Application, Requirement & Eligibility of the New Zealand Specific Purpose 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 skilled migrant workers who are keen to experience the stunning beauty, laid-back nature, and great work opportunities in New Zealand. Not all migrant workers intend to stay in New Zealand permanently, however. Each year, many foreign workers travel to New Zealand for a specific purpose or work-related event. On this page, we will explain the purpose of the Specific Purpose Work Visa, who is eligible, and how to apply.

What Is The NZ Specific Purpose Work Visa?

The New Zealand Specific Purpose work visa is intended for foreign workers who need to travel to the country for a specific purpose or event. In practice, this visa type is used to allow:

Overseas workers to go on a short-term secondment to NZ
Employees to be transferred within a multi-national organisation for a temporary period
Sportspeople, including players and coaches to spend time in NZ
Specialist technicians to install new machinery (e.g. lifts, factory machinery, farming machinery)
Specialists to deliver services in NZ

In order to make a successful application, candidates must show they possess the necessary skills and experience required for the specific assignment in New Zealand. The length of stay on a Specific Purpose work visas depends on the reason for travelling to NZ (see below for more details on this), however, visas may be issued from anywhere between three months and three years.

Am I eligible for the NZ Specific Purpose Work Visa?

There are a number of eligibility rules which must be met in order to acquire an NZ Specific Purpose Work Visa; specifically, applicants must:

Be travelling to NZ for a specific purpose or event; this must fit into one of the following types:
- Short-term secondments
- Business people being transferred within a multi-national organisation
- Investigating investment opportunities
- Applying for an Entrepreneur Residence Visa
- Referees or judges
- Dance or music examiners
- Installers or servicers of specialised machinery or equipment supplied by an overseas company
- Sports players and professional sports coaches
- People working in the entertainment industry
- Philippines nurses seeking occupational registration
Have the qualifications and/or experience required to fulfil the role offered
If the specific purpose or event requires a job offer, an ‘Employer Supplementary Form’ must be completed by the employer.
Be of good health and character
Genuinely intend to meet the conditions of the visa
Have made plans for onwards travel before the visa expires
Have sufficient funds for maintenance and accommodation while in NZ.

The specific eligibility criteria differ depending on the reason for travelling to New Zealand. For example, for an installer (e.g. of farm machinery or IT equipment) to acquire a visa, it must be shown that installation was a condition of the purchase of the machinery or equipment. In most cases, a valid offer of employment will be required, including for secondments and intra-company transfers. For those wishing to look into investment opportunities in NZ, they will need approval in principal for an Investor 1 Resident Visa, Investor 2 Resident Visa, or a Parent Retirement Resident Visa.

How do I apply for NZ Specific Purpose Work Visa?

The application process for the NZ Essential Skilled Work visa is completed on the Immigration New Zealand website. The application process is as follows:

Step 1

Gather The Necessary Documents

In some cases, before you can apply, you will need to request an ‘Employer Supplementary Form’ completed by your employer. You will also need to gather evidence of:

Your identity (i.e. your passport)
Your health (you may need to have a chest x-ray and a health examination
Your good character (you may need to provide a police report for countries in which you have lived)
The reason you need to stay in NZ (i.e. details on the specific purpose or event)
Your qualifications and experience – this may include:
- employment records or references
- recognised international dance or music teaching qualifications
- Philippines nurse qualifications
- documents that show you have international merit or distinction
- any other relevant qualifications
Onwards travel – this may take the form of:
- a travel ticket out of New Zealand, or proof you have enough money to buy one
- a letter from your New Zealand employer guaranteeing they’ll cover the cost of your return home if you’re unable to.
Sufficient funds for living and accommodation in NZ – this may take the form of:
- Bank statements
- Evidence of wages, salary or other payment that will be sufficient to support you while you are in New Zealand
- A guarantee of maintenance and accommodation by your employer
- Sponsorship by a relative or friend in New Zealand.

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

How much does it cost to apply for an NZ Specific Purpose Work visa?

The current application fee for an NZ Specific Purpose Work visa is NZD$530; this is not refunded if the application is refused. A passport handling fee and courier fee may also be payable.