Moving to New Zealand for Work: A Guide for Overseas Workers
Thinking about moving to New Zealand for work?
It can be exciting, but it can also be difficult to know where to start. Do you apply for a visa first? Do you need a job offer? Does the employer need to be accredited? And what about bringing your family with you?
For most people looking to move to New Zealand for work, securing the right job offer is the first major step.
Here is an overview of how the process generally works.
Step 1: Finding a Job in New Zealand
One of the most common questions I receive from people overseas is:
“Can you help me get a New Zealand work visa?”
For most work visa applicants, my first question will be whether you already have a job offer.
If you are looking at an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), you generally need to have a job offer from a New Zealand accredited employer before you can apply for the visa.
This means that if you are still overseas and don't have a job offer, your first step will usually be finding employment.
When applying for jobs, make sure your CV clearly explains your skills and experience and is easy for a New Zealand employer to understand.
Also be realistic. Finding employment from overseas can take time, and having skills or experience that are in demand in New Zealand can make a big difference.
Step 2: Check That the Employer Is Accredited
If your job requires an AEWV, the New Zealand employer offering you the position needs to be an Accredited Employer.
Accreditation is Immigration New Zealand's approval for an employer to hire workers under the AEWV scheme.
However, an employer being accredited doesn't automatically mean that every job they offer will qualify for an AEWV.
The job itself also needs to meet the relevant immigration requirements.
Step 3: The Employer Needs a Job Check
Before you can apply for an AEWV, your employer will need to have an approved Job Check for the position.
As part of this process, Immigration New Zealand looks at the job being offered and whether it meets the requirements for an AEWV.
Depending on the position, the employer may also need to advertise the role in New Zealand before applying for the Job Check.
Once the Job Check is approved, the employer can provide you with the information you need to apply for your work visa.
Step 4: Check That You Meet the Requirements for the Job
A job offer from an Accredited Employer and an approved Job Check do not automatically mean your work visa will be approved.
You still need to meet the requirements for the AEWV.
Immigration New Zealand may look at your:
Relevant work experience
Qualifications
Occupational registration, where required
English language ability, where applicable
Health
Character
Previous immigration history
The requirements will depend on the position you have been offered and your individual circumstances.
This is why I recommend checking your eligibility before making major decisions such as resigning from your current job, selling your home or booking flights.
Step 5: Apply for Your Accredited Employer Work Visa
Once the employer and job requirements are in place and you have confirmed that you meet the relevant requirements, you can apply for your AEWV.
You will need to provide evidence to support your application. Exactly what is required will depend on your circumstances.
Immigration New Zealand will assess your application to make sure you meet the requirements for the visa.
I recommend waiting until your visa has been approved before making any non-refundable travel arrangements.
Step 6: What About Your Partner and Children?
If you are moving to New Zealand with your family, don't assume that your work visa automatically means your partner can work or your children can study in New Zealand.
The visas available to your family can depend on factors including your job, occupation and income.
Your partner may be eligible for a work or visitor visa, and dependent children may be eligible for visitor or student visas.
Ideally, look at the whole family's eligibility at the beginning of the process rather than waiting until your own work visa has been approved.
For many families, knowing whether a partner can work or whether children can attend school as domestic students can make a big difference when deciding whether moving to New Zealand is financially realistic.
Step 7: Think About the Practical Side of Moving Too
Getting your visa approved is a big part of the process, but there is a lot more to moving countries than immigration.
Before making the move, take some time to look into what day-to-day life in New Zealand is actually going to look like for you and your family.
Some things worth thinking about include:
Cost of living – Look at the cost of rent, groceries, transport, power and other everyday expenses in the area you are planning to live.
Accommodation – Research the rental market and think about where you will stay when you first arrive. Finding long-term accommodation can take time.
Getting around – Depending on where you live and work, you may need a car. Public transport options vary considerably around New Zealand.
Schools and childcare – If you're bringing children, look into local schools, enrolment zones and childcare options before you arrive.
Money for getting established – There can be a lot of upfront costs when you first arrive, such as temporary accommodation, a rental bond, furniture, transport and setting up your home.
Your support network – Moving away from family and friends can be a big adjustment. Think about whether you know anyone in New Zealand and what support you will have when you arrive.
Your partner's plans – If you're moving as a family, think about employment opportunities for your partner as well. Even if they are eligible to work, it may take time for them to find a job.
The reality of the job – Make sure you understand where you'll be working, your hours, your pay, and what the role actually involves. If you're unsure about anything in your employment agreement, ask questions before you move.
I also recommend doing some research into the town or city you're planning to move to. New Zealand might look small on a map, but life in Auckland can be very different from life in Tauranga, Christchurch or a smaller regional town.
Moving to New Zealand can be an amazing opportunity, but you want to arrive with realistic expectations and a plan for those first few weeks and months.
Step 8: Arriving and Starting Work in New Zealand
Once your visa has been approved, check the conditions carefully.
Your AEWV will usually specify details relating to your employment, such as your employer, occupation and location.
Make sure you understand these conditions before you start work.
If you later want to change your employer, job or work location, you may need to apply for a Job Change or another visa before you can start the new employment.
Keep copies of your employment agreements, payslips, visa documents and other important records while you are living and working in New Zealand. They may be useful for future visa or residence applications.
Step 9: Think About Your Longer-Term Plans
Not everyone who comes to New Zealand on a work visa wants to stay permanently.
But if residence is your long-term goal, it is worth understanding your potential options early.
An AEWV does not automatically lead to New Zealand residence.
Residence eligibility can depend on factors such as:
Your occupation
Your qualifications
Your income
Your New Zealand skilled work experience
How long you have worked in a particular role
Your partner or family circumstances
The immigration policies in place at the time
Some people may have a pathway through the Skilled Migrant Category or a Green List residence pathway, while others may qualify through partnership or another residence category.
Understanding what you may need in the future can help you make informed decisions about your employment and career while you are in New Zealand.
Start With the Right Information
Moving countries is a big decision, and immigration is only one part of it.
If you're considering moving to New Zealand for work, start by understanding what needs to happen and in what order.
At Navigate Immigration Services, I provide immigration advice to individuals, families and employers throughout New Zealand and overseas.
If you are considering moving to New Zealand and would like to understand your visa options, an eligibility assessment can help you understand what pathways may be available and what your next steps should be.
📧 jo@navigateimmigration.co.nz 📞+64 27 477 2088
👩💻 www.navigateimmigration.co.nz
