All the information you need about working in New Zealand, from the work visas that are available to tips for finding and securing a job.
How to get a job in New Zealand: 10 Top tips (plus a LinkedIn profile checklist)
Did you know that most people need a job offer to score enough points for a Skilled Migrant Visa?
Immigration New Zealand usually only invites migrants with a score of 160 or more to apply for a visa, despite the minimum required points score being 100.
That’s why it’s critical to know how to get a job in New Zealand if you want to immigrate to New Zealand as a skilled migrant.
1. Find out if you qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa
Your immigration journey must start with an immigration assessment. There are two reasons for this:
- You don’t want to find out after getting a job offer that you don’t qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa. It’ll be devastating!
- Recruiting from overseas is riskier for an employer than recruiting locally – and that’s why many employers would want to know that you qualify for a work visa before considering your CV.
2. Research the New Zealand job market
Go into this job search prepared!
Read up on your industry in New Zealand, research average salaries, compile a list of recruiters, find out how the recruitment process works, and look for companies that often hire overseas.
You’ll not only set yourself up for success , but also manage your expectations around what you can expect from working in New Zealand, what you’re liking to earn, and how long it could take to get a job.
3. Prepare your CV in the New Zealand style
Spend time formatting your CV in the New Zealand style.
Your efforts will pay off because employers will know you understand how to job hunt in New Zealand.
Not only that, but it’ll also show that you care enough to research how a New Zealand employer wants to receive an application.
4. Write a cover letter that makes an impact
You don’t want to send employers a generic cover letter! Make it specific to the job and clearly illustrate why the employer should consider your application.
You’ll find excellent examples of cover letters on The Muse, a career-focused website.
5. Make sure you have a strong LinkedIn profile
Recruiters and employers will search for you on LinkedIn, so it’s crucial to set up a profile that gets their attention.
What makes a strong LinkedIn profile? Everything in the checklist below. Download it, then continue reading for more tips.
6. Always have updated copies of your visas, references, and qualifications
You don’t want an expired passport or outdated documents to stand in the way of getting a job in New Zealand. Set reminders for when updates are needed and ensure they happen in time. You could ask your immigration advisor for guidance with this matter.
7. Improve your skills and knowledge
You may need to sharpen your skills to get a job in New Zealand. Don’t let it stand in your way! Yes, it’s hard to study and work. However, you might only need to do a short course or a certificate.
Trust us when we say the studying will pay off. You’ll make yourself more marketable and desirable to employers.
8. Become a Zoom expert
In a post-COVID world, just about every employer is conducting online interviews. You must ensure you know how to use Zoom and other similar tools like Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Skype.
Test each one to know how it works and how to troubleshoot common errors. You can set up a quick session with a friend, but also remember to test the tech before every interview. You never know when an update is needed, which could cut into your interview time if you don’t do it beforehand.
9. Be available day and night
There might be a considerable time difference between New Zealand and your home country. That is no excuse not to attend an interview.
You could ask for a different time, which probably won’t be frowned upon, but stick with the suggested time if you can.
10. Prepare for the interview
It’s no secret that it’s critical to prepare for an job interview. The basics are researching the company, prepping and practising answers to common interview questions, and doing salary research.
The better you’re prepared, the better your interview will likely go.
In summary
Go into your New Zealand job hunt prepared. Ensure you know the industry, perfect your CV and cover letters, and sharpen your skills.
Don’t neglect to create a stellar LinkedIn profile – it’s one of the best ways to secure a job!
Finally, ensure you’re ready when an employer shows interest by prepping for the interview, becoming a Zoom expert and having updated documents.
That’s how you get a job in New Zealand.
- Published in New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand
New Accredited Employer Work Visa goes into effect on 4 July 2022
New Zealand is introducing the new Accredited Employer Work Visa on 4 July 2022.
With this visa, Immigration New Zealand is streamlining the immigration process while also addressing skills shortages in the country.
Here’s everything you should know:
1. The Accredited Employer Work Visa streamlines the immigration system
New Zealand is excited about its “rebalanced immigration system” that’ll incentivise and attract highly skilled migrants while simplifying the immigration processes for businesses.
At the centre of this rebalanced immigration system is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The AEWV streamlines the system by replacing six work visas that were previously available:
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa — Approved in principle
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa,
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- Silver Fern Job Search Visa (closed to new applications on 7 October 2019)
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Visa
There is no need to panic if you live and work in New Zealand on any of these visas. You can continue doing so until your visa expires or you no longer meet its conditions.
If you want to live and work in New Zealand after your visa expires, you may apply for the AEWV if you meet the requirements. If you don’t, you’ll have to explore other visa options.
2. There is a new Green List of occupations under the AEWV
Immigration New Zealand has issued a new skills shortage list called the Green List with 85 hard-to-fill roles in critical sectors of New Zealand’s economy.
You don’t have to work in a Green List occupation to apply for an AEWV, but it does offer three distinct advantages:
2.1. The Green List offers a fast track to residence
Migrants who qualify can come to New Zealand on an AEWV and apply for residence from September 2022.
Occupations on the Green List that offer a fast track to residence are in the following sectors:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Health and social services
- Primary industries and sciences
- ICT, electronics, and telecommunications
2.2. The Green List also offers a work-to-residence pathway
The Green List offers a work-to-residence pathway to skilled workers with occupations in:
- Health and social services
- Trades
- Agriculture
AEWV holders who qualify for work-to-residence cannot apply for residency immediately but can do so after two years of working in New Zealand.
2.3. PLUS, employers hiring for Green List occupations don’t have to advertise for the job check
New Zealand employers who want to hire a migrant on an AEWV in an occupation on the Green List do not have to advertise for the job check. The proviso is that the criteria for the role must at least match the occupation’s minimum requirements as it appears on the Green List.
3. The AEWV is valid for up to three years, and you must earn at least the median wage
You’ll get a visa valid for the duration of your employment, up to a maximum of three years, if your application for an AEWV is successful. To get the visa, you must earn at least the New Zealand median wage of NZ$27.76.
However, applicants from specific sectors, including construction and infrastructure, tourism and hospitality and the aged care sector, will be exempt from the minimum salary requirement.
Immigration New Zealand will issue two-year work visas for these exception categories instead.
After holding the visa for two years, migrants will have to spend 12 consecutive months outside of New Zealand before being allowed to apply for another AEWV.
4. Most dependent spouses or partners must apply for an AEWV in their own right to work in New Zealand
Your dependent spouse or partner will get a visitor visa to enter New Zealand. Most spouses and partners who then want to work in New Zealand must apply for an AEWV in their own right. These applications open from December 2022.
5. There are three steps to the AEWV process
To hire workers from overseas under the AEWV, New Zealand employers must have accreditation and pass a job check unless it’s an occupation on the Green List.
The job check is in place to ensure there aren’t suitable New Zealanders to fill the role that the employer is advertising.
Without accreditation and a job check, the employer can’t hire from overseas, and you can’t apply for an AEWV.
The three steps to the AEWV are thus as follows:
- The employer applies for accreditation, and Immigration New Zealand checks their credentials
- The job check, which is the assessment of the job details and any job advertising
- Your AEWV application, during which Immigration New Zealand assesses your credentials
Employer accreditation opened on 23 May, and Immigration New Zealand (INZ) estimated it would take 10 working days to process accreditation applications. Job check applications open on 20 June, and INZ expects to process those applications in 10 working days.
Contact us if you need help applying for an AEWV
There will surely be a rush of applications for the Accredited Employer Work Visa as soon as it opens on the 4th of July.
While Immigration New Zealand has said that it’ll process applications within 30 days, there is no telling if it’ll be possible to stick to this timeline.
Our advice to you is thus to submit your application as soon as possible! You can get started by booking an obligation-free consultation call with our licensed advisor to determine if you qualify for the AEWV.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand
Immigration News: May 2022

On 11 May 2022, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced New Zealand would reopen to all tourists and visa holders at 11:59 pm on 31 July 2022. That is two months sooner than initially planned!
The announcement also included details of the New Zealand Government’s “rebalanced immigration system” to address the country’s immediate skill shortages and speed up the economic recovery from COVID-19.
1. New Zealand fully reopens on 1 August!
New Zealand closed its borders to the world in 2020 and started to gradually reopen to different visa and visitor categories earlier this year.
On the 1st of August or 11:59 pm on 31 July, New Zealand is finally reopening completely for all visitors and visa holders!
Prime Minister Ardern rightly said that this announcement is welcome news for families, businesses and New Zealand’s migrant communities.
Tourism Minister Stuart Nash added that bringing the final border opening date forward allows New Zealand to fully reconnect to the world in time for the country’s traditional peak visitor season.
“Our wider tourism sector is on the way to recovery. We will be fully open to the world in mid-winter, traditionally our quietest period for visitors. Bringing forward the date allows prospective travellers to apply for visitor visas well ahead of time before taking the next step to book a flight or a cruise for future travel,” Minister Nash said.
2. Change ahead for international students once New Zealand reopens
Education Minister Chris Hipkins said the full reopening of the border is a significant milestone for the educational sector, which can now start to rebuild sustainably. The focus was on volume in the past, but that will change with the focus shifting to value.
To facilitate this shift, Immigration New Zealand will implement these changes:
- Students in non-degree level courses will not get post-study work rights except where they are studying and working in specified shortages and skilled occupations.
- For degree-level and other eligible international students, the length of time they can work after their students will mirror the time they study in New Zealand. Masters and PhD students will retain the right to work in New Zealand for up to three years after their studies.
- Students will also not be able to apply for a second post-study visa in New Zealand.
3. Simplified immigration processes and a new occupation list to benefit skilled migrants and employers
The New Zealand Government has announced a “rebalanced immigration system” that’ll incentivise and attract highly-skilled migrants and simplify immigration processes for businesses.
The cornerstone of this rebalanced immigration is the new Green List that features 85 hard-to-fill roles in construction, engineering, trades, healthcare and tech.
The other key component is the new Accredited Employer Work Visa that comes into effect on 4 July 2022.
“Through the Accredited Employer Work Visa, employers won’t need to provide as much information, can use their own recruitment processes to prove no New Zealanders are available for work, and Immigration New Zealand will endeavour to have these visas processed within 30 days once an employer is accredited,” Prime Minister Ardern said.
One of the critical requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa will be that the visa applicant earns at least the median wage. The current median wage is NZD27.76 an hour, and it’s updated once a year.
The wage requirement does affect some industries more than others, but the New Zealand Government is working closely with those sectors to assist with the transition.
Individual workers are also affected, but Minister of Immigration Kris Faafoi announced that the Government would extend the visas of around 20,000 visa holders already in the country to ensure skilled workers stay in New Zealand. This extension will be specifically for visa holders with visas expiring before 2023. They’ll either get a six-month extension or a new two-year visa with open work conditions.
Stay up to date with immigration news from New Zealand
To be the first to know about immigration changes, follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where we post regular news updates.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand
What skills do new Zealand need right now?
New Zealand is rebuilding its economy after the COVID-19 pandemic. For this reason, New Zealand is in dire need of overseas professionals with engineering, IT, and construction skills.
New Zealand is also recruiting teachers from overseas as COVID-19 created a shortage of education professionals.
You can book your consultation call right away if you’re in one of these industries and you want to find out if you qualify for a work visa.
Once that’s done, continue reading to find more about working in New Zealand in each skills area.
1. Engineers
Engineering skills are in short supply in New Zealand. According to New Zealand Now, it’s estimated that New Zealand needs 1,500 engineers more each year just to match economic growth.
And it’s an exciting time to be an engineer in New Zealand.
The Government pledged NZ$12 billion in 2020 to infrastructure upgrades as part of its Upgrade Programme. The Programme will focus on rails, roads, schools, and hospitals to future-proof New Zealand’s economy.
Engineering occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand’s Skill Shortage lists include a wide range of engineering occupations, including engineers, draughting professionals, and technicians:
- Chemical Engineer (233111)
- Materials Engineer (233112)
- Civil Engineer (233211)
- Geotechnical Engineer (233212)
- Structural Engineer (233214)
- Electrical Engineer (233311)
- Electronics Engineer (233411)
- Industrial Engineer (233511)
- Mechanical Engineer (233512)
- Production or Plant Engineer (233513)
- Environmental Engineer (233915)
- Engineering Professionals nec (233999)
- Civil Engineering Technician (312212)
- Electrical Engineering Technician (312312)
- Electronic Engineering Technician (312412)
- Telecommunications Engineer (263311)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer (263312)
- Civil Engineering Draughtsperson (312211)
- Electrical Engineering Draughtsperson (312311)
How much do engineers get paid in New Zealand?
You’ll find salary information for engineers in New Zealand on PayScale. To get you started, we’ve listed the salaries for chemical, environmental and industrial engineers below:
Finding engineering jobs in New Zealand
Engineering New Zealand, the professional body for engineers in New Zealand, is your first port of call when job hunting. Their website has a job section with available positions across all New Zealand regions.
You can also explore these job websites:
2. IT specialists
New Zealand’s tech sector comprises over 20,000 firms that employ more than 100,000 people. And it is renowned globally for being a flexible, resilient, adaptable, and entrepreneurial environment.
Traditionally, most tech workers lived and worked in Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, but that picture can look different in the future, thanks to more companies offering remote work.
IT occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand needs various IT professionals, ranging from web developers to security specialists:
- Multimedia Specialist (Film Animator) (261211)
- ICT Project Manager (135112)
- Organisation and Methods Analyst (224712)
- ICT Business Analyst (261111)
- Systems Analyst (261112)
- Multimedia Specialist (261211)
- Web Developer (261212),
- Analyst Programmer (261311)
- Software Tester (261314)
- Developer Programmer (261312)
- Software Engineer (261313)
- Software and Applications Programmers nec (261399)
- Database Administrator (262111)
- ICT Security Specialist (262112)
- ICT Support Engineer (263212)
- Systems Administrator (262113)
- Computer Network and Systems Engineer (263111)
- Network Administrator (263112)
- ICT Quality Assurance Engineer (263211)
- ICT Systems Test Engineer (263213)
- Telecommunications Engineer (263311)
- ICT Support and Test Engineers nec (263299)
- Telecommunications Network Engineer (263312)
- ICT Customer Support Officer (313112)
How much do IT workers get paid in New Zealand?
IT professionals get paid well in New Zealand. However, your salary will still depend on your occupation, skills, and experience.
Here’s what web developers, security specialists, and system administrators earn annually on average:
Finding IT jobs in New Zealand
There are plenty of IT jobs in the market. You can use any of the websites below to look for suitable positions:
3. Construction workers
New Zealand’s Upgrade Programme will not only benefit the engineering industry, as discussed earlier, but also the construction sector. It’s estimated that around 4,800 construction jobs will be created each year until 2028.
Most jobs will be in residential buildings in New Zealand’s largest cities and regions, mainly Auckland, Christchurch, Wellington, the Waikato region, and Bay of Plenty.
The fastest-growing sector is projected to be infrastructure, specifically transport, water, and subdivision projects.
In short? It’s an excellent time to immigrate to New Zealand if you’re a construction worker.
Construction occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand needs construction workers at all levels of the industry:
- Construction Project Manager (133111)
- Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman) (133112)
- Quantity Surveyor (233213)
- Surveyor (232212)
- Construction Project Manager (Foreman) (Roading and Infrastructure) (133111)
- Project Builder (including Building Project Manager and Site Foreman) (133112)
- Building Associate (312112)
- Surveying or Spatial Science Technician (Building Information Modelling Professional) (312116)
- Building Inspector / Building Surveyor (312113)
- Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/Land Surveyor’s Technician) (312116)
- Surveying Technician (Spatial Science Technician/ Hydrographic Technician) (312116)
How much do construction workers get paid in New Zealand?
Construction workers are paid well in New Zealand. Here are the average annual salaries for quantity surveyors, building inspectors, and construction project managers:
Finding construction jobs in New Zealand
You can find opportunities in the construction industry on these job websites:
4. Teachers
New Zealand has a great education system, and it’s one that’s well supported. The country has been spending one of the highest proportions of its GDP on primary to tertiary educational institutions among OECD countries.
New Zealand’s education system has also been recognised as one that prepares students for the future. Students aren’t only taught subject matter but also life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, entrepreneurship, and digital skills.
You can thus expect to teach in an exciting environment and in a country that supports its schools and teachers.
Teaching occupations on the Skills Shortage lists
New Zealand’s Skill Shortage lists include these teaching occupations:
- Early Childhood (Preprimary School) Teacher (241111)
- Primary School Teacher (241213)
- Secondary School Teacher (241411)
How much do teachers get paid in New Zealand?
You can expect to earn these average annual salaries when teaching in New Zealand:
Finding teaching jobs in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Ministry of Education’s website has a vacancies section with public sector teaching jobs. You can search by region, sector, learning area, and position type. It’s an excellent place to start your job search!
Can’t find a job there? Then you could try Seek and Trade Me.
What are the work visas for which skilled workers can apply?
As someone with an occupation on a Skills Shortage list, you could qualify for a Skilled Migrant visa, or an Essential Skills work visa.
1. Skilled Migrant visa
The Skilled Migrant Visa is a residency visa that allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely. In your residence application, you can include your partner and dependent children who are 24 and younger.
To apply for a Skilled Migrant visa, you must:
- Be 55 or younger
- Have an offer of skilled employment
- Get at least 160 points in your skills assessment
- Pass your English test
- Meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements
2. Essential Skills Work Visa
The Essential Skills Work Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to live and work in New Zealand for up to three years. Your partner or dependent children may be able to apply separately for visas based on their relation to you.
To apply for an Essential Skills work visa, you must meet these requirements:
- You must have a full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer.
- Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that there are no suitable New Zealanders to fill the position.
- Your remuneration must be according to the ANZSCO level of your occupation.
- Your occupation must appear on a Skills Shortage list, and you must have the necessary skills and experience to carry out this occupation.
Please note that the Essential Skills work visa will get replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa from 4 July 2022.
Want to find out if you qualify for either work visa?
If you work in engineering, construction, or IT, or you’re a teacher, you can find out if you can apply for a work visa by completing an eligibility assessment.
Our licensed immigration advisor can do such an assessment with you. You’ll get personalised immigration recommendations based on the outcome.
Sound good? Then go ahead and book a consultation call. You’ll also get to ask any questions you might have during your consultation.
* All salaries derived from PayScale.
- Published in Latest posts, New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand
FAQ: Skilled Migrant Visa of New Zealand

Do you want to learn more about the Skilled Migrant Visa of New Zealand? Then you’ve come to the right place!
We’re answering all of your burning questions about this visa in this article. If you’re eager to find out if you can apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa by the end of the article, you should book a consultation call with our licensed advisor.
Now on to those frequently asked questions:
1. What is the Skilled Migrant Visa?
The Skilled Migrant Visa is a work visa. This visa enables you to live and work in New Zealand permanently.
You may also study if you wish, but you may not be self-employed. If you want to run your own business, you’ll have to look into the Entrepreneur Visa.
2. What are the Skilled Migrant Visa requirements?
Immigration New Zealand seeks skilled migrants to fill labour gaps in the country’s workforce. For this reason, you’ll have to meet strict requirements to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
You must:
- Be under the age of 55
- Score 6 points
- Have a skilled job or job offer with an accredited New Zealand employer
- Have an acceptable level of English
- Meet the health and character criteria
3. For how long is a Skilled Migrant Visa valid?
The Skilled Migrant Visa is a residency visa and is thus valid indefinitely. You can work, live and study in New Zealand, and include your partner, and dependent children aged 24 and under, in your visa application.
4. What is classed as skilled work in New Zealand?
Immigration New Zealand uses the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupation (ANZSCO) to classify ‘skilled work’.
ANZSCO is used within the skilled migration programs to set guidelines for the skills and work experience visa applicants must meet to work in specific occupations in Australia or New Zealand.
When applying for a Skilled Migrant Visa, you must find the closest matching ANZSCO occupation for your current job or job offer. You must also be suitably qualified to do the job, which means your training and experience should match your occupation’s ANZSCO skill level.
INZ will assess your occupation as skilled if it:
- is described in the ANZSCO as a skill level 1, 2 or 3 occupation, and it
- mostly matches the ANZSCO description of that occupation
- meets the pay rate threshold of NZD $29.66 an hour (or equivalent annual salary) or more, or
- is described in the ANZSCO as a skill level 4 or 5 occupation, and it
- mostly matches the ANZSCO description of that occupation
- meets the pay rate threshold of NZD $44.49 an hour (or equivalent annual salary) or more, or
- has no matching description in the ANZSCO and meets the pay rate threshold of NZD $44.49 an hour (or equivalent annual salary) or more.
5. What jobs are in demand in New Zealand?
Jobs that are in high demand in New Zealand are in a few key industries:
- Healthcare: Nurses, General Practitioners, Specialist Physicians, etc
- Education: Early Childhood Teachers, Academic Advisers, University Lecturers, etc
- IT: Developers, ICT Project Managers, ICT Security Specialists, etc
- Construction: Construction Project Manager, Civil Engineer, Quantity Surveyors, etc
As New Zealand’s needs change, those industries change. For example, New Zealand focused heavily on healthcare at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
6. How do I get a skilled migrant visa for New Zealand?
The first step to getting a Skilled Migrant Visa for New Zealand is meeting the basic criteria, which includes scoring 6 points.
Once you’ve been assessed as skilled and you scored at least 6 points, you can submit an Expression of Interest (EOI).
If Immigration New Zealand selects your EOI, you’ll get an invitation to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
At this stage, you’ll get to lodge your visa application – and if it’s successful, you’ll get a Skilled Migrant Visa.
8. How many points do I need to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa?
You’ll need at least 6 points to submit an Expression of Interest. INZ automatically selects EOI with 6 points for verification and qualifying candidates may get an invitation to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
What if I can’t score 160 points?
You might have to consider another work visa if you cannot score enough points. You could also explore other visas that allow you to live in New Zealand, such as the Entrepreneur or Investor visas.
9. What is an Expression of Interest?
Your Expression of Interest (EOI) is how you notify Immigration New Zealand of your desire to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
Your EOI will contain information related to the criteria of the Skilled Migrant Visa, which means your:
- Age
- Occupation
- Skills
- Experience
- Qualifications
- Health
- English language ability
- Character
INZ automatically selects EOI with 6 points for verification and qualifying candidates may get an invitation to apply for a Skilled Migrant Visa.
10. How long does it take to get a Skilled Migrant Visa for New Zealand?
Currently (March 2024), INZ completes 80% of applications within 3 months, but some applications may take longer.
Your immigration advisor should also be able to give you a timeframe for the entire process.
- Published in FAQs - New Zealand Immigration, Latest posts, Working in New Zealand
Working in New Zealand: Is it easy to get a job? (Plus, 7 other questions)
Are you considering living and working in New Zealand? Then you probably have a lot of questions.
It’s normal too! After all, you’ll move yourself and perhaps even a family to a brand-new country. A country that maybe you haven’t even visited.
To help you get some clarity, we’ve answered eight common questions about working in New Zealand.
1. Is it easy to get a job in New Zealand?
New Zealand makes it possible for people with the right skills, qualifications, and experience to work in New Zealand. If you tick all the boxes, you could easily find a job.
You might also have an easier time getting a job offer if you work in a critical sector such as health care that is especially short of local New Zealand talent.
However, you can’t take either of these factors as a guarantee that you’ll get the first job for which you’ll apply.
Remember that you’ll compete with other job seekers – most likely people from all over the world. That means your CV must stand out, and your interview skills also have to be top-notch.
But if you have everything in place, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t find a job quickly.
2. Is New Zealand a good place to work?
In our opinion? Absolutely! Here are four reasons why we say so:
You can’t beat the work-life balance!
New Zealanders firmly believe that life is for living, which sees them attach a lot of value to time spent with family and friends and enjoying New Zealand’s many leisure opportunities.
The proof? New Zealand ranked fourth in the world for work-life balance in the 2021 Expat Explorer Survey.
There is support available in the workplace for new migrants
Most New Zealand employers are sympathetic towards the struggles of migrants settling into a new country and a new job.
For this reason, you’ll find that many employers are happy to help you in the first couple of weeks by:
- Assigning you a ‘buddy’ – a colleague – to answer your questions and to help you through the first couple of days or weeks
- Giving you time off during the day to take care of appointments or paperwork related to your immigration
- Granting extra leave days or letting you work remotely to take care of something back in your home country
More opportunities for development
New Zealand’s population is small. Just over 5 million people call it home. That’s roughly how many people live in Sydney, Australia!
Due to this, you’ll find that companies and offices are often smaller than you’re used to. That could be just what you’re looking for, though.
In a small team, you’re likely to be more involved in the business activities, leading to more opportunities for professional development, and you stand a greater chance of getting noticed and promoted.
New Zealand’s labour laws protect you
As someone who works in New Zealand, your rights are protected by New Zealand’s labour laws. Your basic rights relate to:
- Pay and employment equity
- Employment agreements
- Employment relationship problems
- Fixed-term employees
- Flexible working arrangements
- Health and safety
- Keeping accurate records for holidays and leave, and wages and time
- Trial periods
- Unions
Your rights also include a not-often-seen parental leave for up to 12 months. You’re also entitled to four months’ annual leave each year after you’ve been employed for 12 months.
You can read more about your rights on Employee New Zealand.
3. What is a livable salary in New Zealand?
Your situation would heavily influence what constitutes a livable salary.
Let us explain.
If you’re moving over with a partner, you’ll be able to live off less than a family of four. The family of four also has to factor schooling into their budget. Their rental would also be higher than yours. You could easily live in a 2-bedroomed place while the family would need at least three bedrooms.
The best advice we have for you is to find out what you could earn in your occupation and what the average living costs are in New Zealand. You’ll quickly get a sense of whether or not you can afford the life you want.
4. How can a foreigner work in New Zealand?
You must hold a valid visa to work in New Zealand. Your work visa options are as follows:
Skilled migrant visa:
The skilled migrant visa is a residency application, and it’s for individuals with an occupation that is in demand in New Zealand.
Accredited Employer Work Visa:
The accredited employer work visa is for migrants with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. The migrant must have the necessary skills and qualifications for the job. Migrants in some occupations may also be able to fast-track to residence or gain it after two years.
New Zealand Partner visa:
If you want to join your spouse or life partner in New Zealand, you’ll apply for a partner visa. This visa lets you to live and work in New Zealand.
Visa for the partner of a New Zealand work visa holder:
When one partner in a relationship moves to New Zealand on a work visa, the other partner can apply for a visa to join their partner and work in New Zealand.
5. What jobs are in demand in New Zealand?
The jobs in demand in New Zealand range from engineers and early childhood teachers to electricians and ICT managers.
These in-demand jobs are all captured on New Zealand’s Green List.
Remember, though, that having your job on a skill shortage list is only the first step. You’ll also have to meet all the other immigration criteria to apply for a work visa.
6. What qualifications do I need to work in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s skill shortage lists and ANZSCO dictate the qualifications and experience you must have to work in New Zealand in your occupation. You can search for your occupation to see the criteria you’ll have to meet or speak with an advisor for advice.
7. Can I move to New Zealand without a job?
The skilled migrant visa does not require you to have a job offer, but it’s going to be extremely difficult to get enough points for the visa without a job.
In our experience, most people need a job offer to get to the required 160 points.
The accredited employer work visa does require a job offer. You cannot apply for it without a job.
Other than that, if you’re moving over as the partner of a New Zealander or a work visa holder, you won’t need a job before you move.
8. How do I find a job in New Zealand?
You have three main ways in which to find a job in New Zealand:
Job search websites:
Job search websites like TradeMe and Seek list hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs across a wide range of industries. Usually, you can search by occupation plus region or city.
You must also look at Workhere and Working in New Zealand. These two job search websites cater for migrants.
Recruiters:
A good recruiter is a fantastic asset if you want to increase your chances of getting a job. That’s especially true if you’re job hunting from overseas! A recruiter in New Zealand can share information about the New Zealand job market and give you tips on what employers want.
The other advantage of working with a recruiter is that recruiters often know about jobs not advertised on job search websites or social media. That’s usually because industry-specific recruiters have relationships with employers.
And, let’s not forget – working with a recruiter is free! You won’t have to add to your already extensive list of immigration-related expenses.
Here’s a list of recruiters to get you started:
- 6am Recruitment Ltd: Engineering, construction, transport, manufacturing, and logistics
- Greenlight Recruitment: Information technology and communications
- Education Personnel: Education and social sciences
- Frontline Health New Zealand: Health and community
- Seven Animal Health: Animal care and conservation
- Alpha Recruitment: Business, executive and professional
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is a powerful job search tool. You can use it to build your profile, network, approach companies you’d like to work for and find and apply for jobs.
For further information about how to get a job in New Zealand, read this article on our blog. We’ve included a checklist for building a strong LinkedIn profile.
Go here for more information about working in New Zealand
There are many expat forums and groups online that you can join to get insider info about living and working in New Zealand. We suggest starting with Expat Arrivals, and InterNations. New Zealand Now is also a fantastic resource!
- Published in Latest posts, New Zealand Immigration Advice, Working in New Zealand
NEW 2021 Resident Visa announced!
On 30 September 2021, New Zealand’s Minister of Immigration, Kris Faafoi, announced the 2021 Resident Visa!
This 2021 Resident visa is a one-off, simplified pathway to residence for around 165,000 migrants currently in New Zealand. Some people arriving in New Zealand between 30 September 2021 and 31 July 2022 on long-term critical purpose visas may also be eligible for this new visa.
More about the 2021 Resident Visa
The 2021 Resident Visa provides a residency pathway for up to 165,000 migrants, including more than 5,000 health and aged care workers, about 9,000 primary industry workers, and more than 800 teachers.
The 2021 Resident Visa will be available to most holders of work-related visas – including Essential Skills, Work to Residence, and Post Study Work Visas – and their immediate family members.
“We are providing a way forward for our migrant families who have been long disrupted by COVID-19 while ensuring businesses have the certainty they need to plan into the future and continue driving the economic recovery,” Minister Faafoi said.
Applications for the 2021 Resident Visa will open in two phases. The first phase will start on 1 December 2021 for some eligible applicants. The second phase will kick off on 1 March 2022 for the remaining eligible applicants. The deadline for all applications is 31 July 2022.
Strict eligibility criteria
To be eligible to apply for a 2021 Resident visa, you must have met the criteria on 29 September 2021. These criteria state that you must:
- have been in New Zealand on 29 September 2021, and
- be on an eligible visa or have applied for an eligible visa on or before 29 September 2021 that is later granted.
You must also meet one of these three criteria:
- You have lived in New Zealand for three or more years, which means you must have:
- arrived in New Zealand on or before 29 September 2018, and
- have spent a minimum of 821 days in New Zealand between 29 September 2018 and 29 September 2021.
- You earn at or above the median wage (NZD27 per hour)
- You work in a job on a scarce list, which includes:
- Jobs on the Long Term Skill Shortage List
- Jobs requiring occupational registration in the health or education sector
- Personal carer and other critical health workers
- Specified primary sector jobs
The New Zealand government may still consider you eligible to apply for the 2021 Resident Visa if you meet the criteria but you are in Australia and have been unable to return to New Zealand by 29 September 2021.
You must hold one of these 15 eligible visas
As stated above, you must hold an eligible visa on the 29th of September. The eligible visas are as follows:
- Post Study Work Visa
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
- Essential Skills Work Visa
- Religious Worker Work Visa
- Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa
- Silver Fern Practical Experience Work Visa
- Trafficking Victim Work Visa
- Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa
- Skilled Migration Category Job Search Work Visa
- Victims of Family Violence Work Visa
- South Island Contribution Work Visa
- Work Visa granted under section 61, provided you held another eligible visa type within six months before being granted a Section 61 visa
- Some Critical Purpose Visitor Visas:
- Critical health workers for longer-term roles (6 months or longer)
- Other critical workers for long term roles (more than 6 months)
Unfortunately, short-term visa holders are not eligible. These visa holders include visitors, students, working holiday makers, and seasonal workers like those on the Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme or those who enter as short-term critical workers.
The application process will have two phases
The 2021 Resident visa will be open for applications in two phases, with the first group of people able to apply from 1 December 2021.
From 1 December 2021 you can apply if:
- You have already applied for residence under the Skilled Migrant and Residence from Work categories before 29 September 2021, or
- You have submitted a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest, and have included your dependent child in the Expression of Interest aged 17 years or older on 29 September 2021.
From 1 March 2022, all other eligible applicants can apply, including all others who have submitted a Skilled Migrant Category Expression of Interest.
Immigration New Zealand will contact visa holders who are eligible to apply from 1 December by the end of October with more information about the application process.
What are your options if you don’t meet the criteria for the 2021 Resident Visa?
The New Zealand government has advised anyone in New Zealand who does not meet the criteria of the 2021 Resident Visa to look at what other resident pathways or temporary visa options may be available to them.
Please feel free to contact us in the event that you need assistance with extending your stay in New Zealand. Our advisors are registered and licensed to provide advice on all residency options for New Zealand.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
#COVID19: New Zealand creates further border exceptions for more occupations
The New Zealand government has created several border exceptions in the past couple of months to allow skilled workers into the country.
The latest border exceptions are for six occupations ranging from horticultural mobile plant operators to sheep shearers.
Agricultural and Horticultural mobile plant operators
For the 2021/22 season, up to 125 agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators can be nominated for assessment by New Zealand employers.
To be eligible for nomination, overseas workers must:
- have at least three seasons’ experience as agricultural or horticultural mobile plant operators,
- have the relevant vehicle licensing qualifications,
- work under an approved contract agreement in a fulltime role with specified rural contract operators, and
- earn at or above the median wage per year.
Mixed and large animal veterinarians
Up to 30 veterinarians may enter New Zealand to work under the border exception created for this occupation. Vets must hold the qualifications and experience necessary for licensing and registration with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand to qualify for this border exception.
Shearers
Up to 40 foreign shearers contracted by or through a New Zealand Shearers Contractor’s Association (NZSCA) employer and with more than two years’ experience will be able to travel to New Zealand to support the upcoming main shear season.
Deepwater fishing crew
The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) can nominate up to 615 deepwater fishing crew. To be eligible for a 12-month visa as a border exception, the crew must be paid at least the minimum wage plus NZ$4 per hour.
What other occupations have border exceptions?
New Zealand has also created border exceptions for teachers, healthcare workers, dairy farm workers and general practice veterinarians:
Teachers
Immigration New Zealand announced in July that it is going to create a border exception for 300 qualified teachers from overseas. The Ministry of Education will invite applications for these teachers from September.
Read more about the border exception for teachers on our blog.
Healthcare workers
New Zealand welcomes healthcare workers into the country to help in the fight against COVID-19. The border exception applies to:
- Registered health practitioners, including nurses, doctors and paramedics – this includes those working in hospitals, practices, and aged care facilities
- Internationally-qualified nurses, who still have to register in New Zealand
- Workers that operate and maintain medical equipment
You can find a complete list of occupations on Immigration New Zealand’s website under the Critical Health Workers heading.
Dairy farm managers and assistants
Up to 150 dairy farm managers and 50 dairy farm assistants will be able to travel to New Zealand to support the upcoming calving season.
You can read more about this exception on our blog.
General practice veterinarians
Up to 50 veterinarians will be able to enter and work in New Zealand. Click here to find out more about this exception.
Want to know when New Zealand creates more border exceptions?
While we can’t guarantee that New Zealand will create more border exceptions, we can promise that we’ll let you know if and when it happens. The easiest way to catch updates is to follow us on either Facebook or LinkedIn. We share news on our social media channels as soon it’s announced.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
#COVID19: New border exception for 300 teachers
Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced on 3 July that 300 overseas qualified teachers will be able to enter New Zealand under a new class border exception.
Eligible teachers to get invitations from September
The overall outlook in New Zealand for domestic teachers supply remains positive but Early Childhood Education (ECE) services and schools continue to find certain locations and subjects difficult to recruit for.
It is for this reason that Immigration New Zealand decided to create a border exception for teachers. “This will give principals and services additional support, especially for 2022 recruitment, and complement existing teacher supply initiatives”, said Minister Hipkins.
The Ministry of Education will work with the education sector to ensure that the ECE services and schools with the greatest recruitment needs get priority. The Ministry will invite applications for these teachers from September.
The exception may also be open to teachers who worked in New Zealand but who had to leave the country and were unable to return to their job due to border closures.
INZ is also making family reunification possible
Immigration New Zealand is creating a family reunification border exception for the partners and dependent children of teachers who are already in New Zealand on temporary visas. These teachers will be able to request for their family to join them for the duration of their visa.
“A lot of families were separated when border restrictions were put in place to protect New Zealand from COVID-19 and we know this has been hard for them. We’re pleased we’re at last able to reunite teachers with their families”, said Minister Hipkins.
Contact us if you want to apply to teach or join a your teacher partner in New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand is still ironing out the finer details of the border exception but book a consultation with our licensed advisor in the meantime if you want to find out if you’re eligible to teach in New Zealand.
Our team can also help you and any children apply for the appropriate visas to join a partner in New Zealand who’s working there as a teacher.
Just want to stay up to date with immigration news out of New Zealand? Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn where we post news as soon as it happens.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Working in New Zealand
Immigration news: June 2021
Immigration New Zealand is continuously amending their visa regulations to help the country bounce back from the economic effects of COVID-19. This month’s changes affect Essential Skill visa holders, dairy farm workers and three short-term work visas.
Changes to Essential Skills visa
Immigration New Zealand has announced three changes to the Essential Skills visa category:
- INZ has increased the duration of new Essential Skills visas for those who are paid below the median wage from 6 months to 12 months. This change applies to all Essential Skills visas granted on or after 10 June 2021.
- From 19 July, Essential Skills visa applications will be assessed using the median hourly wage of NZ$27, in line with the 2020 Statistics New Zealand median wage. This is an annual adjustment, and it’s an increase from the current rate of NZ$25.50.
- The stand-down period for Essential Skills visa holders who are paid below the median wage will be further postponed until July 2022. This stand-down period requires visa holders to leave New Zealand for 12 months after three years before applying for another lower-paid Essential Skills visa.
Border exception for dairy farm managers, dairy farm assistants and veterinarians
Immigration New Zealand is introducing a border exception for up to 150 dairy herd managers, up to 50 dairy farm assistants and up to 50 veterinarians to assist with the upcoming calving season.
“It is clear from conversations with the dairy and veterinarian sectors that they are facing workforce pressures. These border exceptions will go a long way towards relieving those pressures,” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said.
To apply for the exception, you must meet the following criteria:
- Assistant Dairy Farm Managers
- who earn above $92,000 per year, and
- have 2-4 years of relevant work experience, and
- will enter New Zealand before April 2022.
- Dairy Herd Managers
- who earn above $79,500 per year, and
- have 2-4 years of relevant work experience, and
- will enter New Zealand before April 2022.
- Dairy Farm Assistants
- who earn at or above the median wage per year, and
- will fill roles in regions with acute shortages, and
- are entering New Zealand to support the 2021/22 season, and
- will enter New Zealand before April 2022.
- Veterinarians
- who earn at or above NZD85,000 per year,
- with 3 to 5 years of experience across key roles in both urban and rural veterinary settings, and
- the necessary qualifications and experience to get licensed and registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand.
Extensions for three short-term work visas
INZ has extended the validity of Working Holiday visas and Supplementary Seasonal Employer work visas. INZ is also granting Pacific Recognised Seasonal Employer workers longer stays.
Working Holiday visas
Working Holiday visas that are expiring between 21 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 have been extended a further six months. To qualify for the extension, visa holders must have been in New Zealand on 14 June 2021.
This extension is already legally in effect, and INZ will update visa records in July. Visa holders can use the confirmation email from INZ as proof of their right to work when engaging with prospective employers.
Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) work visas
Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) work visas expiring between 30 June 2021 and 31 December 2021 have been extended for six months.
The extended SSE visas now have open work rights allowing them to work in any sector.
Immigration New Zealand will contact visa holders to confirm their extension. The visa extensions are however already legally in effect, and INZ will update visa records in July.
Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa
If you are a Pacific RSE worker who came to New Zealand through the border exception you can apply for a new visa and will be able to stay beyond the normal maximum period.
Stay up to date with immigration news from New Zealand
Follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn to stay informed about immigration changes. We post news as soon as it happens.
- Published in Latest posts, News, Work Visas for New Zealand, Working in New Zealand