Arts and Music Festival Approval

We work with arts and music festival organisers to simplify the visa application process. Performers and direct support staff participating in an ‘approved’ arts or music festival can come to New Zealand as visitors.

Overview

Duration	Valid for 4 years

With this option employers can

Employ at least 10 international performers and direct support staff to perform and work here on a visitor visa without having to apply for a work visa. They will still need to meet all the requirements of a visitor visa.

Things to note

You will need to provide evidence the festival has been established for at least 3 years.
A festival organiser must bring in at least 10 international performers and immediate support staff.
A festival’s approval will be revoked if INZ considers that festival organisers’ conduct has created an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand's immigration or employment laws or policies.

What is involved

1 Apply for approval

To become approved, the festival organisers must submit a formal proposal to us.

Read criteria & apply

2 Support a visitor visa

Once we’ve granted you approval, you can support the visitor visa applications of your performers and immediate support staff for art & musical acts.

3 Reapply for approval

You can reapply after 4 years to maintain your approval status and continue to be on the INZ approved promoters list.