Temporary Work or Residence Visas let you Stay in New Zealand to Work

Working in New Zealand can be a very rewarding means of building overseas experience and/or earning a living while staying in the country. There are several different types of work visa configurations available.

Permanent Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category

Recent changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) scheme have made the selection system easier to understand and more flexible. For more information see the Permanent Residence page and/or Contact page.

China Working Holiday Scheme

Every year 1000 places are available for young citizens of China to stay in New Zealand for 12 months. The scheme runs from 1 October each year and 500 quota places will be available from 1 October 2008. Applications under this scheme must be made online.

Work Temporarily in New Zealand

Visas and are available to people who are or have:

• an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer
• skilled in occupations that are in demand in New Zealand
• coming for a particular purpose or event
• gaining work experience
• working after studying in New Zealand