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Employing workers from overseas

See our Immigration Guide for Employers PDF [1.2MB] for an overview of our policies.

Find out how to locate migrant workers or how you could help them settle into their new home and work.

View our answers to your common immigration questions.

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Which option suits your employment need?
Your employment need	Options and what you need to do
I need a skilled, permanent worker.	Skilled Migrant Category (residence) You will need to: provide a job offer for inclusion in the candidate’s application check that the job meets immigration skill level requirements.
I regularly need to employ skilled workers from overseas for permanent positions or positions that are for at least two years.	Talent (Accredited Employer) Work to Residence Category You will need to: apply to become an accredited employer provide a job offer to the candidate.
I need to fill a vacancy in an occupation on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. The position is full time and will be for a period of at least two years.	Talent (Long Term Skill Shortage) Work to Residence Category You will need to: check that the candidate’s qualifications meet the requirements on the Long Term Skill Shortage List provide a job offer to the candidate provide a completed Employer Supplementary Form – Work Permit/Visa Application PDF [70KB] to the candidate.
I need to fill a vacancy in an occupation on the Long Term Skill Shortage List, but the position is for less than two years.	Essential Skills Work Category You will need to: check that the candidate’s qualifications and experience meet the requirements on the Long Term Skill Shortage List provide a job offer to the candidate provide a completed Employer Supplementary Form – Work Permit/Visa Application PDF [70KB] to the candidate.
I need to fill a vacancy in an occupation on the Immediate Skill Shortage List.	Essential Skills Work Category You will need to: check that the candidate’s qualifications and experience meet the requirements on the Immediate Skill Shortage List provide a job offer to the candidate provide a completed Employer Supplementary Form – Work Permit/Visa Application PDF [70KB] to the candidate. We would issue a work permit valid for the same period covered by the contract, up to a maximum of three years.
I need to fill temporary positions and I can't find suitable workers in New Zealand.	Essential Skills Work Category You will need to: apply for an Approval in Principle to recruit workers from overseas, including evidence that you have been unable to find suitable staff in New Zealand upon approval, recruit and provide job offers to suitable applicants, or if you have one position available and have already located a suitable applicant, provide a job offer, complete the Employer Supplementary Form – Work Permit/Visa Application PDF [70KB], and include evidence of your efforts to recruit New Zealanders. We would issue a work permit valid for the same period covered by the contract, up to a maximum of three years.
I need to employ temporary workers to meet a seasonal need for labour in the horticulture or viticulture industries.	Become a Recognised Seasonal Employer or consider Transitioning to Recognised Seasonal Employer status.
I need to employ someone from overseas for a specific purpose or event, eg for a tournament, cultural show, as a judge or examiner, etc.	Find out about employing temporary workers for a specific purpose or event. You will need to: provide evidence that the potential employee is suitably qualified, their skills will benefit New Zealand, and they are needed for the period of time requested provide a job offer to the candidate fill out the Employer Supplementary Form – Work Permit/Visa Application PDF [70KB].
I want to employ a student or a trainee to provide them with work experience. (Apprentice jockeys are included in this category.)	Employ someone with a work permit under the Study to Work Category (temporary), or find out about employing students and trainees temporarily. You will need to: check the candidate has authority to work provide a job offer to the candidate.
I want to employ someone who has recently completed their course of study in New Zealand.	Find out about employing someone under Study to Work Category.
I want to employ a young person from overseas who’s here on a working holiday.	Employ someone on a working holiday scheme. You will need to check the candidate has a valid work permit.
I have permanent positions available for candidates selected by Immigration New Zealand to apply for residence under Pacific categories.	Samoan Quota and Pacific Access Category [These links take you to our Apply and Settle site for migrants.] You will need to: check your positions available meet minimum salary levels provide a job offer to a suitable candidate.
I want to employ a candidate who tells me they have an open work permit.	You will need to check the candidate has a valid work permit.
I have an employee working for me who has a work permit which will expire in a few months.	Does the position meet criteria for a work or residence application? Refer to the Immigration Guide for Employers PDF [1.2MB].
I have a position available for an artist, performer, sports person, sports coach, or someone with some other exceptional talent.	Find out about employing people under the Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work to Residence Category.

Page Last Updated: 25 Jul 2008

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