Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship in 2025
New Zealand, known for its stunning landscapes and excellent quality of life, is also a growing hub for skilled and unskilled international workers. The country is facing a labor shortage in several key sectors and actively welcomes foreign workers through structured visa sponsorship programs.
In 2025, New Zealand continues to invite qualified professionals, tradespeople, healthcare workers, hospitality staff, and farm workers to apply for jobs with visa sponsorship.
Whether you are a seasoned professional or someone seeking entry-level employment, this post will walk you through:
- Types of jobs available
- How to find employers offering sponsorship
- Work visa options
- Application steps
- Salary expectations
- Required qualifications
- Benefits of working in New Zealand
🔑 Quick Overview: Jobs with Visa Sponsorship in New Zealand
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Country | New Zealand |
| Visa Sponsorship Jobs | Yes (Skilled & Unskilled Workers) |
| Visa Type | Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) |
| Duration | 3 years (renewable) |
| Eligible Applicants | All non-NZ citizens/residents |
| Common Job Sectors | Healthcare, IT, Construction, Farming, Hospitality |
| Salary Range | NZD 48,000–120,000+ per year |
💼 High-Demand Jobs in New Zealand in 2025
According to Immigration New Zealand, these sectors are experiencing skill shortages and are open to foreign workers with sponsorship:
👨⚕️ 1. Healthcare & Aged Care
- Registered Nurses
- Caregivers
- Medical Technicians
- Doctors
Average Salary: NZD 60,000–100,000/year
🏗️ 2. Construction & Infrastructure
- Civil Engineers
- Electricians
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Heavy Vehicle Drivers
Average Salary: NZD 55,000–85,000/year
👩💻 3. Information Technology (IT)
- Software Developers
- Network Engineers
- Cybersecurity Experts
- Data Analysts
Average Salary: NZD 70,000–130,000/year
🌾 4. Agriculture & Farming
- Dairy Farm Workers
- Fruit Pickers
- Livestock Farm Assistants
Average Salary: NZD 48,000–60,000/year
🍽️ 5. Hospitality & Tourism
- Chefs & Cooks
- Waitstaff
- Hotel Cleaners
- Kitchen Hands
Average Salary: NZD 45,000–58,000/year
🧼 6. Cleaning & Maintenance
- Housekeepers
- Industrial Cleaners
- Janitors
Average Salary: NZD 44,000–55,000/year
✅ Visa Options for Sponsored Workers
The most common pathway for overseas workers to legally work in New Zealand is through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
🛂 Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Key Features:
- Allows skilled/unskilled workers to work for an accredited NZ employer
- Valid for up to 3 years
- Renewable or can lead to residency pathway
- Must have a job offer from an accredited employer
Eligibility Requirements:
- Job offer from an approved NZ employer
- Job listed on Green List or meets skill shortage demand
- Minimum salary: NZD 29.66/hour (as of 2025)
- English proficiency (varies by job)
- Health and character requirements
📋 How to Find Visa Sponsorship Jobs in New Zealand
🔍 1. Use Official NZ Job Boards
✅ 2. Check Accredited Employer List
You can find the list of employers licensed to sponsor foreign workers at:
Accredited Employer List – INZ
📝 3. Apply Directly to Companies
Many companies list job openings on their own websites and indicate if they offer visa sponsorship.
🧾 Required Documents for Job Application
- Updated CV in New Zealand format
- Cover Letter tailored to the job
- Academic Certificates
- Work Experience Letters
- English Language Test (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE – if required)
- Valid Passport
💷 Salary Range for Foreign Workers in New Zealand
| Job Type | Salary (Annual, NZD) |
|---|---|
| Software Developer | NZD 80,000 – 120,000 |
| Registered Nurse | NZD 60,000 – 95,000 |
| Dairy Farm Worker | NZD 48,000 – 60,000 |
| Carpenter | NZD 55,000 – 80,000 |
| Waiter/Kitchen Assistant | NZD 44,000 – 50,000 |
| Fruit Picker | NZD 48,000 – 52,000 |
📌 Step-by-Step Application Process
Step 1: Search and Apply for Jobs
- Apply only to accredited employers
- Use a New Zealand-style CV and personalize your cover letter
Step 2: Secure a Job Offer
- Interview with employers (usually via Zoom or Teams)
- Receive written offer of employment
Step 3: Employer Job Check
- Employer applies for a Job Check approval from Immigration NZ
- Confirms that the job can’t be filled by locals
Step 4: Apply for AEWV Visa
- Submit AEWV application online
- Attach all required documents
- Pay visa application fee
Step 5: Wait for Decision
- Processing time: 4–6 weeks
- You will receive a visa grant letter if successful
🛡️ Benefits of Working in New Zealand
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| High Standard of Living | Clean, green environment, modern amenities |
| Competitive Salary | Good pay and work-life balance |
| Residency Pathways | Some jobs can lead to Permanent Residency (PR) |
| Healthcare | Access to public healthcare (long-term workers) |
| Family Sponsorship | Bring spouse and children (conditions apply) |
| Diverse & Multicultural | Inclusive, safe society |
| Travel Opportunities | Easy access to Australia and Asia |
🧑🎓 Special Pathways for Recent Graduates
Post-Study Work Visa
If you’ve completed a qualification from a New Zealand institution, you may be eligible for a Post-Study Work Visa that allows you to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years.
You can then transition to the AEWV or residency.
🏠 Can You Bring Your Family?
Yes. If you are granted an AEWV, your spouse and dependent children can apply for:
- Partner Work Visa (for your spouse)
- Student Visas or Visitor Visas (for your children)
📅 2025 Key Dates and Deadlines
| Process | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Job Applications | Ongoing |
| Employer Job Check | Within 10 working days |
| AEWV Visa Application | 4–6 weeks |
| Green List Update | Quarterly |
| Residency Applications | Opens depending on eligibility |
🔐 Residency Pathways from Work Visa
After 2–3 years of continuous work, you may qualify for:
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Green List Residency Pathway
- Care Workforce or Transport Sector Resident Visas
These offer permanent residency rights including:
- Live indefinitely in NZ
- Public healthcare
- Access to student loans
- Path to citizenship
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying to non-accredited employers
- Not tailoring your CV to NZ standards
- Missing salary threshold
- Inaccurate or incomplete visa documents
- Failing to meet health or character requirements
🧰 Useful Resources
- Immigration NZ: www.immigration.govt.nz
- NZ Job Portal: www.seek.co.nz
- Visa NZ Processing Fees: Visa Fee Guide
📢 Final Thoughts
Working in New Zealand in 2025 is a life-changing opportunity for many skilled and unskilled international workers. With a transparent immigration process, growing job demand, and supportive work environments, it’s one of the most immigrant-friendly countries in the world.
Start by finding a job with an accredited employer, gather your documents, and apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa. With the right preparation, you could be starting your new life in New Zealand within a few months.
