If you are a sports person or have exceptional talent in the arts or cultural fields, you may be eligible for a work visa as a step towards residence under our Work to Residence, Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Category. 

If your application is successful, we will issue you with a multiple entry work visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 30 months. When you have been here for two years, actively engaged in your field of talent, you can apply for residence.

Requirements

In addition to meeting our requirements for health and character you need to:

• be aged 55 years or under
• have exceptional talent in your field
• be supported by a New Zealand organisation of national repute
• be sponsored by either and individual or the organisation supporting you.

Exceptional talent

For us to consider you have exceptional talent you need to show us that you:

• have an international reputation and record of excellence in your field (for sportspeople, this will usually mean that you have represented a national team in international competition)
• are still prominent in that field
• will enhance New Zealand’s participation and accomplishments in that field.

Sponsorship