New Zealand is something of a paradox for prospective immigrants. On the one hand, it has over eighty different types of working visa, making it generally very easy to secure one. At the same time, the choice is so vast that finding the correct visa can be very difficult. Locating visas for New Zealand involves navigating a very complex website that uses multiple filter tools to gradually narrow down your options. To find out how it works, read on.
Is There A Sponsored Visa For New Zealand?
Yes! The straight to residence visa for New Zealand is for people who already have a job offer from a New Zealand employer. To qualify, your employer must be looking to hire someone who is Tier One Green List In-Demand. This extensive Green List covers almost all professions, and has something to suit virtually every skillset. As such, it’s the go-to visa option for most people relocating to New Zealand from the UK.
Do I Qualify For A Straight To Residence Visa For New Zealand?
Qualification is reasonably straightforward if you have the relevant qualifications. However, there are catches. For instance, Green List Requirements, which you can find in the ‘details’ section under each of the Green List Roles, usually involve being registered with various councils in New Zealand. For example, the ‘details’ section for all clinical jobs states that you must first register with the Medical Council of New Zealand.
So… How Does Getting A Permanent Or Sponsored Visa For New Zealand Work?
Firstly, start job hunting. You can use any New Zealand jobs site, LinkedIn’s New Zealand page, or contact employers directly. Businesses actively recruiting overseas now sometimes conduct some of the recruitment process virtually, with interviews through Zoom or MS Teams, to minimise your travel requirements. Once you have a formal job offer, you can start the visa application process. To do this, head to the New Zealand Visa website and find your employment category. This will tell you whether you need to be in New Zealand physically to apply, or whether you can apply from the UK. The “details” section will also tell you which national registrations you need to apply for, and any additional certifications that are required. This website does not have links unfortunately, so you will need to chase these yourself.
What Other Work Visas For New Zealand Are Available?
New Zealand also offers a temporary Working Holiday Visa. Aimed at people aged between 18-35, this is a holiday visa for up to 36 months, where you support yourself through casual work. It also offers a selection of business investment visas. These are wide ranging, and are aimed at the self-employed, business owners, or entrepreneurs. Requirements for these visas are dependent upon multiple variables, such as whether or not you are already in the country, how much start-up capital you have, how long your business has been running, and how old you are. Each of these falls into a different visa category.
It's More About Who You Are, Not What You Do!
Despite having one of the most complex visa systems out there, the country is more focused on the type of person that they allow to work in New Zealand, rather than the type of work. For instance, basic requirements for all visas are: proof of good health, proof of good character, and proof that you have a genuine wish to visit, work, or study. If you tick all of these boxes, there is likely to be a visa waiting for you. The challenge is simply finding it!
What Next?
If you’re lost in the maze of the New Zealand working visa website, don’t panic. Sometimes it takes a bit of expert help to navigate foreign waters, and that’s what Galleon are here for. Our professionals are constantly up-to-date with New Zealand visa processes, and can advise and guide you through the process. For more information, click here to send one of our advisers a message.
