The following steps are suggested in order to assist you in hiring a worker from another country who is already in New Zealand:

• If the position is not listed in the Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) or the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL), you should lodge a vacancy with all the Work and Income offices (www.workandincome.govt.nz) in the region to see if the position can be filled by a New Zealand resident or citizen.
• Gather evidence to prove that you have made genuine attempts to attract and recruit New Zealand workers, such as advertisements in national newspapers.
• A completed and signed Employer Supplementary Form - Work Visa Application (INZ 1113) PDF.
• Prepare recent tax documents and financial accounts of your company in order to prove the sustainability of the position if required by Immigration New Zealand.

Clarifications

Full-time employment means at least 30 hours of work a week. Commission-based work or self-employment is not considered as an acceptable full-time job.

• For samples of employment contracts/offers, and details on minimum wages please visit on www.dol.govt.nz/er.
• You can only employ New Zealand citizens or residents unless you see a valid work visa on your potential employee’s passport. Failure to comply may result in a fine or imprisonment.
• Please note that it is okay to offer a non-New Zealand resident or citizen a job, as long as employment does not commence until the work visa is decided.