To apply for this visa, you’ll first need to create an account. Once you’ve done this, you can then login and apply. You can also use your login to check your application status.
To submit an expression of interest, you’ll first need to create an account. Once you’ve done this, you can then login and submit an EOI. You can also use your login to check the status of your EOI.
Student visa
Login here to apply online for your Student visa. If you haven't got an account, you can create one here.
If you are a current visa holder and provide your details to a third-party (such as a bank), they can use this information to verify your visa using the Visa Verification Service. Please read this information before you login.
To apply for one of these visas, you’ll first need to create an account. Once you’ve done this, you can then login and apply. You can also use your login to check your application status.
Visa factsheet
Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
This visa offers a pathway to New Zealand residence. To apply, you’ll need to have the specified work experience, qualifications and occupational registration to work in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List, and an offer for work in that occupation. If you continue working in that occupation in New Zealand for 2 years, you can apply for residence.
Start your pathway to residence in New Zealand by working for up to 30 months in an occupation for which there is a shortage of New Zealanders available.
Apply for residence after 2 years of working in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List.
Things to note
You can’t include a partner or dependent children in your work visa application, but they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you.
This visa offers a pathway to New Zealand residence. To apply, you’ll need to have the specified work experience, qualifications and occupational registration to work in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List, and an offer for work in that occupation. If you continue working in that occupation in New Zealand for 2 years, you can apply for residence.
This visa offers a pathway to New Zealand residence. To apply, you’ll need to have the specified work experience, qualifications and occupational registration to work in an occupation on our Long Term Skill Shortage List, and an offer for work in that occupation. If you continue working in that occupation in New Zealand for 2 years, you can apply for residence.
If you submit a paper application, provide your original passport or a certified copy. We can usually process your application faster if you provide your original passport.
If you apply online, you must upload a copy of your passport when you apply. We will let you know if you need to send your passport after you've applied.
evidence the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) recognises your qualification.
You must check if your qualification is on the New Zealand Qualifications Agency (NZQA) list of recognised or exempt qualifications. If it’s not on the list, you must provide a report from the NZQA confirming your qualification.
If you need to provide evidence of relevant work experience in Eastern Europe, you should provide a copy of your official workbook from that country.
If you need to provide evidence of work experience in a European country but are not a citizen of a Schengen member state, you should provide evidence of your right to work in that country.
Evidence of your right to work is a copy of your Schengen visa for the time you were working.
If the Long Term Shortage List lists New Zealand registration as a requirement for your occupation, you must provide evidence you have the full or provisional registration required to work in your occupation in New Zealand.
The information below will help you understand the process, timeframes and costs involved in applying for this visa, so you can plan ahead and have the best chance of submitting a complete application.
If you are granted a visa, there are conditions that you must meet. These visa conditions are described below.
Entry permission
You must apply for entry permission when you arrive in New Zealand. You can do this by completing an arrival card, which you are given on the way to New Zealand.
your circumstances have changed since you were granted a visa
you refuse to let us to take your photo, or provide us with your fingerprints or an iris scan, if we ask you for them.
Travel
After your visa is granted, you have 3 months to arrive in New Zealand.
After your arrival, you can travel in and out of New Zealand for up to 30 months.
Work
You have to work in the specific occupation from the Long Term Skill Shortage List, for the specific employer, and in the specific location detailed in the job offer that was the basis of your work visa application.
Study
You can study for up to 3 months in any 12-month period.
Keep your visa in a valid passport
If you want to travel, your visa must be in a valid passport.
If your passport expires, you must apply to transfer your visa to a new passport before you can travel.
To transfer your visa, you must:
send us your old and new passports
complete an ‘Application for Transfer or Confirmation of a Visa’
You’ll need to give your completed form to your candidate, who will need to include it with their work visa application together with their employment agreement.