To help you make sure you have everything you need to apply, please print out our checklist and follow the steps to apply.
Note: you must be aged 55 years or under to apply under this category.
Complete the form
Print and complete the form Application to Work in New Zealand (NZIS 1015) PDF [117KB].
Also available is the Guide for Working in New Zealand (NZIS 1016) PDF [202KB], which will assist you in applying.
If you cannot print the form and guide, they are available from your nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.
Submit everything we require, including the fee
Along with your completed (and signed) application form you will also need to provide all the information listed at the front of the application form and the correct fee. If you do not submit the required information with your application we cannot accept it for processing.
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 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
- are still prominent in that field
- will enhance New Zealand’s participation and accomplishments in that field.
The evidence that you provide might include qualifications, awards, documents showing your membership of professional associations, or letters of support or recommendation. These are suggestions only – the evidence that you supply is up to you.
Submit evidence of your sponsorship
With your application you must submit a fully completed and signed Talent (Arts, Culture and Sport) Sponsorship Form (NZIS 1091) PDF [98KB]. Your sponsor should be an organisation of national repute – a national representative body, or at least a regional representative body.
Show us that you meet our health requirements
You will need to 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
You will also need to supply 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 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.