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

Cast and crew

There are special evidence requirements and a different application form for entertainers, performing artists and associated support personnel, film and video production and post-production crew, producers, and directors. See the entertainers page for details.

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 the evidence we require

You must submit everything listed at the front of the application form:

• 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.

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 job offer

You must provide us with:

• proof of the length of time you need to work in New Zealand 
• the job offer, invitation or schedule of events that describe your intended employment (an immigration officer may also ask you to provide evidence proving you have international merit or distinction)
• a letter or agreement from your employer guaranteeing your accommodation and living costs are covered during your stay.

Submit evidence that you intend to leave New Zealand

You must provide evidence that you intend to leave New Zealand when your employment is completed. For example, you can provide:

• evidence that you have outward tickets or the money to buy them, or
• a letter from a New Zealand employer guaranteeing that they will meet the cost of your travel back to your home country if necessary.

Show us 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 Temporary Entry 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 guide Health Requirements (INZ 1121) PDF.

Show us that you meet our 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.

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 more about applying for a visa.