Visa Types
VFS Global New Zealand
New Zealand High Commission
Important Links
(Ministry of External Affairs, India)
Tourist Place
Work New Zealand
Find out what documents you need to work in New Zealand.
Key Points for New Zealand Work Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to New Zealand?
Yes, Indians need visa to travel to New Zealand
New Zealand visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain a New Zealand visa?
No, an interview is not usually required to obtain a New Zealand visa, but it may vary.
The embassy may interview you by phone or in person.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a work visa?
On a work visa, you can stay for up to 2 years.
What kind of visa will we acquire from New Zealand?
The embassy will digitally link your visa to your passport. You will not get a label in your passport.
You will receive an E-Visa from the Embassy, which you can access through your Account.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
For Work Visa- NZD $700
Step-by-step guide
Let us walk you through the process
Step 1. Identify visa type
- To identify the appropriate visa type for New Zealand, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, work, study, or joining family, as each category has specific visa requirements.
- Visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for comprehensive information on visa categories, eligibility criteria, and application procedures.
- Carefully review the documentation, financial, and health requirements for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application process for New Zealand.
Step 2. Begin your application
To begin your visa application process, you can visit the Immigration New Zealand website and apply online. Alternatively, you can download the visa application form from the website, complete it, and print it out. Then, you can bring the completed form along with the required supporting documents to the Visa Application Centre for submission. You can also submit your application by post/mail if you prefer. The Visa Application Centre accepts submissions in person, through an authorized representative, or by post during business hours.
Step 3. Book an appointment
To apply for a visa, you will need to choose a Visa Application Centre and schedule an appointment to submit your application in person. Alternatively, you can send your application by courier or mail to the NZVAC address. After booking your appointment, you will receive an appointment confirmation email and letter if you are applying in person. It’s important to note that walk-ins are not allowed, and individual appointments must be booked for each family or group member. This is done to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved in the application process.
Step 4. Pay your fees
After deciding on the visa you need to apply for, you must pay the visa application fee. If you apply online, payment will be made during the application process. If you download the application form, payment can be made at the Visa Application Centre during your appointment. Check the links provided for information on the visa fees and VFS Global service fees.
Step 5. Visit a Visa Application Centre
Submitting your visa application involves visiting the Visa Application Centre in person or sending an authorized representative to submit it on your behalf. You will need to bring all the required documents, the visa application form, and the payment of the visa application fee. The staff at the Visa Application Centre will verify that all the required documents are present, accept payment of the visa application fee, and will help you with any queries related to your visa application. Once your application is accepted, you will be given a receipt, which you should keep safe as it will be required later in the process.
Step 6. Track your application
After submitting your visa application, you will receive a decision from Immigration New Zealand via email. If you want to keep track of the progress of your application or get detailed tracking information for your return courier, you may also be able to sign up for SMS updates directly to your phone. Check with the Visa Application Centre you applied at to see if this service is available.
Step 7. Collect your documents
After we have completed the processing of your visa application and verified that all the necessary documents are submitted, we will return your documents to you either in-person or by courier. In some Visa Application Centres, documents are only returned via courier. Please note that the return of your documents may take a few business days depending on your location. We advise you to track your return courier to ensure its safe and timely delivery.
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
Here is a list of basic and additional documents commonly required for each of the specified New Zealand work visa categories:
1. Essential Skills Work Visa: Basic Documents:
- Job offer or employment contract from a New Zealand employer.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
- Employer supplementary form.
Additional Documents:
- Evidence of your qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job.
- Evidence of your ability to support yourself financially during your stay in New Zealand.
2. Skilled Migrant Category Visa: Basic Documents:
- Expression of Interest (EOI) form.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
- Proof of English language proficiency.
Additional Documents:
- Documents supporting your claimed points, such as qualifications, work experience, and job offer.
- Partner’s documents (if applicable), such as relationship evidence and their qualifications.
3. Specific Purpose or Event Visa: Basic Documents:
- Detailed invitation or letter from the organization or individual hosting the event.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
Additional Documents:
- Itinerary of the specific purpose or event.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Evidence of return or onward travel arrangements.
4. Working Holiday Visa: Basic Documents:
- Completed application form.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay.
- Return or onward travel ticket or evidence of funds to purchase one.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
Additional Documents:
- Character documents, such as a police clearance certificate.
5. Entrepreneur Work Visa: Basic Documents:
- Detailed business plan.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
Additional Documents:
- Evidence of sufficient funds for the proposed business venture.
- Proof of business or investment experience.
- Documents supporting your claimed points, such as qualifications and work experience.
6. Partnership Work Visa: Basic Documents:
- Evidence of a genuine and stable partnership with a New Zealand citizen or resident.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
Additional Documents:
- Proof of living together and shared financial commitments.
- Relationship evidence, such as joint bank accounts, joint tenancy agreement, or photographs together.
- Partner’s supporting documents, such as their New Zealand citizenship or residency status.
7. Work to Residence Visa: Basic Documents:
- Offer of employment from a New Zealand employer.
- Valid passport.
- Proof of health insurance coverage.
- Evidence of meeting health and character requirements.
Additional Documents:
- Evidence of qualifications, skills, and experience relevant to the job.
- Documents supporting your claimed points, such as qualifications and work experience.
Please note that the specific document requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances, visa types, and changes in immigration policies. It is recommended to refer to the official website of the Government of New Zealand or consult with the New Zealand immigration authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the required documents for each visa category.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
You need a RealMe account to apply for a visa online. RealMe is designed to protect yourprivacy and is a service used by many New Zealand businesses and government departments.
RealMe Account: Login or create account
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
After receiving a work approval in New Zealand, the visa process involves the following steps:
- Job Offer: Obtain a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer who is willing to sponsor your work visa.
- Employer’s Support: The employer needs to provide supporting documents, such as a letter of support and employment contract, stating the details of your employment, salary, and duration of the job.
- Gather Required Documents: Collect the necessary documents as per the instructions provided by Immigration New Zealand. This may include a valid passport, job offer letter, proof of qualifications and work experience, medical certificates, police clearance certificates, and other supporting documents.
- Visa Application Form: Complete the relevant work visa application form provided by Immigration New Zealand accurately and honestly.
- Pay Visa Application Fee: Pay the applicable visa application fee through the designated payment methods specified by Immigration New Zealand.
- Submit Application: Submit your visa application along with the required documents to the nearest Immigration New Zealand office or online through their official website.
- Application Processing: Your visa application will be processed by Immigration New Zealand. The processing time may vary, so it’s important to check the official processing times on their website.
- Medical Examination and Character Checks: If required, undergo a medical examination and provide character certificates as instructed by Immigration New Zealand.
- Additional Information or Interviews: Immigration New Zealand may request additional information or conduct interviews to verify your eligibility for the work visa.
- Visa Decision: You will receive a notification about the decision on your work visa application. If approved, you will be issued the work visa, either as a physical visa label in your passport or as an electronic confirmation.
- Travel and Settlement: Once you have obtained your work visa, you can plan your travel to New Zealand and make necessary arrangements for your settlement, such as finding accommodation, preparing for your job, and familiarizing yourself with the local processes and requirements.
It is important to consult the official website of Immigration New Zealand for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the work visa process, as requirements may vary based on individual circumstances and changes in immigration policies.
There are several ways to obtain a work permit or work visa in New Zealand. Here are some of the common pathways:
Essential Skills Work Visa: This visa is for individuals with a job offer from a New Zealand employer and whose skills are in demand in the country. The visa is granted based on the employer’s assessment of the individual’s skills and the labor market conditions.
Skilled Migrant Category Visa: This visa is for skilled workers who meet the eligibility criteria based on factors such as age, qualifications, work experience, and an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.
Specific Purpose or Event Visa: This visa allows individuals to work in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event, such as conferences, sports events, or short-term projects.
Working Holiday Visa: This visa is available for individuals from eligible countries who are aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 for some countries) and allows them to work and travel in New Zealand for a limited period.
Entrepreneur Work Visa: This visa is for individuals who wish to establish or buy a business in New Zealand.
Partnership Work Visa: This visa is available for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents, allowing them to work in the country.
Work to Residence Visa: This visa is for individuals with a job offer in New Zealand that leads to residence in the country after a specified period.
It is important to note that each visa category has specific requirements, eligibility criteria, and application processes. It is recommended to consult the official website of Immigration New Zealand for detailed information and to determine the most suitable pathway for your circumstances.
1. Decide which visa to apply for
Welcome to the Apply Now section of our New Zealand Visa Website. We offer a range of visa options to meet your needs. Our visa options include:
Please explore our visa options carefully, and use our visa search and comparison tool to find and compare visas. Please note that some visas require you to submit an expression of interest (EOI) first, and wait for an invitation to apply.
2. Gather your documents
To support your visa application, you’ll need to upload relevant documents and photos. Please make sure to provide:
- A visa photo of yourself that meets our requirements
- Medical and police certificates in English
- Other supporting documents in English, along with their original or certified copies
The required documents may vary depending on your situation and the type of visa you’re applying for. If you’re submitting an online application, some visa types may only require medical certificates after your application has been submitted and processed.
3. Create a RealMe account
For most visas, you need a RealMe account before you can access the online application. We will direct you to set up your RealMe account when you apply.
How to create a RealMe account
You do not need a RealMe account for:
- Working Holiday Visas
- expressions of interest for Skilled Migrant Category Visas.
4. Complete your online application and pay
Upload any supporting documents and photographs and pay the fee. You can pay by credit card (Mastercard, Visa or UnionPay).
5. After you apply
We will contact you if we need any more information.
How long you wait for a decision about your visa depends on a number of factors, including:
- which visa you applied for
- where do you apply from
- how many other visa applications we have received.
NOTE- We receive high numbers of applications between November and March. This means it may take us longer to process your visa application during this time.