New Zealand work visa
Specific Purpose Work Visa New Zealand Guide
For people coming to New Zealand temporarily to complete an approved specific purpose or event.
Who can apply?What purposes qualify?How long can I stay?What work can I do?What evidence is required?
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Length of stayAs needed to complete work
CostNZD $1455
Processing time3 weeks
View official Immigration New Zealand pageDownload Specific Purpose Work Visa PDF checklistBrowse all NZ visasNZ immigration news
Latest Specific Purpose Work Visa checklist: The PDF is generated from the latest Immigration New Zealand source snapshot used by this guide and includes Webfit News branding, source details and the general-information disclaimer. Download a fresh copy whenever you need one.
Specific Purpose Work Visa requirements: who can apply?
- be coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event that meets our requirements
- meet the requirements for the specific purpose or event
- have relevant qualifications and experience, if required
- have enough money to pay your living expenses, if required
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
- do work for a specific purpose or event as specified on your visa.
What the Specific Purpose Work Visa lets you do
- do work for a specific purpose or event as specified on your visa.
Specific Purpose Work Visa documents and evidence
- ’ section for the list of other documents you need to apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa.
- Once you get your visa You can stay for the length of your contract, up to 12 months.
- If you currently hold a Specific Purpose Work Visa to be a contractual services supplier, you cannot apply for another one to provide the same service to the same New Zealand business.
- You can apply for another Specific Purpose Work Visa to supply the same service to a different New Zealand business or entity.
- Independent professionals You can apply if you are coming to New Zealand as an independent professional.
- You must be coming to work in a job that is skill level 1 to 3 on the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
- Find your job’s skill level To apply, you must: be self-employed have a qualification that is equivalent to at least a New Zealand level 4 qualification meet the English language requirements, if your job is ANZSCO skill level 3 have at least 6 years of relevant work experience.
- When you apply, your specific purpose will be ‘Other’.
- Qualifications If you did not gain your qualification in New Zealand, you must have an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from the New Zealand Qualification Authority (NZQA) unless it is on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
- English language requirements If your role is ANZSCO skill level 3, you must show you can speak and understand English.
Specific Purpose Work Visa FAQ
What is the Specific Purpose Work Visa?
For people coming to New Zealand temporarily to complete an approved specific purpose or event.
How long can I stay in New Zealand on the Specific Purpose Work Visa?
The latest source snapshot lists As needed to complete work. Check the official Immigration New Zealand page because visa conditions can change.
How much does the Specific Purpose Work Visa cost?
The latest source snapshot lists NZD $1455. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Specific Purpose Work Visa take to process?
The latest source snapshot lists 3 weeks. Processing times are indicative and can change.
Where can I check the latest official Specific Purpose Work Visa requirements?
Use the official Immigration New Zealand source: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/specific-purpose-work-visa/. Webfit News reorganises the public information for convenience but does not replace the official source.
Other work visa guides
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Not immigration advice: This page provides general, publicly available information for convenience. It does not assess your circumstances, recommend a visa, predict an outcome, or tell you how to answer an application. Requirements can vary by applicant and can change. Before making an immigration decision or submitting an application, check the current official Immigration New Zealand requirements. If you need advice about your personal circumstances, use an appropriately licensed or exempt immigration adviser.