NZPI® cannot provide advice to anyone with regard to
obtaining work permits or residency in New Zealand. Your age,
family status, education, experience, health, and other factors
all play a role in your ability to immigrate to New Zealand.
Having said that, however, we can offer a general overview of
the options available, but your first source of current and
accurate information must be Immigration New Zealand, a service
of the Department of Labour.
Depending on your country of origin, young professionals may
have an opportunity to obtain a Working Holiday Visa. If you
are between 18 and 30 years of age, from an eligible country,
and meet other criteria, you can obtain a Working Holiday Visa.
Citizens of countries throughout the Americas, Asia, and Europe
are eligible.
Temporary work permits are also available for a variety of
situations. Generally speaking, however, these require an offer
of employment, and most employers are reluctant to employ
individuals that do not already have authorisation to work.
Some employers, including local councils that hire planners,
are able to fast-track immigration approvals if they find a
qualified candidate from abroad. If you are able to obtain a
temporary work permit, however, you may later be able to apply
for a residence visa.
If you want the broadest range of opportunities, a permanent
residence visa may be your best option. The process can be
difficult and lengthy, but with a permanent resident visa, you
will be able to seek employment from most potential employers
without restrictions. You can employ an immigration consultant
to help you with the process, but a meticulous individual can
complete immigration forms without assistance.
If you have obtained authorisation to work, your next step will
most likely be to seek employment. Needless to say, Australian
citizens have free access to New Zealand’s employment
opportunities with no work authorisations or visas
required.
