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Visas and Immigration

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) manages all applications for visas.

If you hold a job offer from UC, you will need to consider you immigration options, whether a temporary (work visas), permanent (residence visas), or both. NB: Citizenship or residence is required to purchase property here.

Since UC is an Accredited Employer with Immigration New Zealand, we may be able to invite you =to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) (a temporary work visa which can be issued for up to 3 years). Before inviting you to apply, UC first needs to request a Job Check from INZ, which can take up to three weeks. INZ states that, on average, it processes AEWV applications in 17 weekdays and that 90% of applications are processed within 51 weekdays. For up to date processing times, refer to How long it takes to process your application. To be eligible for any visa, you must meet health, character and identity requirements, among others. Check the criteria at INZ for an idea on your eligibility.

Residence applications generally involve longer processing times than temporary work visas and can require more preparation and documentation. Residence visa processing times are subject to change and updates can be found here: Visa processing times. Please refer to Immigration New Zealand for New Zealand all Residence visa options.

Support from UC

UC will do what it can support you with your visa application, however by law we are unable to give you independent immigration advice. If you require immigration advice or assistance, you may choose to engage a licensed Immigration Adviser, immigration lawyer at your own cost, or contact Immigration New Zealand

Meeting immigration requirements can take time, so we suggest that you visit the INZ website as soon as possible to identify the relevant pathway and prepare to submit an online application.

As there may be restrictions on your ability to purchase property in New Zealand, depending on your visa and circumstances, if it is your intention to do so, we recommend you first seek advice from a licensed Immigration Adviser or a New Zealand Lawyer to find out whether you will be able to do so as a non-New Zealand resident or non-New Zealand citizen. 

Accompanying Partners and family

Candidates with accompanying family members may refer to the INZ information on Bringing family if you have a work visa.

Partners who wish to work in New Zealand will require an appropriate work visa. From 31 May 2023, Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders who apply for a new work visa will, if approved, have the following conditions placed on their visa:

• They must work for an accredited employer and be paid at least the median wage.
• If they work in a role covered by an un-capped sector agreement, they can be paid less than the median wage but must be paid the wage threshold for their role.

Exceptions will apply for partners of:

• migrants who are paid at least twice the median wage, or
• migrants who are working in a role on the Green List.

Please find more information on both work and residence visas on the Immigration New Zealand website.