Page 10 - English-DBINZ brochure-2019

7 Doing business in New Zealand

GENERAL WORK AND RESIDENCE VISAS

A number of work and residence visa options are available to overseas persons and their employers. A
few of the main general categories are outlined below.

Skilled migrants
The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based system that provides a pathway to permanent residence in
New Zealand for people who have skills to fill identified needs and opportunities in New Zealand.

Points are allocated based on whether an applicant has been offered or is in current skilled employment
in New Zealand, and on their work experience, recognised qualifications and age. The Skilled Migrant
Category Resident Visa is not available to persons over 55 years old, and is not designed for people who
are self-employed. Applicants must meet English language requirements or otherwise pay for English
lessons in New Zealand.
Work to Residence
The following Work to Residence visa options provide a work visa for up to two and a half years, and can
lead on to a residence class visa:

Talent (Accredited Accredited employers may supplement their New Zealand workforce in their
Employers) Work core area of business activity. To be eligible, an applicant must be aged 55
years or under, and have an offer of employment from an accredited employer
for full-time employment for a period of at least two years. The position
offered must have a minimum base salary of NZ$55,000 per annum and
be work that is the employer’s main reason for being in business where the
employer will have direct responsibility for the employee’s work output.

Talent (Arts, Culture An applicant who has an exceptional talent in a declared field of art, culture or
and Sports) Work sport. Applicants must be internationally recognised, still prominent in their
field, and prove that their presence will enhance New Zealand’s achievements
or participation in the particular field. Additionally, applicants must possess
the support of a New Zealand organisation that is recognised for its excellence
in the applicant’s field of talent, and have an acceptable sponsor. Applicants
must also be aged 55 years or younger.

Long Term Skill The applicant must have an offer of employment for a full-time position on the
Shortage List Long Term Skill Shortage List that meets the specifications for the position.
Applicants must be suitably qualified for the position, have the necessary
work experience, and possess the relevant occupational registration. The
Long Term Skill Shortage List identifies areas with a sustained shortage of
skilled workers and is reviewed annually. A current copy of the Long Term Skill
Shortage List is maintained on the Immigration New Zealand website.

After holding one of these work visas for at least two years (and subject to meeting various other
requirements listed in the Residence from Work Category section of the Operational Manual’s Residence
Instructions), the holder may apply for a residence class visa, which allows the holder to live and work in
New Zealand indefinitely.
Essential Skills Work
The Essential Skills Work Instructions allow New Zealand employers to recruit workers from overseas on
a temporary basis to meet worker shortages where workers cannot be recruited in New Zealand. A work
visa under this category may be for a maximum duration of three to five years (depending on skill level of
the particular job offered) and is not a pathway to residence.