Working in New Zealand

Find out about working in specific roles or with specific employers in New Zealand.

You need to have specific qualifications, or evidence you have them, to be eligible for most work visas. Some qualifications allow you to apply for residence.

Skilled work if you are applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Visa or a China Skilled Workers Visa.

Creating a business plan and claiming points if you are applying for an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

Information about your rights as a worker in New Zealand and the responsibilities some employers have when they hire migrants.

How long you can work on a Working Holiday Visa, Post Study Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa and Essential Skills Visa.

The Essential Skills Work Visa closed to new applications on 4 July 2022. If you have an existing visa, your individual conditions will remain until the visa expires.

Information about what qualifications are eligible for a Post Study Work Visa.

Entertainment industry employers who want to hire overseas workers must explain why New Zealanders cannot do the work and provide evidence to support this.

We use ANZSCO Version 1.2 to assess the skill level of most occupations. Occupations that have a higher skill level in ANZSCO Version 1.3 are treated as exceptions.

Green List roles and general eligibility for straight to residence, highly paid skilled, and work to residence visas.

To qualify for some visas you must meet a wage rate requirement, or a 'wage threshold'. Check if you meet the wage threshold requirement for your visa.

Information for former holders of a Post Study Work Visa (PSWV) about the 'special direction' open work visa granted from 30 March 2023.

Use this searchable tool to check if an employer is an accredited employer.