To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, please use our checklist and follow the steps to apply.

Complete the form

Print and complete the form Work Visa Application (INZ 1015) PDF.

Also available is the Work Visa Guide (INZ 1016) PDF, which will help you to apply. 

If you cannot print the form and guide, they are available from your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

Submit the fee and evidence we require

You must submit:

• your completed (and signed) application form
• the correct fee
• your passport or travel document (this must be valid for at least three months after the date you plan to leave New Zealand)
• a recent passport size photograph attached to the form at the section indicated.

If you do not submit the required information with your application we cannot accept it for processing. This is the only evidence for which you need to provide original documents. For all other evidence, please supply photocopies only, as the documents will not be returned to you.

In addition you must provide copies of:

• any qualifications you hold relevant to the job you have been offered
• any evidence of work experience you have gained relevant to the job you have been offered.

Note: There may be additional requirements you must meet depending on the country from which you are applying. Any special requirements are available from your local branch.

Submit evidence of your offer of employment

One of the main requirements for this category is an offer of employment, which must be submitted together with the Employer Supplementary Form Work Visa Application (INZ 1113) PDF.

Your offer of employment must be:

• in an occupation currently included on one of the Essential Skills in Demand Lists or
• from an employer who has a current approval in principle to employ you (please include a copy of the approval if you have it) or
• accompanied by evidence from the employer that shows there are no New Zealand citizens or residents suitably qualified by training and experience available.

Submit evidence of registration if necessary

Certain occupations require <full or provisional registration in New Zealand. If your occupation is one of them, you must be registered or prove that you can meet the requirements for registration.

Submit evidence that you meet our health requirements

The evidence that you need to supply depends on how long you intend to work in New Zealand.

Working for more than six months but less than a year

You must provide a completed X-Ray Certificate for Temporary Entry (INZ 1096) PDF.

Working for more than a year

You must provide a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (INZ 1007) PDF.

Pregnant women and children under the age of 11 years are not required to submit X-ray certificates unless a special report is required.

For full details on health requirements, see our leaflet Health Requirements (INZ 1121) PDF.

Submit evidence that you meet character requirements

If you are applying for a work visa for two years or more, you must provide a police certificate, less than six months old, from your country of citizenship and from any country in which you have lived for five or more years since reaching 17 years of age.

Dependent children

If you wish to bring your dependent children with you to New Zealand you will need to meet a minimum income threshold requirement. For more information regarding the minimum income threshold for dependent children of Essential Skills work visa holders please refer to the Visitor Visa Guide (INZ 1018) PDF or the Student Visa Guide (INZ 1013) PDF. Please also see our Essential Skills Category minimum income requirement questions and answers.

Lodge your application

If you are overseas, your application must be made and approved before you travel to New Zealand. Find out where to send your application.

If you are in New Zealand, you must send your application to your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.

More about applying for a visa

For more information about getting your documents together, how long the application process might take, and what you can expect from us, see the more about applying for a visa section.