Can I apply online?

No. The Silver Fern Practical Experience visa must be applied for on paper.

Is there a quota of places?

There is no quota on the Silver Fern Practical Experience visa. The visa is however restricted to people who hold a Silver Fern Job Search visa (or a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa that is shorter than the maximum of two years).

Can I apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa from within New Zealand?

Yes. Applications can be lodged from both inside and outside New Zealand, however since you must have an offer of employment in New Zealand, your application will be processed at the INZ branch closest to the employer offering you the job.

Can I apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa if my Silver Fern Job Search visa has expired?

If your Silver Fern Job Search visa expires and you get a different temporary visa, or become unlawful, you will not be eligible for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa.

The only exception is if you have already been granted a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa valid for less than 24 months, and wish to extend it.

Do I need to submit new medical and/or police certificates?

All applicants for the Silver Fern Job Search visa must submit medical and police certificates. You will not normally be required to submit new certificates when you got on to apply for the Silver Fern Practical Experience visa. If your situation is different, an immigration officer will contact you to explain what is required.

Can I apply if I have already started employment?

Yes. Your job offer must be for a minimum of 12 months, but there is no requirement that those 12 months start after the grant of a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa.

For example, you have a job offer for 12 months and begin work while holding the Silver Fern Job Search visa. If you apply for a Practical Experience visa six months later, you will get a Practical Experience visa valid for six months, in line with the time left on your offer of employment.

How can I check the status of my application?

You can check the status of your application by logging on to Online Services on our website. The link that shows the status of the application is entitled “What’s Happening” and appears on the top right hand side of the screen. 

How long will it take to process my application?

Once your application has been successfully submitted, the processing time will depend on the level of verification required and the processing times of the branch where your application is assessed. For details of branch processing times, see the Contact Us page and select the appropriate branch from the list.

How do I change details on my application after submitting it?

If your need to change any details you will need to let your case officer know. 

How do I know if my job offer is considered ‘skilled employment’?

See a description of skilled employment under the Skilled Migrant Category. The full definition comes from section SM7.10 of the Operational Manual.

If I was previously approved a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa, can I apply for another one?

You can get a new Silver Fern Practical Experience visa, provided that you apply while you still hold a valid Silver Fern Practical Experience visa and the combined duration of the old and new visa is no more than 24 months.

Can I bring my family with me if I obtain a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa?

Partners and dependent children of holders of a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa will be eligible for work and student visas (primary and secondary schooling only) for the same period as the Practical Experience visa. If your children wish to study at tertiary level during this period they will have to meet student requirements as an international student.

Will my potential employer have to demonstrate that they have been unable to fill the position with a New Zealander?

Offers of skilled employment under the Silver Fern Practical Experience category will not be labour market tested – your employer does not have to demonstrate that they have been unable to fill the position locally.

What if I want to stay longer?

If your offer of employment is for less than 24 months, your initial Silver Fern Practical Experience visa will be granted for the duration of the job offer. If your offer of employment is extended, or you find skilled employment with a new employer, you can apply for the remainder of the 24 months.

For example, if you first job offer and first visa are for 12 months, you may be eligible for another work visa for a further 12 months. Note that the second job offer must also be for a minimum of 12 months. 

If you want to establish yourself in New Zealand, you may be eligible for residence in New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category. If you apply for residence, you must ensure that you hold a valid temporary entry visa (work, study, visit) at all times while your residence application is in process.