You may be eligible for a work visa or permit if you are coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event for which your skills, attributes or expertise will benefit New Zealand.
People who can apply under this policy
You can apply under this category if you are:
- A senior or specialist businessperson on short-term secondment with an offer of employment in either a substantial New Zealand company or a New Zealand subsidiary of an overseas company. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of your secondment up to a maximum of 12 months.
- A sports referee with a written invitation or schedule of events invited to referee sports events in New Zealand. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of your engagement and not usually for more than six months.
- A judge of a show, display or exhibition, with a written invitation or schedule of events, invited to judge shows, displays, or exhibitions. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of your engagement and not usually for more than six months.
- A dance or music examiner of a recognised international teaching institution with a written invitation or offer of employment to conduct examinations in New Zealand. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of the examinations and not usually for more than six months.
- A pastor or lay missionary with a written guarantee of accommodation, maintenance and repatriation from a sponsoring body in New Zealand. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of your ministry or engagement, up to three years.
- An installer or servicer of specialised equipment or machinery who can show that installing or servicing the equipment is a condition of purchase. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of time required, up to three months
- An entertainer, performing artist, film or video crew or support personnel. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of time requested. There are special requirements for these applicants.
- A business investor whose residence application has been approved in principle and who is coming to New Zealand to investigate investment opportunities. Your work permit will be for 12 months from the date of the approval in principle of your residence application.
- A chief executive or senior staff member of a multinational company for which similar applications have been approved. If approved, your work permit will be for the length of your secondment up to three years, though further work permits may be possible after that time.
- A sports player, a referee or professional coach with a written offer of employment from a New Zealand sports club. If approved, your work permit will be for the duration of the employment offer up to 12 months, or up to a maximum of three years for regional or national level coaches.
Other specific purposes or events
If you want a work visa or permit for some other specific purpose or event, you will need to satisfy us that:
- you need to work in New Zealand for the period of time you’re requesting, and
- you’re qualified or skilled in areas relevant to the purpose or event, and
- your skills, attributes or expertise will benefit New Zealand.
Requirements
In addition to meeting our good health and good character requirements, you need to:
- prove to us you need a work visa or permit for the length of time requested
- show us the job offer, invitation or schedule of events that describe your intended employment in New Zealand (a visa or immigration officer may also ask you to provide evidence that you have international merit or distinction)
- show that you have qualifications or experience relevant to the position or event
- show how you will meet your living costs (for example, evidence that you will be receiving a salary, or a letter or agreement from your sponsor guaranteeing your accommodation and living costs during your stay)
- show that you intend to leave New Zealand when your employment is completed (for example, return tickets 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).
Before we grant a work visa or permit we will ensure that:
- your employment will not limit employment opportunities for New Zealanders, unless the benefits of employing you outweigh the loss of job opportunities and
- your employer shows that they have considered employing New Zealanders, where appropriate.
Bringing your family with you
If you are eligible, your partner or any dependent children can apply for a visitor visa or permit to accompany you for the length of your stay. If they meet our requirements, dependent children may instead apply for a student visa or permit.
Apply
If you need a work visa and/or permit, and you meet the requirements, find out how to apply.