Build Your Career in New Zealand — Start Your Work Visa Journey Today
Working in New Zealand
Employers | Migrants
New Zealand needs skilled, motivated people — and the right work visa can open the door to incredible opportunities. Whether you have a job offer, skills on the Green List, a partner already in New Zealand, or a dream to build your career here, we can guide you every step of the way.
At Just Immigration Consulting, we help you:
- understand which work visa fits your goals
- prepare a strong, compliant application
- navigate employer accreditation and Job Checks
- plan your pathway to residence
Your future in New Zealand starts with one decision — choosing the right visa.
Talk to us today and take the first step toward working in New Zealand.
Your Guide to Working in New Zealand
New Zealand is known for its lifestyle, safety, and opportunities — and there’s a work visa for almost every situation.
- Have a job offer?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is your main pathway. - Highly skilled?
You may qualify for Straight to Residence or Work to Residence through the Green List. - Already in NZ on a student visa?
The Post‑Study Work Visa lets you work for almost any employer. - Travelling and want to work?
The Working Holiday Visa gives you the freedom to explore and earn. - Partner already working in NZ?
The Partner of a Worker Work Visa lets you join them and work too. - Seasonal work?
The RSE and seasonal visas support short‑term horticulture and viticulture roles. - Completed a Bachelors or Post Graduate Studies?
The Post Graduate Student Work Visa may be right for you.
| Visa Type | Who It’s For | What You Can Do | Maximum Length | Pathway to Residence? | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | People with a job offer from an accredited employer | Work in NZ for the approved employer | Up to 5 years | Yes (Green List, High‑Paid, Sector Agreements) | Requires Job Check + accredited employer |
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Work Visa | Skilled workers on the pathway to residence | Work in skilled employment | While residence is processed | Yes — residence pathway | Points‑based system |
| Green List Work Visa | Workers in shortage occupations (health, engineering, ICT, trades) | Work in a Green List role | Up to 5 years | Yes — Straight to Residence or Work‑to‑Residence | Job must match Green List criteria |
| Work to Residence Visa | Workers in eligible occupations (e.g., care, construction, trades) | Work in NZ for 24 months | 2 years before residence | Yes | Must meet wage + occupation requirements |
| Straight to Residence Visa | Highly skilled workers in Tier 1 Green List roles | Live and work in NZ | Permanent | Yes — immediate residence | Must meet qualification/experience thresholds |
| Partner of a Worker Work Visa | Partners of work visa holders | Work for almost any employer | Same as partner’s visa | Indirectly (via partner) | Some roles require AEWV‑level pay |
| Post‑Study Work Visa | International graduates | Work for any employer in NZ | 1–3 years | Sometimes (if job meets criteria) | Length depends on qualification |
| Working Holiday Visa | Young travellers (18–30/35) | Travel, work, and study | 12 months (23 months for UK) | No | Country‑specific quotas apply |
| Seasonal Work Visas (RSE, SSE) | Seasonal horticulture/viticulture workers | Short‑term seasonal work | 6–7 months | No | Employer must be RSE‑approved |
| Specific Purpose Work Visa | People coming for a specific project, event, or purpose | Work only for that purpose | Varies | No | Used for specialists, installers, performers |
| Entrepreneur Work Visa (Legacy) | People starting or buying a business | Run a business in NZ | Up to 3 years | Yes (Entrepreneur Residence) | Currently paused for new applications |
Need help choosing the right visa
Every worker’s journey is different — and your visa should match your skills, goals, and future plans.
Contact us today and start your New Zealand work journey with confidence
Other Visas / Requests
Variation of Conditions
Already got a visa but want to change? Need to add student conditions to a work visa? Need to change employer? We’ll assist you to make the changes you need.
Section 61 Request
A Section 61 request isn’t a visa, but it’s a way for people who are currently in New Zealand without a valid visa to regain a legal status in New Zealand.
If your visa has expired, you’re still in New Zealand and you want to remain longer in New Zealand, we can assist you in preparing a case to request that your status in New Zealand becomes legitimised.
Appeals
Has your residence visa been declined? Don’t know what to do next? Maybe we can assist. If your residence application has been declined you have (depending on the type of application), between 28 and 42 days to appeal the decision.
We can help assess your declined residence application and lodge an appeal should we determine there is a legitimate appeal case.