How do I contact Immigration New Zealand?

Depending on where you are in the world, you should contact your nearest Immigration New Zealand office for assistance by telephone, email (where available) or in writing. From the full list of immigration offices, please click on the office closest to you, for complete contact details. The official Immigration NZ website is www.immigration.govt.nz

Answers to some of the most frequently asked Immigration related questions, click here.

Here are 4 options for a visa to work in New Zealand

Skilled Migrant Category

(You must be 55 years old or under) The Skilled Migrant Category is a points-based system in which you claim points for skills, experience, and other factors to gain residence - a status that allows you to work and live in New Zealand, freely travelling in and out of the country - on a permanent basis. You do not necessarily need a job to apply - although a skilled job offer greatly improves your chances of being selected as it will add to your total points.

Work Visa

You can apply for a temporary work visa if you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and are skilled in an occupation that's in demand. You can also apply for a temporary work visa if you want to work in New Zealand for a specific event, are a student or trainee wanting to gain work experience, or are coming to join your partner in New Zealand.

Once you have started work in New Zealand on either of these work visas, you have the option of applying for residence without leaving the country. If you have a Skilled Migrant Category application under consideration and a job that starts soon, you can apply for a temporary work visa to start the job.

Work to Residence

You may be qualified in a highly specialised or in-demand field. If so, you can apply for a work visa under the Work to Residence category. This category allows you to work temporarily in New Zealand as a step towards gaining permanent residence.

Working Holiday Visa

You’ve heard that Auckland is a great place to live but not sure if you’re ready to make the big commitment just yet? Then come on over for a working holiday.

The Working Holiday Scheme allows you to travel throughout New Zealand and work in any temporary job or jobs you want for up to 12 months. UK Nationals can stay up to 23 months in New Zealand on this visa. To find out more about the steps to take to qualify for acceptance, click here. The necessary application forms for this visa type can be found here.

Are you already in New Zealand?

Learn about moving from a temporary to a permanent visa, or what to do now that you have residence - click here. Remember that if you have residence, but want to leave the country temporarily, you will need a returning resident's visa to re-enter New Zealand.

Skilled Migrants in NZ

The Careers Centre in conjunction with Immigration NZ, can lodge work permits and visas for onshore Skilled Migrants who have a full time job offer from ADHB and New Zealand professional registration.  Turnaround time for processing is 5 working days.  Click here to check if your occupation is on the skilled shortage lists.