Work Pathways
For many people, working in New Zealand is the first step towards building a future in the country…
New Zealand continues to need skilled workers across a wide range of industries and occupations. Whether you have secured a suitable job offer, are looking to advance your career, have recently graduated, or are joining a partner or family member in New Zealand, there may be a work visa pathway available to you.
Working in New Zealand
Unless you are a New Zealand citizen or resident visa holder, you must hold a work visa, or another visa that includes work rights, before you can work in New Zealand.
The most common work visa is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which enables suitably qualified applicants to work for an accredited New Zealand employer in a specified role. In many cases, employers must demonstrate that suitable New Zealand workers are not available for the position, although different requirements may apply depending on the role, pay rate, and occupation.
In addition to the AEWV there are many other work visa options including:
- Post Study Work Visas
- Partnership-based Work Visas
- Working Holiday Visas (applies to 45 countries)
- Specific Purpose Work Visas
- Work visas linked to international agreements and specialist occupations
Each visa option has its own requirements, conditions and opportunities.
More Than Just a Work Visa
For many migrants, obtaining a work visa is often just the beginning of their New Zealand journey.
A carefully planned work pathway can provide valuable New Zealand work experience, create opportunities for career advancement, allow family members to join you in New Zealand and can also establish a clear pathway towards residence and citizenship.
Understanding both your immediate visa options and your long-term goals is therefore important from the outset.
Family Opportunities
Many work visa holders can be accompanied by their partner and dependent children.
Depending on the type of work visa and employment involved, your partner may also be eligible for a work visa, while dependent children may qualify for student visas and attend New Zealand schools as domestic (non-fee paying) students.
For many families, a work visa is not simply about employment. It can also be the foundation for building a new life together in New Zealand.
Planning Your Future
Choosing the right role and employer, understanding visa conditions, meeting qualification and experience requirements, and considering future residence opportunities are all important factors in developing a successful work pathway.
Many residence applications are based on employment, making it important to understand not only your immediate work visa options, but also how these may support your longer-term plans for residence and citizenship.
More Information
How We Can Help
Every situation is different. Our experienced advisers can help you understand the options available, identify the pathway that best suits your circumstances and goals, and develop a plan that supports your future in New Zealand.
Contact Us
Immigration News
Explore our Immigration News & Updates for further guidance on your work visa pathways.
Read more
