Apply for a
New Zealand Work Visa

Navigating New Beginnings!

Unlock Your Career Potential in New Zealand

New Zealand offers a dynamic job market, welcoming skilled professionals from around the globe that can add value to local NZ businesses. Whether you’re aiming to advance your career, gain international experience, or embark on a new adventure, Kiwi Fern is here to guide you through every step of the work visa process.

Ready to take the next step?

Why choose New Zealand for Work?

  • Robust Economy: A stable and growing economy with opportunities across various sectors.

  • Quality of Life: Experience a balanced lifestyle with stunning landscapes and a friendly community.

  • Work-Life Balance: Enjoy a culture that values time for family, recreation, and personal growth.

  • Pathways to Residency: Many work visas offer routes to permanent residency, allowing you to make New Zealand your long-term home.

Kiwi Fern Immigration’s expertise in Work Visa Services

At Kiwi Fern Immigration, we specialize in assisting professionals to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape. Our team of licensed immigration advisers are committed to providing personalized support tailored to your unique circumstances.

Our immigration services Include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: Evaluating your qualifications and experience against visa requirements.

  • Job Search Guidance: Providing resources and strategies to secure employment with accredited employers.

  • Application Assistance: Preparing and submitting comprehensive visa applications.

  • Post-Visa Support: Offering advice on settling in New Zealand and planning for pathway to residence.

Understanding New Zealand Work Visas

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

The AEWV is the primary pathway for skilled workers with a genuine job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

Key requirements:

  • Job Offer: Full-time employment (minimum 30 hours per week) from an accredited employer.

  • Skill Level: Roles classified under ANZSCO skill levels 1–3 may be eligible for visas up to 5 years; levels 4–5 may be eligible for up to 3 years.

  • Qualifications/Experience: Relevant qualifications or a minimum of 2 years’ experience, Bachelor qualification or above or a NZQF Level 4 qualification in the offered occupation.

  • English Proficiency: An IELTS score of 4.0 or equivalent may be required for Skill level 4 and 5 roles.

  • Health and Character: Meeting standard health and character requirements.

  • Previous declines or false and misleading information: This can impact your chances of a successful outcome so ensure you present accurate and factual information.

Note: As of 2025, ANZSCO will be replaced by the National Occupation List (NOL). Stay updated on these changes to ensure compliance.

2. Partner of a New Zealander Work Visa

If you’re in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident, you may be eligible for an open work visa.

Eligibility criteria:

  • Relationship Evidence: Proof of living together in a genuine and stable relationship.

  • Supporting Partner: Your partner must be eligible to support your application.

Pathway: This visa can be a stepping stone towards residency under the partnership category.

3. Dependent Child of a Work Visa Holder

Children of work visa holders can apply for visas to live and study in New Zealand depending on the Skill level of the work visa holder most often only Skill level 1-3 work visa holders or Skill level 4-5 in the green list or Care workforce sector agreement.

Requirements:

  • Parental Support: The parent must meet income thresholds and hold a valid work visa.

  • Age Limit: Generally applicable to children aged 19 or under.

4. Partner of aN Accredited Employer Work Visa, Essential Skills or Student Visa holder

Work visa may be granted to an applicant who is the partner of an Accredited Employer work visa holder in a role that is classified as ANZSCO skill level 1, 2 or 3.

Work visa may be granted to an applicant who is the partner of an Accredited Employer work visa holder in a role that is classified as ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 in the Green list or Care workforce sector agreement or on ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 and on 26 June 2024 was already supporting my partner for a relationship-based visa

Partner of a student visa holder who is studying a level 7 or 8 qualification on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) that is specified either in the Qualifications Eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa list or the Green List, or Partner of a student visa holder to study a degree level 9 or 10 qualification on the NZQF

Requirements:

  • Supporting Partner’s income: The supporting partner must meet income thresholds and hold a valid work visa.

  • Relationship Evidence: Must have evidence of living together in a genuine and stable relationship.

  • Character requirements: Supporting Partner must meet character requirements.

Our Proven Process

  • Initial Consultation: Discuss your goals and assess eligibility.

  • Strategic Planning: Develop a personalized roadmap for your visa application

  • Document Preparation: We assist in gathering and organizing necessary documentation.

  • Application Submission: Lodge your application with Immigration New Zealand.

  • Ongoing Support: Provide updates and liaise with immigration authorities as needed.

Resources to Empower Your Journey

Explore our Education resources for tools and information, including:

  • Training: Ensure you have all necessary documents.

  • Tips: Learn how to connect with accredited employers.

  • Insights: Gain insights from our experts on various employment and immigration topics.

Latest Immigration Updates

Stay abreast of the latest developments in New Zealand’s immigration policies:

  • Policy Adjustments: New Zealand is refining its immigration settings to balance economic growth and labour market needs.

  • Digital Nomad Initiatives: The country is introducing measures to attract remote workers, enhancing its appeal to global talent

     

For detailed information, refer to official announcements and trusted news sources.