Follow these steps if you wish to apply for a work visa under our Work Exchange Scheme Policy. To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, print out our
checklist.
Complete the form
Print and complete the form Work Visa/Permit Application (INZ 1015) PDF [182KB].
Also available is the Work Visa/Permit Guide (INZ 1016) PDF [216KB], 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 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 to do with the exchange scheme
You must provide:
- evidence of acceptance to an approved work exchange scheme from the scheme organiser, and
- evidence of medical and dental insurance cover for the length of the exchange, and
- evidence that you have made onward travel arrangements for leaving New Zealand at the completion of your work exchange scheme.
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 (NZIS 1096) PDF [69KB].
Working for more than a year
You must provide a completed Medical and Chest X-ray Certificate (NZIS 1007) PDF [401KB].
For help completing the form, see the Medical & Chest X-ray Certificate - Applicant's Notes (NZIS 1133) PDF [117KB]. Translations of these notes are available in several different languages.
Note: 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 Health Requirements Leaflet (NZIS 1121) PDF [205KB].
Show us that you meet our character requirements
If you are applying for a work visa or permit 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. Applications lodged in New Zealand under the work exchange policy will only be considered if there are special reasons why you have not obtained a visa before coming to New Zealand.
More about applying for a visa or permit
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 or permit section.