We have specific evidence requirements for:
- entertainers, performing artists and support people
- film and video production and post-production crews, producers and directors.
If a prospective employee is in one of these fields, an employer needs to prove to us that the employee is:
- of international distinction or merit
or
- of an ethnicity significant to the work
or
- otherwise essential to the event.
The employer must provide this evidence to us at least 10 working days before the event, along with:
- the prospective employee’s personal details – full names, nationality, date and place of birth
and
- evidence their employment will not put at risk the employment of New Zealand entertainers or professionals in equivalent work, unless the wider benefits to New Zealand of employing the person outweighs the loss of job opportunities
and
- evidence they’ve considered employing appropriately qualified or experienced New Zealanders
and
- a written guarantee that the prospective employee’s accommodation needs will be met, and that the cost of travel back to their home country will be met if necessary.
Employers also need to show that they have provided the above information to the relevant New Zealand performer’s union or professional association at the same time it is provided to us. The unions or associations have three working days to notify us if they object to your employment. If there is no objection we may then grant a Work Visa or Permit.
If there is an objection, we’ll consult with the parties involved to attempt to resolve the disagreement as soon as possible.
Find out which unions and professional associations may be involved with the application.