New Zealand Job Seeker Visa: Your Modern Path to Work in NZ
The previously existing Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Visa NZ has been abolished. Nevertheless, it does not imply that your ambition to get employed in Aotearoa New Zealand is dead.
The immigration New Zealand (INZ) has simplified its system making it focus on accredited employers and on high demand skills. This full-fledged manual will verify the legacy visa status and demonstrate the three most effective options of locating and obtaining a NZ working visa resulting in residence.
Is NZ Job Seeker Visa open?
The free-standing New Zealand Job Search Visa (which used to be included under Skilled Migrant Category) was withdrawn. Its purpose, to enable skilled migrants access New Zealand to seek employment, has been superseded by a more organized one, which gives preferential consideration to job opportunities offered by approved companies.
New Zealand Job Seeker Visa
Don’t be discouraged! The contemporary immigration in New Zealand is meant to capture certain skills required in the economy. The three pathways below would be interesting in as much as they deal with the intent of finding a Work visa in job hunting New Zealand.
The Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
The most widespread and available temporary visa is the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa (WHV) permitting applicants aged between 18 and 30 (or 35 but only to select countries) to enter into New Zealand without a job offer.
Application Process and Requirements
- Be a nation of a qualified nation (most of the schemes have quotas).
- Meet the age requirement (18-30 or 18-35).
- Possess enough Proof of funds NZ visa (Normally NZD 4200 to stay in the country).
- Pass health and character checks (e.g. New Zealand police certificate)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa
This is the most widespread temporary work visa in the current times, but you need to get a job and then apply to the visa.
- Accredited Employer Requirement: Your prospective employer should be a part of the Accredited employer list NZ. This is done so that the employer is reputable and meets the immigration and employment laws.
- The Job Check: The employer will have to demonstrate that there is a real need of the migrant worker and that the job qualifies under the NZ median wage requirement (or even higher salary just in case of a job which is less sophisticated in different skills).
- NZ Green List: Find a job by concentrating on NZ Green List jobs. These are jobs of high demand and primarily in construction, health, and engineering and make the Job Check process easier.
Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
Although this is a residence visa, you normally require a qualifying employment offer to satisfy the new points test. It is the end of the road of most of the skilled migrants.
The New SMC System: INZ has adopted a points system simplified to have 6 points depending on such factors as:
- New Zealand occupational registration.
- Baccalaureate degree or postgraduate (usually International Qualification Assessment (IQA) NZ).
- Income (in terms of multiple of median wage).
- Experienced work practice in New Zealand.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a WHV New Zealand
Since the WHV is the primary New Zealand visa that lets you look for work, here is the application breakdown for eligible young people.
Check Eligibility & Quota
Visit the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) official website and check the quota status for your country. Many quotas open annually and fill up fast.
Verify you meet the age and financial requirements.
Create a RealMe Account
All applications are made online. You’ll need a RealMe account for INZ to access the official application portal.
Complete the Online Application
- Fill in the form accurately, providing details on your health, character, and travel history.
- Upload supporting documents, including proof of funds and a valid passport.
FAQs
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Would I be able to relocate to New Zealand without an employment opportunity?
Yes, mainly by the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. In the case of skilled migrants who are more than the WHV age limit, the most viable solution to migration is first to obtain a job offer and then apply to the AEWV.
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NZ work visa English language requirements?
In the case of the AEWV, no specific English test is expected; however, in a non-English speaking country, and your employment is below the median wage. But in the case of Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa, there is the requirement that you demonstrate a minimum amount of English competency (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL or other recognised test).
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What will occur once my WHV is finished?
When you are on your WHV, and a full-time, skilled employment opportunity has been offered by an accredited employer, then you can proceed to apply to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This is what most working holidaymakers aim at as a way of seeking a way to obtain residency.When you are on your WHV, and a full-time, skilled employment opportunity has been offered by an accredited employer, then you can proceed to apply to an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This is what most working holidaymakers aim at as a way of seeking a way to obtain.
Final Thoughts
The days when the New Zealand Job Seeker Visa was so straightforward have passed and the prospect of the skilled workers has never been more apparent. The Working Holiday Visa is still your best asset in making your foot in the door and job seek. After landing a position, the Accredited Employer Work Visa will be your ticket to long-term stay and, eventually, a route to a route towards New Zealand residence. Put your efforts into demonstrating your competence to the recognized employers and fulfilling the contemporary New Zealand work visa criteria.
Disclosure
This article is an informative and educational article. Immigration policies, such as the eligibility and the requirements of the Working Holiday Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa are governed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and may change without being announced. It is strongly recommended that the readers should ensure that all the information is confirmed by the official Immigration New Zealand site before making any application or financial decision.