Explore visa options, eligibility criteria,
and how to apply for your visa
Auckland is calling, are you ready to make the move?
See our step-by-step guide to applying for a visa below and get started.
Step 1: Find a job and secure a job offer
Unless you are applying for a family or partner visa, you will need to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer as part of your application. Before you get started with your visa application, find your exciting new career opportunity and apply online.
Step 2: Find the right visa for you
Before submitting a visa application to live and work in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, make sure you find the right visa for your situation, from temporary work visas through to permanent residency visas. Find out more about the different types of visas below.
Eligibility for different work visas is based on factors such as whether your skills are in demand in Aotearoa New Zealand, how long you want to stay, your age, work experience, and qualifications.
If you plan to move to Auckland with family or a partner, they may be able to study, work, and live in New Zealand for the same duration as your work or business visa. They may also be eligible to seek residency.
A range of visas may allow you to invest or start a business in Auckland, including visas for innovative entrepreneurs and investors. In some instances, these may lead to permanent New Zealand residency.
There are several visas that can provide a pathway to residency, including the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. Find out whether you meet the criteria for a visa that allows you to live in New Zealand permanently.
Common work visas
The right work visa for you depends on your skills, qualifications, age, and other circumstances, including whether you have a job offer from an accredited employer. If you meet the criteria for an in-demand role on the Immigration New Zealand Green List, you may be able to get residence immediately, or after two years of working here.
Skilled Migrant
This visa is for people who have skills that will contribute to New Zealand's economic growth.
You will need to submit an Expression of Interest before applying.
Find out more >
Accredited Employer
You can apply for this temporary visa if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, the skills and qualifications for the job, and have completed the visa application form.
Find out more >
Straight to Residence
You can apply for this visa if you meet all the visa requirements, your role is listed as Tier 1 on the Immigration New Zealand Green List and if you work for an accredited employer, or you have a job offer from one.
Find out more >
Step 3: Complete and submit your application
Immigration advice for your visa application must come from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA), or other approved adviser. The Immigration New Zealand website offers tips on finding an adviser.
Check you meet the criteria for the visa you want to apply for, by thoroughly reading and comparing visa types and eligibility through Immigration New Zealand. You can also consider working with a licensed immigration adviser for expert guidance.
Make sure you’re aware of all the fees associated with your visa application so you can plan well in advance of submitting it. This helps you when you’re budgeting for your move to Auckland.
You will need a RealMe account to apply for a New Zealand visa online. RealMe is designed to protect your privacy and is a service used by many New Zealand businesses and government departments.
Do a final check to ensure all necessary documents and forms are uploaded, complete, and accurate before submitting your application. Getting it right the first time will avoid delays in processing.
What happens after your submit your application?
Immigration New Zealand will process and review your application. The average processing times vary by visa type and are only approximations, so it’s best not to book travel before your visa is approved. If approved, you will receive your visa by email, so ensure you keep an eye on the email address provided in RealMe. To check the status or make any changes, simply log into your RealMe account or contact Immigration New Zealand by phone or online.
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