Relocating to New Zealand for work sounds like a dream, but it requires more than packing your bags and booking a flight. A legal work authorization is required for U.S. citizens who want to work in New Zealand. Unfortunately, the process can be more complex than expected, but not impossible! Discerning between the different work visa types, application requirements, and eligibility criteria is the secret sauce to navigating New Zealand's immigration system.
This guide offers a detailed breakdown of how U.S. professionals can secure a work authorization in New Zealand. It provides insights into visa options, requirements, and the role of employers in the process.
New Zealand work visa options
New Zealand offers several visa pathways for foreign professionals, but choosing the right one depends on the type of work, the length of stay, and the employer's status. Most work visas are employer-sponsored, meaning applicants need a valid job offer from a New Zealand-based company before applying.
For skilled workers, the government prioritizes roles where there's a shortage of local talent. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) regularly updates its Green List of occupations in high demand. These particular positions streamline the process for employers to sponsor professionals from abroad.
Importance of a valid job offer
A job offer is a prerequisite before individuals can be considered for a work visa in New Zealand. For most types of work visas, a written job offer must outline the role, responsibilities, salary, and location. INZ assesses this information to determine whether the applicant’s skills align with talent needs in the local market.
Employers are a critical piece to the work visa compliance puzzle. Before extending an offer to a foreign national, they usually must prove they’ve attempted to hire locally.
Types of work visas in New Zealand
Essential Skills Work Visa
This visa was one of the primary pathways for skilled migrants but has been largely replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). While it still applies to certain transitional cases, it's being phased out in favor of more streamlined options.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Introduced in 2022, the AEWV is now the go-to visa for most foreign professionals. Applicants must have a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer to be eligible. The role must also meet minimum pay and skill threshold requirements. Immigration New Zealand provides detailed AEWV criteria.
Working Holiday Visa
U.S. citizens aged 18–30 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which allows them to live and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. While it’s designed more for travel and short-term employment, it’s a great entry point for those testing the waters before committing to long-term relocation.
Work visa requirements
Immigration guidelines and criteria
Every work visa comes with its own specific checklist. However, most include core requirements such as:
- Proof of a job offer
- Relevant qualifications or experience
- A clean criminal background
- Good health and medical clearance
INZ uses a points-based assessment for some visa types, considering factors like age, experience, and salary level.
Required documentation for a work visa application
Applicants should prepare the following:
Passport and identification documents
A signed employment agreement
Medical and police certificates
Proof of qualifications
Evidence of relevant work experience
Translations and notarizations may be required for non-English documents, depending on the work visa type.
Applying for a New Zealand work visa
The application process
Most applications are submitted online through the Immigration New Zealand portal. After creating a profile, applicants can complete the form, upload documents, and pay the necessary fees.
Once submitted, INZ will assess the application and may request additional information. Processing times vary based on visa type and applicant volume.
Application costs and fees
Fees depend on the type of visa, the applicant’s location, and processing needs. As of 2025, most AEWV applications cost NZD1540 or US$913. Additional charges may apply for medical exams or background checks. Always verify costs on the INZ fee finder.
Working in New Zealand as a U.S. citizen
Eligibility and criteria
U.S. citizens enjoy a relatively straightforward path to New Zealand employment, particularly in industries with skill shortages like IT, healthcare, and construction. However, they must still meet all visa criteria and be sponsored by a registered employer.
Sponsorship and employment opportunities
The key to long-term work in New Zealand is employer sponsorship. Companies hiring foreign nationals in New Zealand must be accredited by INZ and complete a job check to prove the role cannot be filled locally. Major hiring sectors in 2025 include:
- Tech startups and software engineering
- Healthcare and aged care
- Green energy and construction
According to Stats NZ, job growth in these sectors has outpaced the domestic workforce, creating new opportunities for international talent.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a work visa without a job offer?
In most cases, no. A job offer is required for nearly all work visa types in New Zealand. Exceptions include the Working Holiday Visa or specific partnership-based visas.
How long does it take to process a New Zealand work visa?
Processing times vary. As of early 2025, AEWV applications take 4–8 weeks, depending on the applicant’s documentation and the employer’s accreditation status.
Tips for streamlining the visa application process
- Double-check documentation before submission
- Use official checklists and tools from INZ
- Apply well in advance of planned travel
- Stay in contact with your employer throughout the process
How Velocity Global can help
Navigating New Zealand’s visa system alone can be daunting. Velocity Global simplifies global hiring by helping companies employ talent quickly and compliantly through their Employer of Record (EOR) solution. From managing compliance to onboarding, its team ensures a seamless experience for employers and employees.
With deep knowledge of New Zealand’s labor and immigration laws, Velocity Global empowers businesses to expand into New Zealand without setting up a legal entity. Whether hiring one developer or building an entire remote team, Velocity Global provides the infrastructure to scale globally with confidence.
This information does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal or tax advice and is for general informational purposes only. The intent of this document is solely to provide general and preliminary information for private use. Do not rely on it as an alternative to legal, financial, taxation, or accountancy advice from an appropriately qualified professional. The content in this guide is provided “as is,” and no representations are made that the content is error-free.
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