What is the New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

With a population of just under five million people, New Zealand is highly reliant on foreign skills and labour for its economic growth. Thankfully, there is no lack of talented foreign workers who are keen to experience the stunning beauty, laid-back nature, and great work opportunities in New Zealand. Every year, thousands of hopeful candidates apply for a visa to immigrate to New Zealand in the hope they will be granted permission to live and work in the country. On this page, we will explain the purpose of the New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, who is eligible, and how to apply

What Is The New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

The New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa is for foreign nationals who have been offered a full-time paid job from an accredited employer. Crucially, this visa also offers a route to settlement in New Zealand as those who hold the Talent visa for two years and work with their employer can apply for permanent residence. It is important to note that applications under this route will cease on 31^st October 2021 and will be replaced by the new Accredited Employer Work Visa from 1^st November 2021.

What Are The Benefits Of The New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

NZ Essential Skills Work visa holders are able to:

• Work in New Zealand for an accredited employer
• Stay for up to 30 months initially
• Apply for permanent residency after two years
• Study for up to three months in any 12 month period, or do any study required as part of their employment
• Travel in and out of New Zealand for 30 months

Unfortunately, the New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa does not automatically include dependant family members (i.e. partner or dependent children), but it will be able to apply separately for suitable visas based on their relationship to the main visa holder.

Am I Eligible For The New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

There are a number of eligibility rules which must be met in order to acquire a New Zealand Talent (Accredited Employer) Work visa, which vary depending on your country of origin; some of the requirements which may apply to you include:

• Being 55 years or under at the time of making an application
• Have a paid full-time job offer from a New Zealand employer – this offer must be:
  • From an accredited employer in NZ
  • Current, at the time of applying for a visa
  • For two years or more
  • Pay at least NZD $79,560 a year (pre-tax)
  • be for work that is the employer’s main reason for being in business
• Have the qualifications and/or experience required to fulfil the role offered
• Occupational registration may be needed
• Be of good health and character
• Genuinely intend to meet the conditions of the visa

How Do I Apply For An NZ Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

The application process for the NZ Talent (Accredited Employer) work visa is completed on the Immigration New Zealand website. The application process is as follows:

Step 1

Gather The Necessary Documents

• See the list of documents below

Step 2

Apply For A Work Visa

If applying online, you will then need to upload any documents required to support your case and pay the application fee.

Step 3

Your Application Will Be Assessed And A Decision Made

If NZIS requires any further documents or other evidence, they will let you know. Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome.

Which Documents Will I Need To Submit To Support My NZ Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa Application?

You will be advised by NZIS when you apply which documents to upload to support your case. These may include the following:

• one photo if you apply online
• passport or certificate of identity.
• If you are aged 17 or older and plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 24 months (including any time you have already spent in New Zealand), you must provide police certificates from:
  • any country you are a citizen of
  • any country you have spent more than five years in since you turned 17.
• A chest x-ray, a medical examination or both as proof of your good health.
• Evidence of your job offer in the form of an employment showing:
  • your employer’s name and contact details (it is essential that your employer is not on the list of non-compliant employers maintained by the Labour Inspectorate)
  • your name and contact details
  • your job title
  • the address for your place of work
  • the kind of work you’ll be doing and your responsibilities at work
  • details of any necessary qualifications or work experience
  • how long the work will be for
  • how long do you have to take up the job offer
  • pay and work conditions that comply with New Zealand employment law.

How Much Does It Cost To Apply For An NZ Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

The current application fee for an NZ Essential Skills work visa is NZD$635; this is not refunded if the application is refused. In addition, you may have to pay a passport fee and courier fee.

What Is The Processing Time For The NZ Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa?

At present, NZIS advises that applications are being processed within 75 days.

Reiss Edwards have the resources and expertise to assist with all aspects of New Zealand immigration. If you need assistance with your New Zealand Talent visa application or any other immigration matter, feel free to contact our Immigration Solicitor for help.