New Zealand Temporary Entry Visa Policies

New Zealand has a range of Temporary Visa options to provide for short-term stays in the country. These include Visitor Visa, Student Visa, Limited Purpose Visa, Work Visa and Work Permits.

If you wish to Migrate to New Zealand, the following are some of the current INZ Temporary Entry Categories:

New Zealand Visitors Visa

If you wish to visit New Zealand, the maximum stay that a visitor may enjoy in New Zealand varies according to whether or not they are financially supporting themselves, have previously worked or studied in New Zealand, or whether they have been previously sponsored in New Zealand. The general rule, is that visitors may stay in New Zealand for a total of nine months in an eighteen month period. However some visitors may qualify for an additional three months if they are financially supporting themselves, have not previously worked or studied and were not previously sponsored in New Zealand. Twelve months in a twenty four month period is the maximum stay that a visitor may enjoy. Subsequent to this maximum time spent in New Zealand, visitors are required to spend an equal amount of time outside of New Zealand before being eligible to return as a visitor.

New Zealand Student Visa

New Zealand is a popular destination for students around the world due to the quality of educational facilities and the international recognition of New Zealand qualifications.  To study in New Zealand, students are permitted entry to undertake studies of both short and long term courses at approved educational institutes throughout New Zealand. Students are permitted to remain in New Zealand for a period of time commensurate with the length of the course which they are undertaking or the period of time for which tuition fees have been paid (whichever is the lesser). In order to maintain the right to hold a student permit, students are required, among other things, to make satisfactory progress in their course of study.

For those students wishing to undertake part time work during the course of their study, special conditions apply. Spouses, partners and dependent children of student permit holders are entitled to visitor permits for a period of time commensurate with that of the student permit.

Limited Purpose Visa

The Limited Purpose Visa has been set up to help facilitate the entry of visitors and students who might not otherwise be accepted for temporary entry to New Zealand due to a perceived risk by the INZ that they will remain in New Zealand beyond the length of their permitted stay. Alternatively, it may simply be used as a preferred method of entry. The Limited Purpose Visa is intended for those who wish to enter New Zealand for an "express purpose" for example a particular event such as a wedding, funeral, graduation, medical treatment, sports tournament, religious event, short term course of study etc. The Limited Purpose Visa has a number of restrictions including that it cannot be extended beyond the original term, the holder cannot change their status whilst in New Zealand, cannot apply for permanent residence, cannot appeal against removal or deportation and must leave upon expiry of the permit.

New Zealand Work Permit & Work Visa

The objective of New Zealand's work visa and work permit policy is to protect employment opportunities for New Zealand citizens and residents, while still allowing:

1. New Zealand employers to recruit temporary workers from overseas to meet particular or seasonal skill needs that cannot be met from within New Zealand; and
2. New Zealand to meet its obligations, under bi-lateral agreements negotiated with the governments of neighbouring countries in the South pacific, to provide opportunities for citizens of these countries to undertake temporary employment in New Zealand; and
3. Visitors to New Zealand to lawfully work while on holiday; and
4. People who enter New Zealand under approved working holiday schemes to be granted permission to work on a reciprocal basis; and
5. To recruit overseas workers to fill the skilled labour shortages in New Zealand.

In areas where there is a skill shortage in New Zealand, people may be granted a work permit to work in New Zealand for up to three years. In most cases, except those areas where there is a known and recognised skill shortage in a particular region, a labour market test will usually be required (unless the application is considered under one of the Work to Residence Policies).

There are a number of special categories of work permit and visa policy.

New Zealand Work To Residence Visa Policy

In recognition of the contribution of individuals to particular industries, "Work to Residence" polices have been implemented to "fill the gaps" and allow individuals to eventually gain residence after two years of employment (in accordance with the police criteria) through their employment.

• Talent (Accredited Employers) Work Policy:

To be considered under this policy, applicants must provide evidence of a full-time offer of employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 24 months from an Accredited Employer for a position with a salary of a minimum NZ$45,000 or more (however the salary amount may be waived in certain circumstances). Applicants must be aged 55 years or under and be able to meet any New Zealand registration requirements necessary.

• Talent (Arts, Sports and Culture) Work Policy:

To qualify under this policy, applicants must demonstrate that they have an exceptional talent in the field of art, sport or culture. Evidence will be required of the applicant's international reputation and record of excellence in the declared field, evidence that the applicant is still prominent in the declared field and evidence to show that the applicant's presence in New Zealand will enhance the quality of New Zealand's accomplishments and participation in the declared field. Applicants are required to be aged 55 years or younger.

• Priority Occupations List Work Policy:

Applicants under this policy will require an offer of full-time employment in New Zealand for a period of at least 24 months in an occupation which is included on the INZ Priority Occupations List ("POL") that meets the specifications for that occupation. Evidence will also be required that the applicant has met or is able to meet any New Zealand registration requirements necessary.

Please note that any contract arising from or through this website is governed by the laws of New Zealand .