New Zealand work visa
New Zealand work visas are temporary visas that allow you to come to or stay in the country and work legally. There is not just one type of work visa, there are several types, each with different characteristics and requirements to take into account when you start your project to migrate and work in New Zealand.
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⚠️ IMPORTANT ⚠️
At SEA International, we are a migration and education agency, and our services focus on providing professional advice for any type of visa in New Zealand.
💡 Obtaining a job offer is the applicant’s responsibility. We do not offer job search or placement services.
New Zealand Work Visa Types – Find the Right Option for You
Allows you to work in New Zealand for 3 to 5 years with an accredited employer.
Applies to both skilled and unskilled jobs.
Before applying, the employer must approve a “Job Check”, which is a process to demonstrate that no New Zealand residents or citizens are available for the role, and therefore a migrant worker is required.
This visa is designed for young people aged 18 to 35* from participating countries. It allows you to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months, with the option to extend your stay for an additional 3 months. You can also study for up to 6 months during your time in the country.
Spots are limited, and opening dates vary by country, so it’s important to stay alert to your country’s specific schedule.
*Age limits may vary between 30 and 35 years, depending on your nationality.
This visa is for international students who graduate in New Zealand after completing a programme of at least 30 weeks. It allows you to work for up to 3 years with an open work visa, giving you the flexibility to work for almost any employer in the country.
This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand with your partner if they hold an eligible work visa, student visa, or if they are a New Zealand resident or citizen.
Requirements will vary depending on the type of visa your partner holds and the evidence needed to show that your relationship is genuine and stable.
This visa is for individuals with exceptional talent in arts, culture, or sports.
Applicants must have the endorsement of a recognised New Zealand organisation within their field to qualify..
This visa allows people who are already in New Zealand on a student visa or visitor visa to work for up to 6 months in seasonal jobs (horticulture or viticulture) with approved SSE employers.
It is not available to applicants who have already held a New Zealand work visa before.
Effective from 8 December 2025 and part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.
This visa is designed for individuals who are highly specialised in their field and for roles that are genuinely seasonal.
There is no requirement for employers to advertise the role in New Zealand or show evidence of attempting to hire a local worker.
The visa is valid for 3 years, but holders must spend at least 3 months outside of New Zealand each year.
Applicants must have 3 seasons of experience within the last 6 years, meet health and character requirements, and no English test is required.
Examples of roles covered under this visa include:
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
Agricultural Technician (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
Chairlift Operator
Tulip Grower
Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
Snow Groomer
Mountain or Glacier Guide
Outdoor Adventure Instructor
Primary Products Inspector
Shearer
Slaughterer
Snow Sports Instructor
Snow Maker
Snowsport Equipment Technician
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Wine Maker
Winery Senior Cellar Hand
Effective from 8 December 2025 and part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.
This visa is designed for short peak-season periods and for workers with relevant experience.
Employers must advertise the role in New Zealand and demonstrate genuine attempts to hire a local worker.
Work and Income coordination or PSV endorsement is required before approval.
The visa is valid for up to 7 months, and applicants must have at least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years.
If the role lasts more than 3 months, applicants must hold comprehensive health insurance.
No English language test is required.
Visa holders must spend at least 4 months outside New Zealand before applying again.
Examples of roles covered under this visa include:
Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
Calf Rearer
Relief Milker
Forestry Worker
Meat Boner and Slicer
Meat Process Worker
Seafood Process Worker
Winery Cellar Hand
Wool Handler
This visa allows you to work while studying in New Zealand, depending on the type of programme you enrol in.
- For English language courses, you can work up to 25 hours per week.
- For technical or university programmes, you can work 25 hours per week and full-time during official holidays.
- For a PhD or a master’s by research, you are allowed to work full-time all year round.
đź“Ś On this page, we focus on the most common and in-demand option: the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
General Requirements for an AEWV (Accredited Employer Work Visa)
To apply for an AEWV, you must meet the following requirements:
Valid passport.
Job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.
Relevant work experience and/or qualifications for the position.
Participation in a genuine recruitment process, such as interviews demonstrating that you are the ideal candidate.
Adequate English language skills:
ANZSCO levels 1, 2, and 3: no formal test required, but you must be able to communicate effectively.
ANZSCO levels 4 and 5: minimum IELTS 4.0 or equivalent required.
Full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week).
Employer must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work Visas in New Zealand
To apply for a work visa in New Zealand, you must meet the requirements of the visa type you are applying for. For example, if you are interested in the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you need:
A job offer from a New Zealand employer
The employer must be accredited
To demonstrate that you are the ideal candidate for the position
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can be granted for a period of 3 to 5 years, depending on the occupation and the related ANZSCO code.
To migrate to New Zealand with your family on a work visa, you must:
Have a role at ANZSCO skill level 1, 2, or 3
Earn at least 80% of the national median wage
This allows your partner to get an open work visa and your school-age children to study as local students, meaning they do not have to pay for education.
You can apply from your home country or from New Zealand, as long as you have a valid job offer from an accredited employer.
Is Your Employer Not Accredited?
Don’t worry. At SEA International, we can also assist your employer throughout the accreditation process with New Zealand Immigration.
Employer accreditation is mandatory for hiring foreign workers under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
HAVE A JOB OFFER?
If you already have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, fill out this form and we’ll help you start your application quickly and correctly.
NO JOB OFFER? NOT SURE ABOUT YOUR VISA OPTIONS?
Book an Immigration Assessment with Lina, our New Zealand–licensed immigration adviser, so we can review your profile and show you your real visa options.
Have Questions?
We’re here to provide all the information and guidance you need for your migration process in New Zealand. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.