What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
Knowledge base articles
- Providing full birth certificates with applications
- I'm coming to New Zealand to participate in a sports event. What visa do I need?
- Are there any special rules for Australian citizens and residents?
- Travelling to New Zealand on business
- I am visiting New Zealand but would like to do some fruit picking - is this allowed?
- Can I come to New Zealand to volunteer or volunteer once I am in New Zealand?
- Skilled Migrant Category - removal of section 49(1) conditions
- What is an 'open work visa', and how do I get one?
- How can I report someone to the immigration authorities?
- Can I apply for a Working Holiday visa while in New Zealand?
- Do I need to submit any documents with my Expression of Interest?
- Do we have to be married to qualify under the partnership instructions?
- Who can apply for a visa using Immigration Online?
- My country is not on the list of working holiday schemes
- How do I apply online for a Working Holiday?
- What information can the Immigration Contact Centre (ICC) release to an LIA or a lawyer?
- If I get a resident visa, how long do I have to move to New Zealand?
- What can be used as evidence of residence status?
- Will I be eligible for a further student visa if I was absent from class due to illness?
- What is the visa status of a child born in New Zealand?
- Can I add my newborn child to my existing visa application?
- What can be used as evidence of work experience?
- How long will my student visa be valid for, if granted?
- I filled out my working holiday visa application a while ago, but now the form has disappeared. What should I do?
- Will I lose my New Zealand residence status if I travel abroad?
- What Fiji travel documents will Immigration New Zealand Suva Branch accept?
- How do I start an online Expression of Interest and submit it?
- I can't save details into my Expression of Interest
- Can a visa be prioritised?
- Information for visitors travelling without a visa
- I hold two passports. Which one should I travel on?
- Can I use an old application form?
- How do I obtain a New Zealand passport or citizenship?
- Can I enter New Zealand on a one-way ticket?
- How do I get a New Zealand passport?
- Information on DNA testing
- Options for Religious Workers
- I am a Tour Guide coming to New Zealand with a Tour Group
- My resident visa application is still in process but my temporary visa will expire soon.
- Can I travel to New Zealand as a visitor, and apply for residence from there?
- Can I look after a child in New Zealand who has a student visa?
An ‘open’ work visa is one that allows the holder to work for any employer in New Zealand.
These types of work visa do not require an offer of employment at the application stage, but are only available to specific applicants applying under the following categories:
- Working Holiday Visa schemes.
- Partners of New Zealand citizens, resident visa holders, or of people who hold certain types of work or student visas in New Zealand.
- New graduates, who have recently completed a qualification in New Zealand.
All options to bring or join family
Post Study Work Visa
If none of the above categories apply to you, you will need to obtain an offer of employment before applying for a work visa.