New Zealand Work Visa - Apply for Work Visa NZ

Work Visa Guide

Want to apply for a New Zealand work visa but don’t know where to start? Looking for a reliable, professional work visa immigration consultant who can prevent you from mistakes and declined visas? Zenith Immigration Solutions is ready to help you.
We are the trusted immigration advisers with in-depth knowledge and long-lasting experience in the field. With our qualified assistance, you have the best chances to get your work visa in New Zealand without problems in the shortest time period possible.

Immigration solution● Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).● AEWV Job Check.● Applying for a NZ Work Visa.● Types of Work Visas

Advertising.

Recruitment agency fees.

Employer accreditation fees.

Job check application fees.

Trade testing.

Tools where the ownership is retained by the employer.

Compulsory training and induction.

Providing settlement support

You must provide migrant workers with work-related settlement information within one month of the employee beginning their employment including:

How to get an IRD number.

Relevant industry training and qualification information and options.

Specific job or industry hazards.

Accommodation options.

Transport options.

Cost of living.

How to access healthcare services.

Citizens Advice Bureau services.

Information about relevant community groups.

Your AEWV holder should be directed to appropriate websites with information about living in New Zealand.

Evidence of start-up capital or funding.

Cash-flow or revenue forecasts.

Contracts for work.

GST returns and PAYE returns.

Compliance and Legality:

Employed a migrant who did not have the right visa or visa conditions to work in that role

Provided false or misleading information to INZ.

You or your key people must not be banned from acting as a director or have a pattern of immigration offences in other businesses you or your key people have been involved in.

If you have, you need to have addressed the non-compliance and taken steps to prevent it re-occurring before you can get AEWV accreditation.

A business with compliance failures cannot be closed and opened again under a new name to dodge those failures. We will still take the compliance issues in the previous business into account.

How long you can be accredited?

● When you are approved for the first time you will receive employer accreditation for 12 months.
● At renewal, franchises and employers placing migrants on AEWVs with controlling third parties will get accreditation for a further 12 months.
● All other employers will get accreditation for 24 months when they renew, providing their previous accreditation has not lapsed for 12 months or more.

There may be checks during the accreditation period to ensure you still meet the accreditation requirements. This could include requesting information or doing a site visit.

You must provide information requested, and provide access for site visits. If you do not, your accreditation will be revoked.

If it is made aware at any point during the accreditation period that you do not meet the requirements, your accreditation will be revoked.

AEWV help

"I am pleased to share my positive experience working with Zenith immigration solutions for my Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) application. From the beginning, the advisor demonstrated professionalism, thorough knowledge of the AEWV process, and genuine care for my situation." -Komal Preet

Support for families

"Thanks to Sukhpreet and Ravish for helping us in entire process for work visa for our all family members. Communication was clear.
Really appreciate" -rojina ghimire

Fast and efficient

"I got my work visa withing 2 weeks after applying. Zenith Immigration Solutions is AMAZING...!!
Not only is she a brilliant immigration lawyer. Sukhpreet is kind, caring and accommodating, through and meticulous.
Sukhpreet was very helpful and supportive through out the process answers all queries very effectively."-ayesh withanage

The job pays the market rate and meets wage thresholds applicable under the relevant job check pathway

The job’s terms and conditions comply with New Zealand employment laws and standards.

The job is for a minimum of 30 hours a week.

You have advertised the job to New Zealanders, if you need to, including the minimum and maximum expected pay rate and the skills or experience required.

If you offer the job to a migrant but do not hire them, you can offer the job to another suitable applicant. You do not have to redo the job check unless it has expired.

Multiple positions for the same job can be included in one job check if the job details are the same and are all covered by the same advertising (where required) and proposed employment agreement.

You can only hire a migrant worker on an AEWV for a job if it passed the job check.

If the job is paid at least 200% of the median wage, you do not need to advertise the role.

Visas for these jobs can be for up to 3 years and can offer a pathway to residence. Further details for this pathway will be provided as part of the Skilled Migrant Category review.

All other jobs must pay at least the median wage and you must have advertised to New Zealanders.
Visas for these jobs can be for up to 3 years.
The Government is considering whether there will be any exemptions to the requirement to pay at least the median wage, and restrictions for some other roles.

Advertising requirements

The terms and conditions of the job must be clear in the job advertisement. The employer must genuinely consider any New Zealanders who apply.

Advertising must be for a minimum of 2 weeks on a national job listing website where suitable New Zealanders are likely to apply, or another advertising channel more likely to attract suitable New Zealanders to the specific role.

Be for a minimum of 3 weeks for skill level 4 or 5 on a national job listing website where suitable New Zealanders are likely to apply, or another advertising channel more likely to attract suitable New Zealanders to the specific role. The employers are need to involve Work and Income.

Show significant terms and conditions including the minimum and maximum pay rate, the minimum guaranteed hours of work, the location of the job.

Show the estimated actual earnings where a significant portion of the pay is by piece rate, commission or other rates or bonuses that are not guaranteed.

Show minimum qualifications, work experience, skills or other specifications necessary to do the job.

Calculating the minimum pay rate

To accommodate the median wage threshold, INZ will provide more flexibility when calculating the minimum pay rate for the AEWV.
From 4 July 2022, employee’s pay will be averaged over the number of hours paid in the pay period. Employers will need to guarantee in their worker’s employment that the equivalent of the median wage will be paid per hour, in each pay cycle. Some employers may need to change employment agreements to provide these guarantees.

We strive to keep our clients well-informed on the process to avoid any unexpected inconveniences and delays. Here are several hints that will help you better organise all the necessary documentation as well as pass the process successfully.
If you want to apply for a work visa, you will have to provide either evidence of a current full-time job or a job offer. You should be registered if your profession demands it. If you are unsure about any of this, please feel free to contact us with any question.

Immigration Solutions:
● Before you apply for a New Zealand work visa.● Submitting the visa application● After getting the visa

Wage threshold
Ensure your job meets the criteria for minimum wage and salary threshold.
Job criteria
Ensure the income band of the job meets the criteria.
Documentation
Gather the employer’s documentation, including the fully signed contract. You may also need the employer to show evidence that the job was advertised to the local market, and that it could not be filled by an adequate candidate, depending on whether Shortage List requirements are met.
Identity
Provide proof of your identity (with a valid passport and a photo of yourself taken within the last six months) and of good character (with police certificates from countries you’ve lived in for more than five years since you turned 17). You may also need to provide medical certificates or a chest X-ray from a doctor approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). All documents not in English should be translated into English by a professional translator.
Online
Set up a New Zealand Government RealMe account to upload your digital documents for the online application.

Once you have your work visa, apply for a tax record number, which you can do through the IRD. You’ll have to give this number to your employer once you have it and use it for all your tax matters.
Be aware of your rights as an employee.
With all of the above, it is imperative to note that things can become overwhelming and confusing. But it doesn't have to be; reach out to us and we will guide you through this entire process. There is no step where we cannot advice and clarify. Trust in us and we will make sure your visa application process goes as smoothly as possible.

Got questions about

Which work visa suits you?

Are you suited for a AEWV?

How to make the visa application process easier?

Which work visa suits you?

Just ask and we'll have the answer

There are several avenues you can take to acquire a visa to work in New Zealand. This can be through work, study, partnership and holidaying within New Zealand.
Some of the criteria to obtaining a NZ work visa can be simple while others can be complex, but in general it's best to seek out the advice of licensed experts so that you are assured that you are on the right track with the correct visa best suited for your circumstances.
Zenith Immigration Solutions is always ready to serve and advise, so please reach out to us today for a free consultation.

Immigration Solutions:
● Post Study Open Work Visa● Duration of a Post Study Open Work Visa● Post Study Work Visa eligible qualifications ● Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa● Partner of a Worker Work Visa● Partner of a Student Work Visa● Working Holiday Visa

Completion

You have recently completed your studies in New Zealand and have applied for this visa no later than 3, 4 or 12 months after you have finished (depending on what you’ve studied).

Finance

You must have at least NZD $5,000 to cover your living expenses.

Education level

You must have a degree level 7 or higher, level 8 Postgraduate Diploma, level 9 Masters degree or level 10 Doctoral degree.
If you have a non-degree level 7 or lower qualification that is listed on eligible qualifications, you must intend to work in a job that is related to your field of study, as well as apply in time.

Qualification

You must’ve gained the qualification in New Zealand of which you are applying for this visa, as well as provide proof of it.

Completed qualification

Non-degree level 7 qualification or below
Full-time study duration in NZ

Full duration required to obtain that qualification
A Post-Study Work Visa may be granted for

The duration that the student spent studying the qualification in New Zealand as determined by the education provider

Completed qualification

Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or a qualification at level 8
Full-time study duration in NZ

At least 30 weeks
A Post-Study Work Visa may be granted for

The duration that the student spent studying the qualification in New Zealand as determined by the education provider

Completed qualification

Non-degree level 8 qualification or below that requires occupational registration or affiliate membership
Full-time study duration in NZ

N/A
A Post-Study Work Visa may be granted for

1 year (or part thereof) in addition to the time spent studying the qualification in New Zealand, as long as the total duration of the post study work visa is no more than a total of three years

Post Study Work Visa eligible qualifications (Non-degree level 7 or lower qualification)

The employment you undertake must be related to the study you undertook in New Zealand.

A Graduate Diploma at NZQF Level 7
Skill specialisation and related employment:● Highway engineering = Construct project manager● Civil engineering = Construct project manager● Construction = Project builder● Construction management = Construct project manager, project builder● Construction project management = Construct project manager, project builder
A Graduate Diploma in Construction at NZQF Level 7
Skill specialisation and related employment:● Quantity Surveying = Quantity Surveyor
A Graduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying at NZQF Level 7
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Quantity Surveyor
A Graduate Diploma acceptable to the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand for registration
Note: The applicant meets all the Council’s other requirements for teacher registration and certification.Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Primary, secondary or tertiary teacher
Graduate Diploma in Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
Note: The applicant meets all the Council’s other requirements for teacher registration and certification.Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Early childhood teacher
A qualification at NZQF Level 7 (Engineering)
Note: You must with a letter from Engineering New Zealand certifying that the qualification and any further learning meet the benchmark requirements towards Chartered Professional Engineer professional status in New Zealand.
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = (Engineer/civil/electrical/electronic/mechanical engineering technician
A Diploma at NZQF Level 6 (or higher with a minimum of 240 credits)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● Highway engineering = Construction project manager, project builder● Construction = Construction project manager, project builder● Construction management = Construction project manager, project builder
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a strand in Civil Engineering, 240 credits
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Construction project manager, civil engineering technician
New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Quantity Surveying) Level 6 (or higher)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Quantity Surveyor, project builder
New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Quantity Surveying, 240 credits
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Quantity Surveyor, project builder
New Zealand Diploma in Construction (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Construction Economics, Construction Management or Building, 240 credits
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Project builder
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6) with a strand in Electrical Engineering, 240 credits
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Telecommunications, telecommunications network engineer, electrical engineering technician
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Electronics Engineering, 240 credits
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Electronic engineering technician
New Zealand Diploma in Engineering (Level 6 or higher) with a strand in Mechanical Engineering
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Mechanical engineering technician
Diploma at NZQF Level 5 (or higher)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● Farm management = Dairy cattle farmer● Agriculture = Dairy cattle farmer● Dairy technology = Dairy cattle farmer
A certificate at NZQF Level 4 (or higher)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (NZQF Level 4) = Automative electrician● New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4) = Diesel motor mechanic● Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming strands of the New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) = Dairy cattle farmer
New Zealand Certificate in Automotive Electrical Engineering (Level 4)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Automative electrician
New Zealand Certificate in Heavy Automotive Engineering (NZQF Level 4)
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Diesel motor mechanic
New Zealand Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4) with a strand in Dairy Farming or Livestock Farming
Skill specialisation and related employment:● N/A = Dairy cattle farmer

WHY CHOOSE ZENITH IMMIGRATION SOLUTIONS TO APPLY FOR A WORK VISA IN NEW ZEALAND?

If you’re planning to apply for work visa NZ, you definitely need a knowledgeable and experienced immigration adviser to help you make the whole process problem-free and fast. Zenith Immigration Solutions is ready to become your reliable assistant in receiving a New Zealand work visa. When you entrust us with your particular case, you get a number of undeniable benefits available only with our highly-qualified immigration lawyers.

Excellent Success Rate

We check all the documentation properly to ensure all requirements for a visa category are met. We will be with you throughout the entire process.

Professional

We will not mislead or misguide you. This can be confirmed by many happy clients who have dealt with us in the past.

Devoted

We know the immigration process both professionally and personally, so we are dedicated to using our knowledge to help you overcome any challenge you might face.

Right and Honest Pricing

We are straight-forward with our prices in a single package deal, no hidden costs.

Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

This visa allows the applicant to be employed while living in New Zealand, as well as study up to 3 months. They are also able to travel in and out of New Zealand during the duration of the visa.

Note: If the applicant has lived with the supporting partner for less than 12 months, then their visa will be for a year. More visas can be applied for and granted for up to 3 years total.

If the applicant has lived with their partner for more than 12 months, then their visa will be for up to 3 years total.

What is required to obtain this visa?

Support

The applicant's visa application must be supported by their partner.

Living/relationship circumstances

The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.

Finance

The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor).

Intent

The applicant's reason for coming to New Zealand must be honest and legitimate.

Overall profile

The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).

Supporting partner's obligations

They must be eligible to support the applicant’s application. They must also be eligible to support a partnership-based resident visa application within 12 months.

Please note there are some exclusions for supporting partners that must be considered including:

Your partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner.

In the past 5 years, the supporting partner must not have supported a successful resident visa application for more than one previous partner.

In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have included a previous partner in their own successful residence application.

In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have themselves been included as a partner in a successful residence application.

In the past 5 years, the supporting partner cannot have been liable for deportation or have their deportation liability suspended.

Partner's visa status

The supporting partner must have a work visa while living in New Zealand.
Living and relationship circumstances

The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.
Overall profile

The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).
Finance

The applicant must have enough money to live in New Zealand (or have an acceptable sponsor).
Intent

You must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand.
Exit plan

The applicant must have the means to be able to leave New Zealand at the end of their stay. must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand.
Partner's obligations

The supporting partner must complete a 'Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications alongside your application.

Partner of a Student Work Visa

This visa is to work in New Zealand if the applicant's partner is studying for an eligible level 7 or 8 qualification, or a level 9 or 10 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF). It allows the applicant to join their partner while they are studying in New Zealand, as well as work. They are also able to study up to 3 months. Finally, they are able to travel in and out of New Zealand as they please while their visa is valid.

What is required to obtain this visa?

Partner's Visa Status

You must have a partner who has a New Zealand student visa, is studying an eligible qualification and can support your application.

Living/relationship circumstances

The applicant must be living with their supporting partner in a serious and legitimate relationship.

Funds

You must have at least NZD $4,200 to cover living expenses.

Overall profile

The applicant must be of upstanding moral character (police certification may be required) and decent health (a chest X-ray and medical examination may be required).

Intent

You must have legitimate and honest reasons as to why you wish to come to New Zealand.

Official form

A copy of the completed “Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)” by your partner.

What is required of the supporting partner?

Visa status: The supporting partner must have a New Zealand student visa or is applying for one.

Study qualification: The supporting partner must be studying toward one of the following:● A level 9 or 10 qualification specified on the NZQCF.● A level 7 or 8 qualification specified on the New Zealand Immigration “Green list.” ● A level 7 or 8 qualification eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.● A level 7 or 8 qualification on the Long Term Skill Shortage List (if your study started on or before 7 September 2022).

Official form: The supporting partner must complete the “Form for Partners Supporting Partnership-Based Temporary Entry Applications (INZ 1146)”.

Working Holiday Visa

This work visa in New Zealand is granted to citizens of certain countries. The quota is limited and closes after the places are filled.

This visa is suitable for the people whose main reason for coming to New Zealand is on holiday, but want to work or study during their stay here.

Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18-30, but 18-35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months or 23 months if you’re from the UK or Canada. If you apply for a 23-month visa, you must provide a General Medical Certificate. You need to have a return ticket or enough money to pay for one and be coming mainly on holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

It is suitable for people who want to come to New Zealand primarily for a holiday but want to work or study while you’re here.