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.

How we recognise skilled work for the China Skilled Workers Visa and other skills based visas.

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 total amount of time you can stay in New Zealand on one or more Accredited Employer Work Visas — this is also called a maximum continuous stay — changes depending on your role, pay and when you applied for your first AEWV.

You may be able to apply for a new AEWV if your current AEWV is expiring and you have more time you can stay in New Zealand for (also called your maximum continuous stay).

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.

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.

Check if you meet the median wage requirement, wage rate requirement, or 'wage threshold' to qualify for a visa.