New Zealand Visa – Work – Essential Skill Worker Visa

1. What is the Essential Skills Work visa for New Zealand?

The Essential Skills Work visa is a type of temporary work visa in New Zealand that allows skilled workers to live and work in the country for a specified period of time. It is designed to fill skill shortages in the local job market and contribute to the country’s economic growth.

2. Who is eligible for an Essential Skills Work visa?
To be eligible for an Essential Skills Work visa, you must meet the following criteria:
– You have a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer
– Your occupation is on one of the Essential Skills in Demand lists or your job offer meets the minimum salary threshold
– You have the necessary qualifications, skills, and experience for the job
– You meet health and character requirements

3. How do I apply for an Essential Skills Work visa?
You can apply for an Essential Skills Work visa online through Immigration New Zealand’s website. The application process includes submitting documents such as your job offer, proof of qualifications and work experience, and evidence of your ability to support yourself while in New Zealand.

4. How long does it take to process an Essential Skills Work visa?
In most cases, it takes around 20 working days to process an Essential Skills Work visa application. However, processing times may vary depending on individual circumstances.

5. Can I bring my family with me on an Essential Skills Work visa?
Yes, you can bring your partner and dependent children (under 19 years old) with you on an Essential Skills Work visa. They will need to apply for their own visas as accompanying family members.

6. Is there a limit on how long I can stay in New Zealand on an Essential Skills Work visa?
The duration of your stay on an Essential Skills Work visa will depend on your specific circumstances. However, most visas are granted for up to three years at a time.

7. Can I change jobs while on an Essential Skills Work visa?
If you wish to change jobs while on an Essential Skills Work visa, you will need to apply for a new work visa. Your new job must also meet the requirements for an Essential Skills Work visa.

8. Can my employer sponsor me for permanent residence in New Zealand?
Yes, if you have been working in New Zealand for at least two years on an Essential Skills Work visa and your job meets certain criteria, your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the Skilled Migrant Category.

9. Can I apply for permanent residence with an Essential Skills Work visa?
No, the Essential Skills Work visa is a temporary work visa and does not lead directly to permanent residence. However, as mentioned above, your employer may be able to sponsor you for permanent residence through the Skilled Migrant Category after you have worked in New Zealand for at least two years.

10. Are there any age restrictions for the Essential Skills Work visa?
No, there are no age restrictions for the Essential Skills Work visa. As long as you meet all other eligibility criteria, you can apply regardless of your age.

2. Who is eligible to apply for the Essential Skills Work visa?


The Essential Skills Work visa is available for individuals who have a job offer from a New Zealand employer and meet the following criteria:

– Have the skills, qualifications and experience necessary to perform the job.
– Meet any registration or licensing requirements if they are working in a regulated profession.
– Be in good health and of good character.
– Have a valid passport.

In addition, employers must also comply with their obligations as an accredited employer or provide evidence that there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available to fill the position.

3. Can I bring my family members with me on the Essential Skills Work visa?


Yes, you can bring your family members with you on the Essential Skills Work visa. Your spouse or partner and dependent children may be eligible for an open work visa to accompany you, and your children may also have access to primary or secondary education in New Zealand. They will need to apply for their own visas, but they may be granted for the same duration as your work visa.

4. Is there a limit on the duration of the Essential Skills Work visa?


Yes, there is a limit on the duration of the Essential Skills Work visa. The visa is typically valid for up to 3 years, depending on the duration of the job offer and the specific needs of the employer. In some cases, a shorter validity period may be granted. Additionally, there are also options to renew or extend the visa in certain circumstances. It is important for applicants to carefully review the terms and conditions of their specific visa and work with their employer and immigration advisor to ensure they are meeting all requirements.

5. Do I need a job offer in order to apply for this visa?


Yes, you will likely need a job offer from a Canadian employer in order to be eligible to apply for a work visa. This is because most work visa types require proof of employment in Canada as part of the application process. However, there are some exceptions, such as the International Experience Canada program, which allows certain individuals to apply for a work permit without a job offer.

6. How long does it take to process an Essential Skills Work visa application?

The processing time for an Essential Skills Work visa application can vary depending on various factors such as your country of residence, the complexity of your case and the number of applications being processed at the time. Generally, it can take between 2-6 months for a decision to be made on your application. You can check the current processing times for your specific situation on the Immigration New Zealand website.

7. What documents do I need to provide for an Essential Skills Work visa application?


The documents needed for an Essential Skills Work visa application may vary depending on the specific job offer and individual circumstances. However, some common documents that are typically required include:

1. Valid passport: You will need to provide a valid passport, which must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand.

2. Job offer/employment contract: A written job offer or employment contract from a New Zealand employer is required. This should include information such as your job title, duties, salary, start date, and length of contract.

3. Evidence of qualifications or skills: Depending on your occupation, you may need to provide evidence of your qualifications or skills relevant to the job offer. This could include diplomas, degrees, professional certifications, or references from previous employers.

4. Proof of English language ability: Unless you are exempt, you will need to meet certain English language requirements to be eligible for an Essential Skills Work visa. This can be demonstrated through English language test results or by providing evidence that you have completed a qualification taught in English.

5. Medical and police certificates: In some cases, you may be required to undergo medical and/or police checks as part of your visa application process.

6. Evidence of funds: You will need to show that you have enough funds available to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand. The exact amount required may vary based on the length of your stay and whether you have dependents accompanying you.

7. Any other supporting documents: Depending on your individual circumstances and the requirements of Immigration New Zealand (INZ), additional documents may be requested to support your application. These could include proof of current employment status (such as payslips), a CV/resume, a cover letter explaining your reasons for wanting to come to New Zealand for work, and evidence of ties to your home country.

It is important to note that all documents must be in either English or accompanied by a certified translation. It is recommended to check the specific requirements for your country and occupation when preparing your application.

8. Will I be required to undergo a medical examination for this visa?


It is not usually required for the standard Visitor (subclass 600) visa, but a medical examination may be required depending on your individual circumstances. If you have any pre-existing health conditions, it is recommended to consult with a migration agent or contact the Australian Department of Home Affairs to determine if a medical examination is necessary for your specific situation.

9. Is there an age limit for the Essential Skills Work visa?


There is no specific age limit for the Essential Skills Work visa. However, the New Zealand immigration authority may take an individual’s age into consideration when assessing their application.

10. Can I change employers while on an Essential Skills Work visa?


Yes, you can change employers while on an Essential Skills Work visa. However, you must first inform Immigration New Zealand (INZ) of the change and provide them with the relevant details of your new employment. You may also need to apply for a variation of conditions on your work visa. It is important to ensure that your new job still meets the requirements for your visa, such as salary and occupation, and that your visa remains valid for the duration of your new employment.

11. Can I extend my stay on the Essential Skills Work visa?


Yes, you can apply to extend your stay on the Essential Skills Work visa. To be eligible for an extension, you must still have an offer of skilled employment from a New Zealand employer, and your employer must provide evidence that no suitable New Zealand citizens or residents are available to fill the position. You must also meet any other necessary requirements at the time of application. The length of your visa extension will depend on the duration of your employment contract with your employer and other factors.

12. How much does it cost to apply for an Essential Skills Work visa?


The cost of applying for an Essential Skills Work visa can vary depending on your individual circumstances, such as the length of stay, whether you are applying from inside or outside of New Zealand, and any additional services you may require. Generally, the application fee ranges from NZ$495 to NZ$805. You may also need to pay a Immigration Levy fee of NZ$55 per person and a biosecurity levy of NZ$20.

13. What if my job in New Zealand is no longer available or I lose my job while on this visa?


If your job is no longer available or you lose your job while on this visa, you must inform Immigration New Zealand immediately. Depending on the circumstances, you may be given a grace period to find new employment or you may need to leave New Zealand. If you are unable to find new employment and do not have sufficient funds to support yourself, you may be able to apply for a different visa or an extension of your current work visa.

14. Can I bring my family with me on this visa?

Yes, depending on the type of work visa you have, you may be able to bring your partner and/or dependent children with you to New Zealand. They can apply for a dependent visa based on your work visa. However, they will need to meet certain requirements such as having medical and character checks, having sufficient funds to support themselves, and satisfying health and character requirements.

15. Can I study while on this visa?

It depends on the conditions of your specific work visa. Some visas allow for limited study while others do not allow any kind of study. You should check the conditions of your specific work visa or consult with an immigration advisor if you are unsure.

16. Can I travel outside New Zealand while on this visa?

Yes, you can travel outside New Zealand while on this visa as long as it is still valid and has multiple entry conditions. However, if the purpose of your trip is for work-related reasons, it is best to check with Immigration New Zealand beforehand.

17. Can I become a permanent resident through this work visa?

Some work visas provide a pathway towards obtaining permanent residence in New Zealand. This depends on factors such as the duration of your stay in New Zealand, meeting certain requirements (such as skilled employment), and being nominated for residence by a New Zealand employer.

18. How long does it take to process a work visa application?

The processing time for a work visa application varies depending on the type of visa, the country you are applying from, and the completeness of your application. It is best to check with Immigration New Zealand for current processing times.

19. Is there an age limit for obtaining a work visa in New Zealand?

There is no specific age limit for obtaining a work visa in New Zealand. However, some visas may have upper age limits and there may also be age restrictions for certain occupations or industries. It is best to check the specific requirements for the visa you are applying for.

20. Can I apply for permanent residence directly without first obtaining a work visa?

In general, it is not possible to apply for permanent residence directly without first obtaining a work visa in New Zealand. You will need to meet certain requirements and hold a valid work visa before being eligible to apply for permanent residence.

14. Are there any restrictions on working multiple jobs with this visa?


There are no specific restrictions on working multiple jobs with this visa. However, the terms of your employment must comply with Australian laws and any conditions that may be attached to your visa, such as the maximum number of work hours allowed per week. Additionally, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs if there are any changes to your employment situation.

15. What are the English language requirements for the Essential Skills Work Visa?


To apply for an Essential Skills Work Visa, the applicant must demonstrate a sufficient level of English language proficiency by providing evidence of one of the following:

1. Minimum overall score of 5.0 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) academic test, taken within the last two years.
2. Minimum overall score of B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) test, taken within the last two years.
3. Employment in a job that requires exceptional skills and/or qualifications, as approved by Immigration New Zealand.
4. Completion of a recognized qualification taught in English at Level 5 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
5. Completion of an Australian qualification equivalent to a New Zealand Level 7 Bachelor’s degree or above, which was taught in English.
6. A current full-time teaching position at a primary or secondary school in New Zealand.
7. Citizenship or permanent residence status in Australia, Canada, Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom or United States.

Applicants may also be exempt from providing evidence if their employer is accredited by Immigration New Zealand or if they have already been living and working in New Zealand for at least five years with appropriate visas based on skilled employment.

16. Can I apply for permanent residency through the Essential Skills Work Visa?

No, the Essential Skills Work Visa is a temporary visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for a specific employer and job. It does not lead to permanent residency. To apply for permanent residency, you can look into other visa options such as the Skilled Migrant Category or Family Category visas.

17. Is there an age limit for applying for an Essential Skills Work Visa?
No, there is no age limit for applying for an Essential Skills Work Visa. However, keep in mind that with the Skilled Migrant Category visa – which may lead to permanent residency – points are awarded based on age, with younger applicants getting more points.

17. Am I allowed to study while working on an Essential Skills Work Visa?


Yes, you are allowed to study while working on an Essential Skills Work Visa in New Zealand. However, your studies must not interfere with your job commitments and you should still meet the requirements and conditions of your visa, such as working for the same employer and in the same job that your visa was granted for.

18. Will I be entitled to any government benefits or healthcare coverage with this visa?

It depends on the country you are applying for a visa in and their specific regulations. Some countries may offer benefits or healthcare coverage to individuals on work visas, while others may not. It is important to research the specific policies of the country you are applying for a visa in before submitting your application.

19.Can my employer help with my work and residence application as an essential skills worker?

Yes, your employer may be able to help with your work and residence application as an essential skills worker. They may provide you with a job offer or assist you in obtaining the necessary documents and sponsorship for the visa. It is important to discuss this with your employer beforehand in order to ensure they are willing and able to support your application. Additionally, they may also be required to complete certain forms and provide information about the company to support your application.

20.What happens if my employer doesn’t fulfill their obligations under the employment contract while I’m on an essential skills work visa?

If your employer fails to fulfill their obligations under the employment contract while you are on an essential skills work visa, you should first try to discuss the issue with them directly and reach a resolution. If this is not possible or if the issue remains unresolved, you may be able to lodge a complaint with Immigration New Zealand. It is important to keep detailed records of any communication with your employer and any evidence of their failure to fulfill their obligations as this can help in resolving the matter. In serious cases, such as exploitation or breach of immigration laws, you may also need to seek legal advice and report the issue to relevant authorities.