Essential Skills Visa

This visa permits you to work for an employer who has given you a full-time position in New Zealand. Study for up to three months in any 12-month period, or complete any coursework required by your employer. Depending on the salary of the position you’re offered, you can stay for up to three years. Changes were made to visas for Essential Skills in order to expedite the application process and lengthen visa duration.

This visa is no longer available and was replaced by the Accredited Employer Work Visa on July 4, 2022. Before offering you the position, your employer may first attempt to hire any suitable New Zealanders who are available to do the work. Your spouse or any dependent children may be eligible to apply for visas independently, depending on your connection with them.