Working in New Zealand
How NZ Work Visas Generally Work
A general overview of the main New Zealand work visa types and how they generally work. This is general information only, not personalised advice. Requirements and wage thresholds change over time; current detail is on immigration.govt.nz, and which visa fits a particular situation is assessed by a licensed adviser.
General Overview
The Main NZ Work Visa Types
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The main employer-sponsored work visa: a full-time job offer from an accredited employer with an approved job check, paid at least the applicable wage threshold. It can lead to residence.
Partner Work Visas
Partners of New Zealanders, and partners of certain work or student visa holders, may be able to work in New Zealand. Eligibility depends on the partner's status and the relationship.
Working Holiday Schemes
Young people from countries with a Working Holiday Scheme arrangement with New Zealand may be eligible for a temporary work and travel visa, subject to age and country limits.
Green List Roles
Roles on the Green List of in-demand jobs can open faster work and residence pathways, with specific qualification, registration and pay requirements.
Specific Purpose & Other Visas
There are other work visas for specific situations — for example specific purpose or event-based work. The right option depends on the work and circumstances.
Wage Thresholds Apply
Many work visas require the role to meet a wage threshold, often based on the New Zealand median wage. See our Wage Rates guide for how thresholds generally work.
Working With VisaPlex
From First Conversation to a Clear Plan
- 1
Map Your Situation
Start in the AVA workspace to organise your work plans, job offer or skills against the general work-visa framework.
- 2
Adviser Review
A licensed immigration adviser reviews your situation against current policy and explains which work visa may apply.
- 3
Prepare the Application
If you choose to proceed, your adviser guides the documents relevant to your visa and circumstances.
- 4
Submission & Support
Your application is submitted and supported through to a decision.
Common Questions
Common Questions About Work Visas
It depends on your situation — whether you have a job offer, your skills, your nationality and your partner's status. A licensed adviser can review your circumstances and explain which options may apply.
Some work visas, like the AEWV, are employer-sponsored and need a job offer; others, like working holiday or partner work visas, do not. Which applies depends on your circumstances.
Some work visas can support residence pathways, such as the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List pathways. Whether and how this applies depends on circumstances and current policy.
No. VisaPlex provides general information and an AI-assisted planning workspace. Whether you meet a work visa's requirements is personalised immigration advice provided by a licensed adviser.
Next Step
Talk Through a Work Visa
Tell us about your work plans and our licensed adviser will review which New Zealand work visa may apply to you.