).
• Occupational registration (if applicable).

You also cannot be subject to a stand-down period (the period when you are required to spend 12 consecutive months outside of New Zealand).

Although this type of visa only intends to fill temporary skill gaps, you may still apply for residence if you gain enough points to qualify for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.

Other Work Visa Types

To know all the types of visas for working in the country, you can check the complete list of all work visas in New Zealand. If you are unsure which type of work visa is right for you, New Zealand’s immigration website offers a detailed online service which allows you to see your options based on your age, the country where you are from. Besides showing all the options that apply to you, you can also compare up to three types of visas side by side.

Who Qualifies as a Skilled or Highly Skilled Worker in New Zealand?

Your qualifications, skills, and experience will fall on one of five categories defined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).

You are considered a skilled worker if:

• Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 1, 2 or 3, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 25 NZD (16 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
• Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 4 or 5, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
• Your occupation has no corresponding description, but you are paid 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).

New Zealand Visa Fees

Immigration consultancy and visa fees

The fee we charge to assist with your migration largely depend on the visas you are eligible for, and the pathway(s) you wish to take. Our eligibility assessment will enable us to determine the best pathways available to you and your family.

Visa fees

These are fees that are paid to Immigration New Zealand upon submission of your visa application. They depend on your country of citizenship, the visa category, and in your physical location at the time of application. In some cases, the visa fee may be waived due to bilateral agreements between New Zealand and your country of origin. Indicative visa fees (NZD$):

• Work visa: $495 to $635
• Partnership visa: $495 to $635
• Visitor visa: from $211
• Student visa: $275 to $330
• Resident visa: $1,480 to $3,310

How Much Does a Work Visa Cost in New Zealand?

Typically, there are two types of costs associated with work visas: a visa fee, and an immigration levy. However, some countries have higher fees than others, and some may have a fee-waiver agreement with New Zealand, so always check your specific requirements. The visa can be paid online through a Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard).

The visa fee will be different if you are coming from one of the Pacific Countries. No matter which visa type you apply for, the immigration levy equates to 55 NZD (37 USD).

Work Visa Type Visa Fee NZD Visa Fee USD Partnership/Work to Residence Work Visa 580 390 Entrepreneur Work Visa 3,310 2,230 Working Holiday Visa 190 130 Working Holidaymaker Extension Visa 190 130 Other Work Visas 440 300

Documentation

Throughout your migration, you may require documentation such as passports, birth certificates, or photos. You may also have to get certain documents translated, and for most residence applications, certified copies of original documents may be required. In some countries, there may be a cost associated with getting an authorised person to certify your document.

Throughout your documentation phase, New Zealand Shores assists you with what documentation is required in preparation for your visa application, and we will let you know what documents may require translation or certification, to avoid unnecessary costs.

International Qualification Assessment

The New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) publishes a list of qualifications that are automatically recognises in New Zealand immigration policy. If your qualification is not on the list, you may have to get your qualification assessed in order to claim points for residence. The cost is from $445.

Professional Registration

Certain occupations require registration by law, with a relevant body. This includes for instance electricians, teachers, lawyers, plumbers/gasfitters, or physiotherapists amongst other roles. In many cases there is a fee from the registration body associated the registration process.

New Zealand Visa Requirements

Residency Permits: Temporary and Permanent

In general, all visas in New Zealand are temporary and automatically grant you residence for its duration. If you want to become a permanent resident in New Zealand, you will first have to apply for a temporary residence permit and only later, apply for permanent residence in New Zealand. Beware, that only some visas allow you to bring your spouse and immediate family with you. New Zealand does not have a fiance visa in its migration law.

However, not all temporary visas can lead to residence—there are specific visa types that can be extended and eventually lead to residence. These types of visas are explained below, as well as all the necessary temporary residence permit requirements, steps, benefits, and fees.

Typically, to become a permanent resident you must be 55 or younger and have worked in New Zealand for two years on a temporary visa.

Temporary Visas that Lead to Permanent Residence and How to Apply

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa

• You can apply if you have the relevant skills and experience.
• You must be 55 or younger, a skilled worker, and can claim 160 points on INZ’s point scale for Skilled Migrant Expression of Interest.

Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa

• You may apply for this visa if your employer’s business moves to New Zealand.

Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa

• You must have relevant skills and talents needed in New Zealand.
• You should be under 55 and have a job offer for a full-time position for two years that pays 55.000 NZD (35.000 USD) a year. Your employer has to be accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

Entrepreneur Work Visa

• You are an entrepreneur or innovator and want to buy or set up a business in New Zealand.
• You have invested at least 100,000 NZD (65,000 USD) in your business, can claim 120 points on INZ’s point scale for entrepreneurs, you meet the business plan requirements, and can read, write, and speak English.

• This visa is for those who have skills and talents needed in New Zealand.
• You must be 55 or younger and your occupation is on the skill shortage list.
• This visa does not come with the option of a family visa.

The application process for each temporary visa type may vary, but, in general, you will need to put in an expression of interest which includes a score point based on your age, work experience, qualification, and the job offer (if applicable). If you are selected, you can then make a full application. Applications are chosen only once a month.

New Zealand Permanent Residency Benefits

As a permanent resident, you have the benefit of being able to live, work, and study in New Zealand, and to travel to and from New Zealand without restrictions. You can also include your partner and dependent children on your visa application if they were included in your original residence application.

How to Get Permanent Residency in New Zealand

What are the requirements for permanent residency? To obtain permanent residency you must live in New Zealand for two years under a residence visa. You must also meet the following requirements:

• Prove your identity with an ID and two acceptable photos.
• Be considered of good character.
• Show evidence that you have met the conditions on your current resident visa.

Show Your Commitment to New Zealand

You can show your commitment to New Zealand in one of five different ways:

• You have spent enough time in New Zealand, for which your travel records will be checked.
• You have New Zealand tax residence status, for which you will need a statement from Inland Revenue and a completed confirmation of tax resident status.
• You have invested in New Zealand, for which you will need evidence such as bank documents or property deeds.
• You have a business in New Zealand that is successful and benefits the country.
• You have established a base in the country (e.g., by owning a home, creating employment, being self-employed, etc.).

Permanent Residence Application Process and Fees

The application process and fees for a Permanent Residence Visa may vary depending on the country you are from, and whether you are applying in your country of residence or in New Zealand.

In general, you will have to fill the application form for a Permanent Resident Visa, and send it along with the required documents to the correct receiving center. You can find this by entering your nationality and country of residence on the official immigration website.

Permanent residence visas cost 210 NZD (140 USD), plus an immigration fee that varies by region. You may also have to pay the receiving center fees and courier fees for your passport to be sent back to you if you cannot collect it yourself.