New Zealand Work Visa from India
The main work visa for New Zealand is the Accredited Employer Work Visa. You need a job offer from an employer that Immigration New Zealand has accredited, and the employer must first show it could not find a suitable New Zealander. The visa can last up to five years for skilled roles and is the starting point for almost every residence pathway.
The three steps
Employer accreditation.
The employer applies to be accredited. You can ask any employer whether they hold it.
Job check.
The employer advertises the role and proves no suitable New Zealander is available. The check confirms the pay and conditions. Jobs on the Green List or paying well above the median wage have a simpler check.
Your visa application.
With a job token from the employer, you apply and show you have the skills for the job.
What you need
- A job offer of at least 30 hours a week from an accredited employer
- At least two years of relevant work experience, or a relevant qualification
- English at a basic set level if the job is at a lower skill level
- Health and character requirements
- Pay at the market rate for the role
New Zealand removed the median wage requirement for this visa in 2025. Employers must still pay the market rate, and wage levels matter later, when you apply for residence.
How long you can stay
| Job skill level | Visa length |
|---|---|
| Skill levels 1 to 3 | Up to 5 years |
| Skill levels 4 and 5 | Up to 3 years, after which you must spend time outside New Zealand before another visa |
If you reach the maximum stay without gaining residence, you must leave for a stand-down period. Plan your route to residence from the first year.
Bringing your family
Partners and dependent children can apply for visas based on your work visa. Whether your partner receives open work rights, and whether your children can attend school as domestic students, depends on your occupation’s skill level and your pay. Lower-skilled and lower-paid roles carry restrictions on bringing family.
Finding a job from India
- Check the employer is accredited. Immigration New Zealand publishes the list.
- Use Seek and Trade Me Jobs, New Zealand’s main job sites, and employer career pages.
- Target shortage sectors: health, construction and infrastructure, engineering, education, agriculture and trades.
- Get registered or assessed first if your profession is regulated.
- Write a New Zealand-style CV: two to three pages, plain, with achievements and referees.
A warning about paying for jobs
It is illegal in New Zealand for an employer or agent to charge a worker for a job. Workers from India have lost large sums to people selling job offers, and some arrived to find the job did not exist. Do not pay for an offer. Verify the employer’s accreditation and speak to the employer directly before you resign from your current job.
From work visa to residence
| Your situation | Residence route |
|---|---|
| Green List Tier 1 occupation | Straight to Residence |
| Green List Tier 2 occupation | Work to Residence after 2 years |
| Qualified tradesperson | Trades and Technician pathway after 18 months |
| Five years’ experience, two in New Zealand | Skilled Work Experience pathway |
| Degree, registration or high income | Points-based pathway |
Questions people ask us most
Can I get a New Zealand work visa without a job offer?
Not the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Recent graduates of New Zealand institutions and partners of some visa holders can get open work visas.
Is IELTS required?
For lower-skilled roles, a basic English standard applies. For residence, a higher standard applies to everyone.
How long does the visa take?
It depends on the stage and season. Check Immigration New Zealand’s published times.
Can I change employers?
Yes, by applying to vary your visa or for a new one, with a new job check where needed.
Plan the job and the residence route together
Tell us your occupation and experience. We will tell you which employers and pathways to target.