Securing a New Zealand work visa is the next step for many international students and professionals who wish to build their careers in this thriving country. At NZ Gateway, our experienced team of New Zealand work visa consultants in India provides end-to-end support, from eligibility checks to documentation, ensuring your application meets all requirements and has the best chance of success.
The basic criteria for most of these work visas in New Zealand are:
To hold a firm job offer pre-cleared by Immigration NZ,
including the pay rate.
To prove you are suitably qualified and experienced to undertake
the job you have been offered.
To be of good health and character.
Types of work visas in New Zealand that allow to work are:
An Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a
temporary work visa that allows skilled migrants to work
in New Zealand for up to 3 years with a job offer from
an accredited employer. This visa ensures that genuine
skill or labour shortages can be filled by overseas
talent.
Applicants must have a full-time job offer from an
accredited New Zealand employer:
who has been unable to fill
that position with a local worker and provide evidence
for the same
has completed a thorough job
check, making sure the candidate is meeting all the
requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.
that needs to demonstrate
that the pay is equal or above the median wage.
The benefits of an Accredited Employer Work Visa:
Work in New Zealand for an
accredited employer who has offered you at least 30
hours work a week.
Study for up to 3 months in
any 12 month period, or do any study required as part of
your employment.
You may be able to support a
work visa for your partner and visitor or student visas
for your dependent children.*
You can become eligible to
apply for a Straight to Residence Visa or a Work to
Residence Visa or Skilled Migrant Category Resident
Visa.
How can our LIAs help you?
The AEWV category has a high proportion of rejected
applications because candidates do not completely
comprehend the paperwork or are unable to demonstrate
their capacity to do the job or meet the New Zealand
work visa requirements.
If you want to apply for an AEWV to work in New Zealand,
you should get legal guidance from a Licensed
Immigration Adviser who will provide correct advice
throughout the application process. Our LIAs can analyse
your application and support you on what documentation
you should give in order to increase your chances of
acquiring a AEWV visa.
Check
Your AEWV Eligibility
Students finishing up their studies in any of the
universities or institutions of New Zealand can apply
for a post-study work visa that allows them to stay and
work in New Zealand.
How long can someone stay in New Zealand on a post-study
work visa?
A post-study work visa in New Zealand allows
international students to remain in the country and work
after
completing their studies. It is valid
for up to 3 years, depending on the level and duration
of your qualification. There are two types of visa
categories in this:
• For Masters/Doctoral students
If you completed a master’s or doctoral level
qualification in New Zealand, and studied here for at
least 30 weeks you can work in New Zealand for 3 years.
You will be granted an open work visa and can work for
any employer if you have a degree of level 7 or above
qualification. You can also opt to do consecutive
courses to increase the length of your stay.
• For Bachelors/Diploma Students
If you have completed a qualification at level 8 or
below, your work visa will be for the same length of
time as your study. The immigration will determine this
by using your offer letter from your university/college
to work this out. For instance, if your offer of place
indicates a study period of 32 weeks, your visa will
correspondingly span 32 weeks. It's essential to note
that, for qualifications below degree level 7, you can
work in any of the field relating to your study.
Furthermore, your qualification should feature on the
Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work
Visa list.
Benefits and how to apply for post-study work
visa in New Zealand:
New Zealand has abundant career opportunities for
international students from all over the world. The
benefits of studying and working in New Zealand include
an excellent work-life balance, easy chances for PR,
high-paying job opportunities, and much more. Studying
for qualifications in occupations that face skill
shortages or are listed under Green List career
opportunities may further enhance your employability and
increase your chances of getting a job.
To apply for a post-study work visa in New Zealand, it
is necessary to meet all the requirements set by
Immigration New Zealand and understand the career
pathways linked to your course. Meeting the post-study
work visa eligibility criteria is crucial to securing
approval. NZ Gateway helps you understand your pathway
and apply without errors, ensuring your application is
complete and accurate.
Talk to our New Zealand education specialists to better
understand the eligibility criteria and to solve any
obstacles in your way to study and work in New Zealand.
Our experts possess the expertise and experience to
guide you through the entire admission and visa process.
Discover the world of opportunities that await you in
New Zealand!
Apply for a
Post-Study Work Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Visa is one of the
most popular ways to gain residency in New Zealand. It
is designed for individuals with qualifications, work
experience, or skills in demand, and offers a highly
sought-after pathway to establish your life in New
Zealand - including the right to work, study, and
eventually secure indefinite residency. This visa
category also allows the inclusion of partners and
dependent children under 24, making it a strong
family-friendly option.
The New Zealand work visa process for SMC
requires accurate points calculation and complete
documentation. NZ Gateway experts ensure your
application is fully compliant, helping you avoid
mistakes and maximize your chances of approval.
Get
Skilled Migrant Visa Assistance
Skill-based Pathways:
There are three
main pathways for individuals to obtain New Zealand
resident status based on their skills and meeting
specific eligibility criteria:
1. Skilled Migrant Resident Pathway
Under this pathway, individuals can apply for residence
if they have an acceptable job or job offer in New
Zealand and acquire at least 6 points. These points can
be earned through qualifications, job offers, or having
work experience in the country.
2. Green List Pathway
The Green List pathway allows individuals with specific
skills listed on the Long-Term Skill Shortage List
(LTSSL) to apply for residency without a job offer. This
pathway addresses skill shortages in New Zealand's labor
market.
3. Care Workforce and Transport Sector Agreement
Pathways
These pathways are designed for individuals working in
specific sectors, namely the aged care, disability
support, and transport sectors. They provide
opportunities for temporary work visas, leading to
residency under specific agreements with the New Zealand
government.
Updates and Eligibility:
Starting in October 2023, a new skilled migrant category
with revised eligibility criteria will be implemented.
Here is an overview of the points system for
eligibility:
• 6 Points: Individuals can earn 6 points if
they have New Zealand registration in a specified
occupation that requires at least six years of training,
hold a Ph.D. or doctorate, or have a job or job offer in
New Zealand that pays at least three times the median
wage.
• 5 Points: Those with New Zealand registration
in a specified occupation requiring at least five years
of training or a Master's degree can earn 5 points. An
additional point can be obtained for a year's skilled
work experience in New Zealand.
• 4 Points: Individuals with New Zealand
registration in a specified occupation requiring at
least four years of training, an honours Degree or
Post-graduate Diploma, or a job or job offer in New
Zealand that pays at least twice the median wage can
earn 4 points. An additional 2 points can be gained for
two years of skilled work experience in New Zealand.
• 3 Points: Those with New Zealand registration
in a specified occupation requiring at least two years
of training, a Bachelor's Degree or Post-graduate
Certificate, or a job or job offer in New Zealand paying
at least 1.5 times the median wage can earn 3 points. An
additional 3 points can be acquired for three years of
skilled work experience in New Zealand.
Are you aspiring to work and eventually settle in the
picturesque landscapes of New Zealand? The Green List
Work Visa highlights highly skilled occupations facing
labour shortages that are hard to fill by local
citizens. These job roles provide a clear and faster
pathway
to residency in New Zealand for
qualified migrants. Eligible individuals can either
apply for Straight to Residence roles or Work to
Residence roles depending on their qualifications and
experience. These visas are tailored for individuals who
are currently employed by, or have a compelling job
offer from, an Accredited New Zealand employer.
1. Straight to Residency
You are employed by,
or hold an employment offer from, an accredited employer
for a Tier 1 of the Green List Occupation.
2. Work to Residence
You are employed by, or
hold an employment offer from, an accredited employer
for a Tier 2 of the Green List Occupation.
General Eligibility Criteria for these visa
categories:
• Employment by an Accredited Employer: You should be
currently employed by an accredited New Zealand employer
or possess a bona fide job offer from such an
employer.
• Green List Compliance: For a continuous period of 24
months preceding your residence application, you must
have met all the stipulated requirements outlined in the
Green List corresponding to your occupation.
• Age Requirement: To qualify for this visa, you should
be aged 55 or younger at the time of application.
• Language Proficiency: A good command of the English
language is imperative. You should be able to speak and
understand English fluently.
Benefits of New Zealand visas from Green List
Courses
• Live, Work, and Study: The Work to Residence Visa
opens doors for you to live, work, and pursue further
studies in the vibrant setting of New Zealand.
• Indefinite Stay: Meeting the visa conditions allows
you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely, providing you
with a stable and secure future in this beautiful
country.
• Family Inclusion: Your spouse or partner, as well as
dependent children aged 24 or younger, can be included
in your residence application. They too can apply for
various visas based on their study, work, or visitation
requirements.
In conclusion, Green List Careers are your bridge to
a prosperous life in New Zealand, offering both
rewarding career and lifestyle opportunities. If you
fulfil the criteria and aspire to embark on this
remarkable journey, our team of Licensed Immigration
Advisers are here to guide you every step of the way.
Explore
Green List Career Pathways
The Partnership Work Visa allows spouses and partners of
students, workers, or residents to join them and live in
New Zealand. This visa provides the opportunity to work,
study, and experience life in New Zealand while staying
with your partner. These options are categorized into
three distinct pathways:
Partner of a Student Work Visa:
If your partner holds a student visa and they can
support your application you have the opportunity to
join them in New Zealand for work, with the duration of
your stay the same as theirs. This avenue is open to
those whose partners are pursuing an eligible level 7,
8, 9 or 10 qualification, in any of the New Zealand
institutions.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa:
If your partner possesses a work visa with a validity
exceeding 6 months and is ready to support your
application, you may be granted a corresponding work
visa.
With a work visa, you can often facilitate various visas
for your partner and dependent children, such as
• a work visa for your partner,
• visitor visas for your partner or children,
• student visas for your children.
However, these possibilities are contingent upon
specific conditions and the specific type of work visa
you hold.
Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa:
If your partner is a New Zealand citizen or resident,
you join your spouse in New Zealand for work and
eventually settle there. Depending on the duration of
the relationship with your partner, you can stay in New
Zealand for either 2 years (if you've been living
together for over 12 months) or 1 year (if you lived
together for less than 12 months).
New Zealand offers abundant work opportunities
for skilled migrants and graduates. However, obtaining a
New Zealand work visa can be a complex and confusing
process. At NZ Gateway, our licensed work visa
consultants in India simplify the journey and guide you
every step of the way.
To know more about any of the work visa in New
Zealand, contact us.
Talk to Our Licensed
Advisors
Whether you’re applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, a post-study work visa in
New Zealand, or the Skilled Migrant Category Visa, NZ Gateway is here to guide you.
Our Licensed Immigration Advisers help you avoid errors, improve approval chances, and
secure your future in New Zealand.
With a team of 50+ specialists in five plus top locations in India, we have helped
thousands of dependents reunite with their families in New Zealand and settle there for work
or study. Connect with NZ Gateway’s Licensed Immigration Advisers for New Zealand visas and
PR to simplify your application and secure a smooth transition.
To qualify for a New Zealand work visa, applicants usually need:
A valid job offer from a
recognized or accredited employer (unless applying for a
post-study work visa).
Proof of skills, qualifications,
and relevant work experience.
Evidence of sufficient funds and
accommodation.
Good health and character,
verified through medical and police certificates.
Many applications are declined because candidates struggle to meet or prove the New Zealand work visa requirements. NZ Gateway’s licensed advisors ensure your documents and application are prepared correctly, giving you the best chance of approval.
A post-study work visa in New Zealand is typically valid for 1-3 years, depending on the level and duration of your qualification. For example:
Bachelor’s and Master’s graduates
may receive up to 3 years.
Diploma-level graduates usually
receive a shorter duration.
NZ Gateway guides you on post-study work visa eligibility so you know exactly how long you can stay and work, and what career pathways this visa can open for you.
Processing times vary by visa type:
Accredited Employer Work Visa
(AEWV): ~1-2 months.
Post-Study Work Visa: 1-2
months.
Skilled Migrant Category:
Can take longer due to points assessment and documentation.
The New Zealand work visa process often takes longer when applications are incomplete. Our consultants ensure everything is in order so your application is processed without delays.
Yes. Certain pathways like the Post-Study Work Visa and some categories under the Skilled Migrant Visa or Green List Career Opportunities allow you to apply without a job offer. However, eligibility rules are strict and often misunderstood.
NZ Gateway experts assess your profile to determine whether you qualify to apply without a job offer and help you navigate the right pathway.
