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The Specific Purpose Work Visa is ideal for individuals with specialised skills or experience needed in New Zealand for a short-term project, event, or contract. Whether you're coming for a specific role or event, this visa allows you to work temporarily in New Zealand without requiring long-term residency. The visa duration is tied to the purpose of your visit, ensuring you can complete your work or event during your stay. Explore how NZIL can assist with your application process.
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is designed for individuals coming to New Zealand for a defined project, event, or specific role. It allows highly skilled professionals to work temporarily in the country, based on the duration of their specific task or contract. This visa is ideal for short-term assignments that do not require long-term residency.
The visa duration is tied to the purpose or event, allowing you to stay for as long as it takes to complete the specified work or event.
To qualify, applicants must have a clear job offer or contract for a specific purpose or event. They must provide proof of their skills, qualifications, and expertise required for the job.
Visa holders can live and work in New Zealand for the duration of their visa. However, the visa does not automatically allow for long-term employment or residency.
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is designed for temporary stays and does not directly offer a pathway to residency. However, if circumstances change, you may explore other visa options that lead to residency.
Step 1:
Confirm that you have a specific purpose, event, or contract to work on in New Zealand.
Step 2:
Collect documents that prove your skills, qualifications, and details of the work or event, along with proof of the temporary nature of the work.
Step 3:
Apply online through Immigration New Zealand, providing all required documentation.
Step 4:
Immigration New Zealand reviews your application and may request additional information.
Step 5:
Once approved, you can work in New Zealand for the duration of the specific purpose or event.
Step 6:
Step 7:
Step 8:
Learn how to navigate the application process for the Specific Purpose Work Visa in our upcoming webinar. This session will cover everything from eligibility criteria and application steps to understanding the visa’s unique requirements. Whether you're coming to New Zealand for a short-term project, event, or specialised work, our experts will provide valuable insights and answer your questions, helping you confidently approach your visa application process.
Prefer to make a direct enquiry rather than attend a webinar? This option offers you personalised assistance tailored to your specific situation. By choosing a direct enquiry, you'll save time and receive expert guidance from NZIL’s team on your Specific Purpose Work Visa application. Whether you need help understanding your eligibility, preparing documents, or navigating the process, we’re here to provide clear, customised advice every step of the way.
You can check whether your skills are in demand by visiting the Immigration New Zealand website. If your skills are on the Green List, you have a possible pathway to residence immediately or after having worked in New Zealand for a period of time.
New Zealand recognises some international qualifications, but there are some that need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For a fee, NZQA can check whether your qualification is recognised in New Zealand.
If you’ve completed studies in New Zealand and have obtained a recognised qualification, you could be eligible to apply for a post study work visa .Depending on your qualification, you may be able to work in New Zealand for up to 3 years and potentially gain residence. Learn more about the visas you can apply for after completing your studies.
It is not essential to have formal qualifications to gain a work visa. But you must be able to document that you meet the criteria stated by the employer in the job description as necessary to be considered for the position and Immigration New Zealand's minimum skills threshold. A lack of formal qualifications may, however, make it harder for you to qualify for residence if you are seeking to make a permanent move.
If you are offered a job in New Zealand your employer may offer to cover your relocation costs. This is something you will need to discuss directly with your employer.
