New Zealand’s temporary and seasonal visa categories are designed to enable employers to access the skills they need to fill gaps in their workforce, yet ensure that New Zealanders seeking employment are not disadvantaged.In most cases, the candidate will need a job offer before applying for a work visa, though some migrants already hold an ‘open’ work visa to work for any employer. Have you tried to recruit New Zealanders for a short-term position, but been unable to find a suitably qualified or experienced candidate? Is it a job for which you can't readily train someone?If you are in this situation there are various options to consider. Working through this page will help you find the right options for your business.
The Essential Skills in Demand Lists are Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ’s) two occupational skill shortage lists. If you offer a job to someone in an occupation on one of the lists and the candidate has qualifications and experience as specified on the list, they can apply for an Essential Skills work visa.
You won’t need to provide evidence of attempting to recruit New Zealanders because INZ reviews the lists regularly and has concluded that employers are unable to find enough people with these skills, qualifications, and experience in New Zealand.
The Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL) reflects national shortages with a high skill level.
The Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL) reflects regional shortages.
If you have a temporary or short term vacancy in an occupation not listed on the Essential Skills in Demand Lists you may still be able to recruit a worker from overseas. You’ll need to show you have made genuine efforts to recruit New Zealanders.
If your candidate is from overseas, you will need to support their Essential Skills work visa application by providing information about your attempts to recruit New Zealanders. What you need to do.
You could apply to INZ for Approval in Principle to recruit workers from overseas. If your application is approved, you’ll have assurance that you can recruit appropriately qualified and experienced workers from overseas. What you need to do.
If you need to employ someone temporarily for a specific purpose or event, they can apply for a work visa. The people who qualify for this visa have skills and expertise that will benefit New Zealand, such as specialist machinery installers, sports referees, or people involved in film production. What you need to do.
If you need seasonal workers to plant, maintain, harvest and pack crops in the horticulture and viticulture industries, you might like to consider becoming a Recognised Seasonal Employer. What you need to do.
To engage seven or more foreign fishing crew you must request an Approval in Principle from Immigration New Zealand. If you require six or less crew you can apply directly for work visas on their behalf.
You can temporarily employ young people from overseas who are travelling around New Zealand on Working Holiday visas. They can work for any employer. What you need to do.
Many international students studying full-time in New Zealand are able to work for any employer for up to 20 hours per week in term time. Find out more.
There are two types of Silver Fern Visa. The Silver Fern Job Search visa is a nine month open work visa, designed to bring skilled young people to New Zealand. Once these candidates have obtained skilled employment, they can apply for the two year Silver Fern Practical Experience visa. After that, it is likely they will be eligible to apply for a Skilled Migrant Category resident visa. What you need to do.
If your prospective employee is the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident, or the partner of a work visa holder, they could have an open work visa and be able to work for any employer. What you need to do.
