Applications and Timing

Long Term Skill Shortage Work to Residence Visa Applications

To be granted any work visa, you have to apply.  It is recommended that you
present your application along with all the necessary supporting documents to your nearest Immigration New Zealand office, NZ Embassy or NZ High Commission (or if you are in New Zealand, at an Immigration New Zealand branch).  If you can do it in person, you can quickly find out what additional information, if any, is required.

FAQs

In addition to my completed application, what else will you need from me? 

Several things:

• A passport valid for at least three months after your intended departure from New Zealand

• 1 passport-sized photo less than 6 months old

• A letter of employment containing:
  • Employment terms, including your job is for 24 months minimum, it is full-time, and your occupation is on the LTSSL
  • A detailed job description and ideal person specification
• Evidence you meet the LTSSL requirements, such as your qualifications and work experience
• If needed, evidence of your full or provisional registration for those occupations requiring registration in New Zealand
• Medicals and x-rays completed within 3 months of submission
• Police certificates from your country of citizenship as well as from any country in which you have lived 5 years or more since 17 completed within 6 months of submission
• Payment

How much will this application cost?

Application fees depend on where you lodge your application, and differs by country, and by your citizenship. To find out more use Immigration New Zealand’s online fees finder.   To use the online tool, the LTSSL work to residence visa is a “Work Visa – Long Term Skill Shortages List” and/or “Work Permit Other”.

(Note: A permit allows you to work in New Zealand, and a visa allows you to leave and re-enter the country whenver you like.  Therefore, if you plan on travelling while working in New Zealand, you will need to apply and pay for both the work permit and the work visa.)

How long will it take to be approved for this visa?

Providing you have all your paperwork in order, you should know within two weeks whether your application has been approved.  Although, timings will be depend on which branch is processing your application.  Click here to check out processing times.

Where should I submit my application?

To your nearest Immigration New Zealand office, New Zealand Embassy, or New Zealand High Commission, click here to find one near you.   Or if you’re already in New Zealand send you application and documents to your nearest Immigration New Zealand office.