For a job offer from an accredited employer. The employer sends you the link to the online application.
- Stay
- Up to 5 years
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,540
- Processing
- 80% within 5 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Work in New Zealand · Skilled & temporary
Your skills are needed here.
Accredited Employer Work Visas, partner work visas, working holidays and seasonal work. We check the job, the employer and the wage before you commit, and plan the route from work to residence.
At a glance
5visas in this pathway
5INZ updates this year
Facts checked 14 Oct 2026
Who this is for
Is this your situation?
01
Skilled workers
A job offer from an accredited employer and a plan for residence.
02
Partners of workers
Work rights for your partner while you are here.
03
Young travellers
Working holiday schemes for eligible passports.
Visas in this pathway
The options, with official facts.
Length of stay, cost and processing time as published by Immigration New Zealand on 14 October 2026. Tick up to three to compare.
Work in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event.
- Stay
- As needed for the work
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,455
- Processing
- 80% within 3 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Work while your partner is in New Zealand on an eligible work visa.
- Stay
- Same as partner’s work visa
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $1,630
- Processing
- 80% within 7 weeks
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
For young people from partner countries to holiday and work. Age limits and quotas depend on your passport.
- Stay
- Usually up to 12 months
- INZ visa fee
- By country scheme
- Processing
- See INZ page
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Seasonal horticulture and viticulture work with a Recognised Seasonal Employer job offer.
- Stay
- Up to 7 months in 11
- INZ visa fee
- From NZD $325
- Processing
- 80% within 4 days
+ our service fee, quoted upfront
Recent changes
What’s changed for work.
Official announcements affecting this pathway, summarised in plain English.
Announced
Simpler accommodation standards coming for RSE employers
47 accommodation standards will become 15 core standards, expected in the second half of 2027, including Healthy Homes as far as practicable and new minimum bedroom sizes.
Source: Immigration New ZealandComing up
Post-Study Work Visa eligibility widens on 16 November
Graduates of an NZQCF Level 7 graduate diploma who studied it full-time in New Zealand and also hold a bachelor’s degree will be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa of up to 1 year.
Source: Immigration New ZealandComing up
New Short-Term Graduate Work Visa opens 16 November
A new 6-month open work visa for eligible Level 5–7 graduates who don’t qualify for a Post-Study Work Visa, giving time to find a job and move to an AEWV.
Source: Immigration New ZealandIn effect
Police certificates are now required upfront
If your student or temporary visa needs a police certificate, upload it when you apply. INZ won’t usually ask for a missing one — the application may be declined or granted for less time.
Source: Immigration New ZealandHow we help
From first question to final decision.
- 01
Assessment
We check your eligibility against the rules in force on the day you apply.
- 02
Strategy
The right visa, the right order and the right timing.
- 03
Documents
A checklist for your case and a review of every document.
- 04
Lodgement
We lodge online and deal with INZ for you.
- 05
Decision
We stay with you through the decision and what comes next.
Work FAQs
Your work questions, answered.
Straight answers to common questions. If yours isn’t here, ask our AI or a licensed adviser.
Does my employer need to be accredited?
For the Accredited Employer Work Visa, yes. The employer must hold accreditation and complete a job check before sending you the link to apply.
Can my partner work too?
Often, yes. The Partner of a Worker Work Visa lets your partner work while you hold an eligible work visa, for the same length as your visa.
Does work lead to residence?
It can. Skilled Migrant Category, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence all start from a job with an accredited employer. Planning that route early matters.
Side by side
Compare visas
Licensed immigration advisers since 2006
Ready to work in New Zealand?
Tell us about your plans and a licensed adviser will confirm the best visa for you.