How to Work in New Zealand

The New Zealand government now allows migrant workers who can contribute to the country by bringing valuable skills or qualifications by applying for work in New Zealand especially now that they are experiencing skills shortage in their labor market. Among the sectors which have a strong demand for skilled workers to begin work in New Zealand includes:

• Information and communications technology
• Health and medical groups
• Agriculture and farming
• Engineering
• Education
• Trades

Applying for work in New Zealand is one way to achieve residency status. And if you want to live and start work in New Zealand, there are a number of options available. Among the options available for migrants to achieve residency by applying for work in New Zealand are:

Skilled Migrant

Applying for work in New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category is the main path to achieve residency in New Zealand. It is designed to make sure that people migrating and applying for work in New Zealand have the necessary skills the country needs. This category works on a points based system which is based your qualifications, work experience, or job offer from an employer based in New Zealand.

Work to Residence

Applying for work in New Zealand under the Work to Residence category allows you to get a temporary work visa and/or permit as a step towards gaining permanent residence. Applicants who are planning to work in New Zealand under this category may be qualified in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand, or may have exceptional talent in sports or the arts.

Residence from Work

The Residence from Work category is for people who are already working in New Zealand and want to apply for residence.

Employee of a Relocating Company

If you are key employee who work in New Zealand under a business that is relocating its operations to New Zealand, you can apply for a work permit and later a residence permit under the Employee of a Relocating Company category.

If you work in New Zealand under temporary work visas and permits, there are some eligibility requirements and you may be eligible for a temporary work visa or permit if:

1. there is a specific purpose or event for which you need to come to New Zealand to work.
2. you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
3. you are a student or trainee who wants to work here.
4. you want to join your partner here and work.

Certain kinds of work do not require a work visa or permit. If your reason to work in New Zealand involves visits for business negotiations, short-term sales trips, work for official trade missions recognized by the New Zealand government, or work for overseas governments, you may be able to do it while on a visitor visa or permit. You do not need a work visa or permit to start work in New Zealand if you are a New Zealand citizen or you hold a New Zealand residence permit, or an Australian citizen, or the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including a current Australian resident return visa.

There are a number of requirements that all visa or permit applicants need to meet before they can enter and start work in New Zealand. To enter New Zealand they must be in good health and of good character. They must also have a passport that is valid for at least three months past the date they are to leave New Zealand. They must also be genuine in their desire to work in New Zealand, and have the right visa for their visit.

If you are granted a temporary work permit you need to meet certain conditions during your stay. The work you do must be in line with the conditions for working in New Zealand and should be specified in your permit and you must keep within New Zealand’s laws. You must only stay in New Zealand for the time allowed by your permit.

For a more detailed info on how to work in New Zealand, just visit their immigration website at www.immigration.govt.nz.