Applications and Timing

Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) 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 sponsorship containing:
  • Details of your record of excellence and how that will benefit New Zealand in your field
  • Evidence of that sponsor’s own national repute
• A completed Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Sponsorship Form (PDF, 224 KB)
• Proof of your international reputation and current activity in your field of art, sport or culture
• 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 of 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, ask your nearest New Zealand consulate  or you can use Immigration New Zealand’s online fees finder.   To use the online tool, the Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) work to residence visa is a ‘work visa or permit – talent’.

(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 to four weeks whether your application has been approved.  Although, timings 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 nearest you.
Or if you’re already in New Zealand send you application and documents to your nearest Immigration New Zealand office.