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New Zealand work visas come in all shapes and sizes, but are invariably based on your skills. Those may range from requiring little to no training or qualification, to such highly qualified ones as medical practitioners. Some also include self-acquired, or taught, entrepreneurial skills. What makes New Zealand work visas fundamentally different from other types is that they allow full-time, skilled employment. General information about New Zealand work visa is applicable to most visas of this type.
New Zealand boasts quite a unique work culture. It is a happy blend of traditional views on what work should look like in a society thriving on modern, progressive technology and a definite shift towards recognition of personal and family values. The focus put equally on people and process makes New Zealand truly special. There is simply no such other place in the world for those who work. It is not uncommon for a Kiwi boss to let their employee attend a family event on short notice, to try to stay in the know about any concerns their staff may have, and overall show respect for the proper work-life balance, which is a pride and joy of many here. No wonder a lot of people from overseas are wanting to join the club!
However, before making your dream come true, you need to think about the legal side of it. That being said, while doing so you may want to look at several options. All having their own pros and cons, procedures and lengths, they bring you a step closer to your dream, regardless. You may possess some valuable qualification, or have a supporting partner who holds a visa, or you may have done your share of studying on a qualifying course in New Zealand and are ready to take up employment – in any such and other circumstances you may be eligible.
To help you decide on the best fitting work visa from the start and to avoid setbacks, our immigration advisor is at your service. Book your free 30-minute consultation today. It would be but prudent, and highly advisable, in the great uncertainty of today’s rapidly developing world, to look for professional aid before embarking on your own on what may be a long and winding road.
Whereas general information about work visa is applicable to most types, specifics also matter. PLease check the relevant visa section on our website to get your head round important details.
In the foreseeable future, namely in 2021, New Zealand work visas system will see drastic changes outlined below.
In short, there will be 1 new work visa instead of 6 current ones, namely
To hire migrant workers, all employers have to gain accreditation. The new process is employer-led and includes a 3-fold check − of the employer, the job and the worker.
Labour market tests, which we will explain in greater detail in Essential Skills Work Visa section, will be strengthened for the positions in big cities where there is currently an abundance of manpower (Auckland, Wellington, Hamilton, Christchurch, Dunedin). They will be made less stringent for high-supply areas (outside those cities), and waived altogether for the areas of relatively low supply of workforce (Waikato, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland). Also, no need for a labour market test will be (or a test will be less stringent) if the job in focus is outside the big cities and the pay is above the New Zealand median wage (currently $25.5 per hour)
Here is an excerpt from an Immigration New Zealand presentation on the forthcoming changes
