We issue work visas and permits for short-term and long-term engagements to ministers of religion, missionaries and members of religious orders who belong to religious denominations or groups recognised under immigration policy.
The requirements you must meet depend on how long your appointment will last.
Appointments up to 12 months
You might need a short-term visa or permit if, for example, you are coming here to provide religious instruction, give lectures or seminars or carry out other speaking engagements.
You will need to show us that you have:
- a salary or official income from your overseas religious organisation to cover your accommodation and living expenses while in New Zealand or
- a written guarantee from your host organisation in New Zealand that they will provide for your accommodation and living expenses during your stay.
If you are approved, we will issue you a work visa or permit for the length of your appointment, up to 12 months.
Appointments over 12 months
You might need a long-term visa or permit if, for example, you are coming here to undertake religious work or training within a New Zealand religious community.
You must show us:
- that you meet our health and character requirements
- your offer of employment
- a written guarantee that your sponsoring body or organisation will meet your accommodation needs and the cost of your travel back to your home country once you have completed your assignment.
If you are approved, we will issue you a work visa or permit for the length of your assignment, up to a maximum of three years.
If your assignment is extended, you can apply for a further permit allowing a maximum stay of four years from when you arrived. When applying, you will need to show us that your sponsoring body supports your further stay and renews its guarantees.
Apply
To apply under this category, you will need to complete the Work Visa/Permit Application (INZ 1015) PDF form and provide evidence that you and your employer meet the requirements stated above.