a. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

• Purpose: For individuals with a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand.
• Key Features:
  • Requires a job offer for a role that meets the median wage threshold (NZD $29.66/hour as of October 2023).
  • The employer must be accredited to hire migrant workers.
  • Valid for up to 3 years, depending on the job offer.
• Eligibility:
  • A valid job offer from an accredited employer.
  • Meet health, character, and skill requirements.
  • Proof of qualifications or work experience relevant to the job.

b. Essential Skills Work Visa (Phased Out)

• This visa has been replaced by the AEWV as of July 2022.

c. Post-Study Work Visa

• Purpose: For international students who have completed eligible qualifications in New Zealand.
• Key Features:
  • Allows you to work for any employer in New Zealand.
  • Valid for 1-3 years, depending on the qualification level.
• Eligibility:
  • Completion of a Level 4-10 qualification (on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework) that meets specific criteria.
  • Must apply within 3 months of completing your studies.

d. Specific Purpose Work Visa

• Purpose: For individuals coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event (e.g., short-term projects, specialist roles, or seasonal work).
• Key Features:
  • Valid for the duration of the specific purpose or event.
  • Requires evidence of the purpose and duration of the work.

e. Working Holiday Visa

• Purpose: For young people (usually aged 18-30 or 18-35, depending on the country) to work and travel in New Zealand.
• Key Features:
  • Valid for 12 months (or 23 months for some countries).
  • Work is allowed, but the primary purpose is holidaying.
• Eligibility:
  • Must hold a passport from an eligible country.
  • Meet age, health, and character requirements.

f. Other Work Visas

• Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: For highly skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited employer.
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: For individuals planning to start or buy a business in New Zealand.

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3. General Costs

The cost of applying for a work visa in New Zealand varies depending on the visa type and your location. Below are approximate costs as of October 2023:

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): NZD $750 (online application).
• Post-Study Work Visa: NZD $495.
• Specific Purpose Work Visa: NZD $495.
• Working Holiday Visa: NZD $245 (varies by country).
• Entrepreneur Work Visa: NZD $3,365.

Additional Costs:

• Immigration Levy: Most visa applications include an immigration levy (e.g., NZD $55 for AEWV).
• Medical Examinations: If required, costs vary by provider (approximately NZD $200-$500).
• Police Certificates: Costs depend on your home country.

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4. Standard Procedures

The process for applying for a work visa in New Zealand typically involves the following steps:

Step 1: Check Eligibility

• Review the specific requirements for the work visa you are applying for.
• Ensure you meet health, character, and skill requirements.
• Confirm that your employer is accredited (if applying for an AEWV).

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Common documents include:

• A valid passport.
• Job offer letter (if applicable).
• Proof of qualifications and/or work experience.
• Evidence of health insurance (if required).
• Police clearance certificate (if required).
• Medical certificate (if required).

Step 3: Submit an Online Application

• Most work visa applications are submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand website.
• Create an account, complete the application form, and upload the required documents.

Step 4: Pay the Application Fee

• Pay the visa application fee and immigration levy online.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

• Processing times vary depending on the visa type and the complexity of your application. For example:
  • AEWV: 20-30 working days.
  • Post-Study Work Visa: 30-40 working days.

Step 6: Receive a Decision

• If approved, you will receive an eVisa (electronic visa) linked to your passport.

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5. Country-Specific Considerations

When applying for a work visa in New Zealand, consider the following:

a. Median Wage Threshold

• For most work visas (e.g., AEWV), the job must meet the median wage threshold (NZD $29.66/hour as of October 2023). Exceptions may apply for roles on the Green List or in sectors with labor shortages.

b. Green List Occupations

• New Zealand has a Green List of high-demand occupations (e.g., healthcare, engineering, IT). If your job is on this list, you may qualify for streamlined visa pathways or even residence.

c. Employer Accreditation

• Employers hiring migrant workers must be accredited by Immigration New Zealand. Ensure your employer has completed this process before applying.

d. Health and Character Requirements

• Applicants must meet strict health and character requirements. This may involve:
  • Undergoing a medical examination.
  • Providing police clearance certificates from all countries you’ve lived in for 12+ months in the past 10 years.

e. Pathway to Residence

• Some work visas (e.g., AEWV, Green List roles) provide a pathway to residence. Check if your visa type qualifies for this option.

f. COVID-19 Considerations

• While New Zealand has lifted most COVID-19 restrictions, applicants should check for any updated travel or health requirements.

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6. Additional Resources

• Immigration New Zealand Website: www.immigration.govt.nz
• Visa Processing Times: Processing Times
• Green List Occupations: Green List

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7. Tips for a Successful Application

• Double-check all documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Apply well in advance of your intended start date.
• Use a licensed immigration adviser if you need professional assistance.
• Stay updated on immigration policy changes, as regulations can change frequently.

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By following this guide, you should have a clear understanding of the work visa process in New Zealand. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to ask!