Work Visas
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa policy (AEWV) replaced several work visa policies, including the Essential Skills Work Visa policy which was commonly used by New Zealand employers to recruit migrant workers from overseas. The AEWV policy comprises three gates: Employer Accreditation, Job Check, and Migrant Check. Each gate has its requirements and each gate requires an application to be submitted to Immigration New Zealand. Employer Accreditation is a mandatory requirement, however, there are concessions available such as Labour Market Check exemption which could make the process relatively easier. Overall, AEWV is not straightforward. Employers may want to seek professional advice if they want to avoid application delays or incur unnecessary costs.
Post Study Work Visa
After completion of their studies, international students may apply for a Post Study Work Visa. The Post Study Work Visa will give students open work rights and enable them to look for employment in New Zealand for any employers. The duration of this visa is ranging from one year to three years, depending on the level of study and study specialisation.
Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Visa
People with exceptional talents in art, culture and sports may apply for the Work to Residence Work Visa (WTR). The burden of proof is on the applicant, most of the time it requires the applicant to have an international reputation. The applicant will require a New Zealand national organisation/body and an acceptable sponsor to support the application. After holding the WTR for two years the person may be able to apply for Residence Visa under Residence from Work Policy.
Religious Worker Work Visa
The objective of the Religious Worker Work Visa is to provide New Zealand communities the opportunity to practise, maintain and advance their religious belief. Qualified applicant will need to be supported by an eligible sponsoring organisation. The work being conducted in New Zealand must meet Immigration New Zealand’s definition of Religious Work. After holding three years of this work visa, the religious worker may be able to apply for Residence under Residence from Work policy.
Specific Purpose Work Visa
This visa policy is designed for people to come to New Zealand for special events. However, this policy also accommodates business activities such as business secondments and after-sale service/installation. “Time-bounded” activity is one of the important factors to determine whether the proposed NZ activity will meet the policy requirements. We recommend you to seek professional advice because there are usually confusion between this policy, AEWV, and Business Visitor Visa.