What is the New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa?

The New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa is intended for skilled workers who have secured a job offer from a New Zealand employer for a role listed as essential or most required by the workforce of NZ. This visa allows individuals to live and work in New Zealand for a limited time, which usually depends on the duration of the job offer. The main purpose of this visa is to address the shortage of skilled workers in the labour market of New Zealand and to bring in talented workers from all over the world.

This visa provides the opportunity to actively contribute to the economy of New Zealand and get valuable work experience. You can be a skilled worker in any field including a healthcare professional, engineer, tradesperson or in any other area of expertise.

Key Features of the New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa

The Essential Skills work visa NZ has several features that make it the best option for skilled workers:

  1. This visa allows the applicant to live and work in New Zealand, giving them temporary work rights. With this visa, individuals can work work or up to 3 years and can extend their visa if certain requirements are met.
  2. Individuals with this visa are allocated work in skilled occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand.
  3. The applicant can bring in dependents which include children, spouse or partner. This allows family reunification in New Zealand while you work.
  4. The Essential Skills Work Visa eventually leads to permanent residence through the Essential Skills Work Visa. This provides the opportunity to settle in New Zealand for a long time.

Skills Levels of New Zealand Work Visa

The New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa has various skill levels, each having specific criteria.

  1. Level 1 for highly skilled occupations such as doctors, engineers and senior management roles. This level provides longer visa durations
  2. Level 2 for skilled occupations such as chefs, project managers and electricians. These require a formal qualification or training and this visa lasts for up to 3 years.
  3. Level 3 is for semi-skilled occupations which do not require a formal qualification or training. Occupations at this level include machine operators, construction workers and agricultural workers.
  4. Lower-skilled occupations are specifically designed for occupations that may qualify for a visa if they are required by the labour market of New Zealand.

Eligibility Requirements for the Essential Skills Work Visa NZ

The applicant has to meet certain eligibility requirements to qualify for the New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa. Some of the requirements are:

Job Offer from a New Zealand Employer

The applicant should have a genuine and full-time employment offer from a registered employer in New Zealand. The acquired job offer should match the skill levels set by the employer in New Zealand.

Labor Market Test

In most cases, the employer should prove that they are falling short of filling the position by citizens or residents of New Zealand and they need to hire an individual from a foreign country. This will make sure that only suitable employees from foreign countries are hired.

Skill and Qualification Requirements

The role applied for should meet the necessary skill levels and have the required educational qualifications to fulfil the position. A qualification assessment should also be made to verify that the credentials meet the standards set by New Zealand.

Health and Character Requirements

As part of the application process, the applicant has to undergo a medical examination to prove they are medically fit. They should also take up police verification tests to demonstrate there are no criminal records on them.

English Language Proficiency

The applicant has to prove their proficiency in the English language if applying for a role which involves fluent communication with clients or the public. It will be an added advantage if the applicant has taken exams to prove this proficiency.

Application Process for the New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa

The application process for the New Zealand Essential Skills Work Visa is simple but requires keen attention to detail. The steps in applying for the NZ essential skills visa are as follows:

  • The applicant has to make sure that they have a valid and permanent job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand. This job offer should match the required skills of NZ.
  • Collect all the documents required. This will include proof of education, work experience, details regarding the job offer, character and health certificates and many other documents that support your application.
  • Once all the details are filled and documents are gathered, the application can be submitted online or at the embassy. This depends on the specific cases of the individuals.
  • After applying, it will be processed by the immigration authorities. The applicant will receive a notification regarding the result of the visa. The processing time can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the application.
  • If the application is successful, you will be given a visa with which you can live and work in NZ. This is for the specific period of the job contract.

How the Essential Skills Work Visa Leads to Residence

For many skilled workers who are looking to get permanent residency, the New Zealand essential skills work visa is an important step. An individual can be eligible for a residence visa if they live and work in New Zealand for a specific period. The Essential Skills work visa to residence NZ programs helps the skilled worker to obtain their PR.

Essential skills visa holders can make a pathway to permanent residence by getting experience in a skilled role. This will show their dedication to positively contributing to the economy of New Zealand. In some cases, the chances of getting a PR increase if the applicant extends their stay in New Zealand.

Why Choose New Zealand?

New Zealand has stunning natural landscapes, a high quality of life and a culture which is diverse and welcoming. Being one of the popular destinations for skilled workers, New Zealand offers a wide range of benefits which makes it an attractive destination to live and work in. Some of the benefits include:

  1. New Zealand provides a competitive salary for skilled workers in the fields of engineering, IT, healthcare and trades.
  2. As New Zealand follows a balanced and relaxed lifestyle, it provides various opportunities to enjoy activities and explore beautiful landscapes. This provides a work-life balance.
  3. The economy of New Zealand keeps growing and there is a high demand for skilled workers in major industries. This makes sure there is an opportunity for skilled workers from all over the world.
  4. New Zealand provides an opportunity to apply for Permanent residency if the applicant has the right experience and qualifications. Applicants can have an amazing life in New Zealand thereafter.