Immigration and visas

  • Visiting or moving to NZ

  • Get a visa to work in NZ

    • Apply for a work visa

      If you’re planning to work in New Zealand and you’re not a citizen or permanent resident of NZ or Australia, you’ll need a visa that lets you work.

    • Apply for a working holiday visa

      New Zealand has agreements with many countries that allow people aged 18-35 to stay here for a year or more — the main reason should be tourism, with work or study as secondary activities.

    • Working in NZ for up to 3 months

      Some types of visitor visas allow you to work in New Zealand for up to 3 months.

    • Working in NZ after you study

      After you’ve finished studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a visa that lets you stay here to work. Some students can work in NZ because of what they’re studying in another country.

    • Working in NZ for more than 3 months

      Depending on your skills, where you come from, your age and other factors you may be able to work in New Zealand temporarily for more than 3 months.

    • Visas for workers from specific countries

      New Zealand has special arrangements with some countries to let their citizens work here. Some visas recognise your skills and experience, while others let you learn out about our lifestyle and culture.

    • Working here if your partner is in NZ

      Find out if you can get a visa to work in New Zealand. Your partner needs to have a work, student or Military visa or be a New Zealand citizen or resident.

    • Work that leads to residence

      If you’re 55 or younger and want to live in New Zealand (NZ) permanently, you can apply for a resident visa, or a work visa that leads to residence after working here for 2 years.

  • Visitor visas and the NZeTA

  • Get a New Zealand student visa

    • When you need an NZ student visa

      You need a student visa if you want to study full time in New Zealand for more than 3 months.

    • Before you apply for a student visa

      Be prepared before you start your NZ Student Visa application — find out what you need to do and what documents you need to provide.

    • Apply for a student visa

      You can apply online or use a printed form. Make sure you apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to come to New Zealand.

    • Renew your student visa

      Most students must renew their student visa every year. You can do this online or complete a paper form.

    • Working while on a student visa

      International students in New Zealand may be able to work while on a student visa. Your eVisa or visa sticker in your passport shows whether you can work.

    • Changing your study plans

      If you want to change what or where you’re studying, you will need to apply for a variation of conditions to your current visa or get a new visa.

  • Bringing things into New Zealand

  • Refugees coming to New Zealand
  • Get NZ residence