Who needs a visa

You can apply for a visa to work here temporarily if you:

have a job offer from a New Zealand employer
are coming for a specific work-related purpose or event
have a partner here, and you want to join them and work
are from a country that has a special work scheme, or
have been studying here and want work here.

Some work visas can also lead to residence — that is, the right to live, study and work here indefinitely. To apply you need to have skills, experience and qualifications that are needed for the New Zealand workforce.

Working Holiday Visas

New Zealand has working holiday scheme agreements with many countries, allowing you to work in and explore our great country.

Every year hundreds of young people apply for New Zealand working holiday visas, and spend a year or two working in New Zealand.
Eligibility and criteria

Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 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 are from the UK or Canada. If you apply for a 23-month visa, you must provide a General Medical Certificate.

You need to:

have enough money to pay for a return ticket, and
be coming mainly to holiday, with work being a secondary intention.

If your occupation is defined as skilled, you may be eligible to apply for a resident visa under the Skilled Migrant Category. This is a points-based visa that considers factors such as age, work experience, your qualifications and an offer of skilled employment.

To apply under the Skilled Migrant Category you must be aged 55 or under, meet the skill level for your occupation, and meet English language, health, and character requirements.