fb-pixel

New Zealand Work Visa For Indians: Requirements And The Application Process

05-Aug-2022

7 min read

New Zealand is an island country and has visitors from all over the world, coming from places like Malaysia, Australia, Hong Kong, Canada, and more. It is not only a popular place for tourists but also business people, and people coming in for employment. There are plenty of opportunities that can go missed in New Zealand.


What Is The New Zealand Work Visa?

The New Zealand Work Visa is a type of visa that allows foreigners to travel to New Zealand for the sake of employment. For this type of visa, applicants will need to be skilled in the field they plan to work in and have the necessary experience.


Who Can Apply For The New Zealand Work Visa?

Foreigners can apply for the New Zealand Work Visa if they have a job offer from an employer in New Zealand, have a partner in the country, are from a foreign country with a certain employment scheme, or would like to study and work in New Zealand. This blog will focus on how Indians can apply for the New Zealand Work Visa.


What Types Of New Zealand Work Visas Can Indians Apply For?

There are currently a variety of visa options that Indians can apply for to obtain employment in New Zealand, such as a Working Holiday Visa, a Business Visitor Visa,

Essential Skills Work Visa

The Essential Skills Work Visa is a temporary work visa for those looking to work jobs in demand in New Zealand. These jobs are usually sourced by the New Zealand government on the job shortage list and are considered to not have many employees working under them. This specific New Zealand Work Visa for Indians makes it easier for you to get a Residence Visa.

Work To Residence Visa

The Work to Residence visa is a special type of New Zealand Work Visa for Indians that eventually enables them to eventually work permanently in New Zealand. However, you must first work for 24 months, and this visa is valid for 30 months.

Skilled Migrant Resident Visa

The Skilled Migrant Resident Visa is for Indians who want to stay and work in New Zealand permanently. The easiest way to get this visa is by first having a Work To Residence Visa. As an Indian citizen, you will need to meet certain criteria.

  • Be of good character

  • Have relevant work experience and qualifications

  • Have good health

  • Express interest in the position

  • An invitation to apply for residence

Post Study Work Visa

This New Zealand Work Visa for Indians is for those who want to work in New Zealand after completing their studies in the country and expiring their New Zealand Student Visa. This visa allows you to stay and work in New Zealand between 1 to 3 years.

jeshoots-com-mSESwdMZr-A-unsplash.jpg

Everything You Need To Know About The New Zealand Work Visa For Indians

There are many types of New Zealand Work Visas for Indians that you can apply for, but in this blog, we will be solely focusing on the Essential Skills Work Visa, which is most commonly applied for.

What Are The New Zealand Work Visa Fees For Indians?

The New Zealand Work Visa for Indians can cost anywhere between 19,000 (INR) and 22,000 (INR). These costs are subject to change due to currency fluctuations and how much the New Zealand government decides to charge.

How Long Is The New Zealand Work Visa Valid For?

The New Zealand Work Visa for Indians is valid for a few months to a few years. The visa’s validity depends on the date you applied for the Work Visa, how long your employment offer is, and how much you earn. This also ties in with how long you can stay in New Zealand with the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians.

When To Apply For The New Zealand Work Visa?

It is advised that you apply for your New Zealand Work Visa from India at least 2 months before your trip; this is because of factors such as the processing time, which can vary between applicants, depending on your application and whether you have the right documents, for example.

What Is The Processing Time For The New Zealand Work Visa?

The visa processing time for the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians varies between 2 weeks and 2 to 3 months. The majority of applications take about 52 days to be processed, yet if you are lucky, your visa application can be processed within the 2 weeks mentioned.


What Are The Requirements For The New Zealand Work Visa?

Meeting visa requirements is one of the most important parts of starting and completing a visa application. Some documents are needed for Indians to apply for the Work Visa for New Zealand, all of which must be original documents or certified copies.

  • Proof that you are of good character (this will be in the form of police certificates and a questionnaire)

  • A valid passport (with blank pages)

  • An application form completed in English

  • 2 passport-sized photos of yourself

  • Proficiency in the English language

  • Proof of accommodation

  • Proof of flight tickets or reservations

  • Proof of your academic qualifications

  • An employment contract

  • Travel itinerary

  • A medical certificate

  • Proof of finances in the form of a bank statement (this is to show you will be able to provide for yourself financially during your stay in Malta)

  • A work permit (this applies to some cases and is issued by your employer)

How To Apply For The New Zealand Work Visa

After meeting the requirements and getting your documents in order, you are ready to apply for the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians. It is an application that takes only 5 steps to complete.

Step 1: Have A Job Offer In New Zealand

A job offer from an accredited employer who is preferably a New Zealand citizen is generous if you want to qualify for the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians. Having a job offer shows that you plan to come into the country for employment purposes and you already have available work. So if you haven’t received a job offer, it is a good idea to go on a job search.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

This step is the most important as it acts as the foundation for your New Zealand Work Visa application for Indians. You need to ensure that you meet the requirements, including having all the supporting documents supporting your visa application form. Failure to meet these requirements may result in your application being rejected.

Step 3: Apply For Your Work Visa

Once you have gathered all your documents and made sure you meet the eligibility criteria, you can complete your application. You have the option of applying in person at the Embassy or Consulate, or you can even apply online with New Zealand Immigration.

Make sure your details are correct and when your application form is completed, submit it.

Step 4: Wait For Your Visa To Be Processed

You have finally reached the final stage of your visa application process. Now all you need to do is wait for your New Zealand Work Visa For Indians to be processed, which will take a few weeks or a few months.

Step 5: Get Your Work Visa

Once your Work Visa is approved, you will receive a message, and from there, you will be able to collect it at the Embassy or get it online as an e-Visa.


You Are Now Travel Ready

You now know what the New Zealand Work Visa for Indians entails, including the requirements and how to apply. However, be sure to check out the FAQ section below for any more questions you have about the New Zealand Work Visa from India

Written By: Vida Owusu
Fact Checked By: Naya Kumar

Frequently Asked Questions

What If I Want To Get A Permanent Residence Visa In New Zealand?

You can get permanent residence in New Zealand if you have a certain kind of Work Visa. These Work Visas need you to have the necessary skills, qualifications, and experience to be able to be part of the New Zealand workforce.

Can Indians Apply For The New Zealand Work Visa Online?

Indians can apply online for their New Zealand Work Visa online if they are applying via a visa agency that operates online or VFS. Most New Zealand Work Visa applications are made in person at the Embassy, where you will also need to attend a visa appointment.

Is A Work Visa The Same As A Business Visa?

No, a Work Visa is not the same as a Business Visa. Work Visas allow you to be in New Zealand under a New Zealand employer for long-term employment, whereas a Business Visa is for business purposes yet only short-term.

More from New Zealand

Related Articles