WI11 Philippines Special Work Policy

WI11.1 Objective

This policy allows limited numbers of citizens of the Philippines who are qualified and/or experienced in certain occupations, and who hold a New Zealand job offer in that occupation, to be issued with a work visa.

WI11.5 Philippines Nurses

1. This policy allows up to 100 Philippines nurses at any one time to work in New Zealand for a period of up to three years provided that they:
   1. have a job offer as a registered nurse from a New Zealand employer; and
   2. hold a qualification which has been assessed as equivalent to a New Zealand Bachelor of Nursing or Diploma in Comprehensive Nursing (diploma or hospital based certificate); and
   3. hold New Zealand registration; and
   4. meet the requirements set out in WI11.20 below.
2. An applicant who is a nurse and who is applying for a work visa or permit under this policy is not required to be resident in the Philippines at the time of application, and may lodge their application at their nearest Immigration New Zealand branch.
3. An applicant who is a nurse and is in New Zealand under the policy at WS2(k) may lodge an application under WI11 once they have obtained their registration.

WI11.10 Philippines Farm Managers

1. This policy allows up to 20 Philippines farm managers at any one time to work in New Zealand for a period of up to three years provided that they:
   1. have a job offer from a New Zealand employer as a farm manager, which has been assessed as equivalent to ANZSCO Skill Level 1; and
   2. hold a relevant qualification and/or have relevant work experience; and
   3. meet the requirements set out in WI11.20 below.
2. Under this policy, an applicant who is a farm manager must be ordinarily and actually resident in the Philippines at the time of application, unless WI11.20(d) applies. They must lodge their application with the Immigration New Zealand branch in Manila.

WI11.15 Philippines Engineering Professionals

1. This policy allows up to 20 Philippines engineering professionals at any one time to work in New Zealand for a period of up to three years provided that they:
   1. have a job offer from a New Zealand employer as an engineering professional, which has been assessed as equivalent to ANZSCO Skill Level 1; and
   2. hold a bachelor degree (level 7 or above) qualification registered on the International Professional Engineers Register or Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Engineers Register, or Washington Accord accredited engineering degree; and
   3. hold New Zealand registration, where required; and
   4. meet the requirements set out in WI11.20 below.
2. Under this policy, an applicant who is an engineering professional must be ordinarily and actually resident in the Philippines at the time of application, unless WI11.20(d) applies. They must lodge their application with the Immigration New Zealand branch in Manila.

WI11.20 Generic Requirements

1. To be issued or granted a work visa and permit under this policy, applicants must:
   1. provide a completed work visa/permit application form and fee; and
   2. have a New Zealand job offer in one of the occupations listed above, which meets the requirements set out in W2.10; and
   3. meet the specific requirements relating to registration, qualifications and/or experience for their occupation, as detailed above; and
   4. meet health and character requirements set out in E6; and
   5. meet the requirements for bona fide applicants set out in E5.
2. A labour market check is not required.
3. Successful applicants will be issued with a work visa valid for travel for 6 months from the date of issue and on arrival in New Zealand will be granted a work permit for a maximum of three years, depending on the length of their job offer. Successful applicants will also be issued a multiple entry work visa, valid for the same period as the work permit, allowing re-entry to New Zealand on any number of occasions.
4. If the initial permit is valid for less than three years, a further permit may be granted onshore for the balance of the three-year period, as long as the applicant still meets all the requirements of this policy.
5. Work permits granted under this policy must be endorsed with conditions that allow work only for a specified employer in a specified industry, trade, occupation or profession.
6. On completion of the three-year period, applicants must remain outside New Zealand for three years before applying for a further visa or permit under this policy.

Note: This policy reflects New Zealand’s international trade commitments (see E9).

Effective 30/11/2009