Temporary (1 to 3 years) work visa opportunities

There are work visa categories in New Zealand that are called temporary – and which may be granted for 1 to 3 years:

• Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
  
  Perfect if you are under 30 and looking to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (up to 23 months if you are from the UK)
  
  If you are under 35, a work exchange progamme is another option similar to a working holiday scheme.  Check out BUNAC www.bunac.org for more information.
    
• Apply for a temporary work visa, called Essential Skills
  
  This visa is best when you have a job offer.
   
• Apply for a Silver Fern Job Search visa
  
  This visa is best for highly skilled people, aged 20-35, with a recognised qualification. This visa is valid for up to nine months and allows you to come to New Zealand to search for work. Only 300 Silver Fern Job Search visas are issued each year.
   

• Apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa
  
  Once you’ve successfully found skilled employment on the Silver Fern Job Search visa, you’ll be eligible to apply for a Silver Fern Practical Experience visa. This allows you to work in New Zealand for up to two years.

If you've studied full-time in NewZealand, you may have additional work visa options to choose from.  To learn more about student work options, click here. 

FAQs

What is a temporary work visa?

It’s a visa that allows you to work in New Zealand for a set time period – usually granted for the length of your employment contract.

Who is this visa best for?

Anyone interested in short term work options in New Zealand.  Anyone with a job offer.  Or, for the working holiday visa, anyone under 30 (or under 35 for the private work exchange programmes) looking for a work/travel option.

What do I do next?

Assess the options that each of these categories provide and decide which is best for you.