New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa 2025

The New Zealand Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa allows foreign professionals to enter the country temporarily for a defined job, project, or event. This visa is ideal for specialists, technicians, consultants, and workers invited for short-term assignments.

What is the New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa?

The Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa is designed for people who want to work in New Zealand for a clearly defined purpose or event rather than general employment. It allows entry for short-term or time-limited roles such as installing equipment, attending business meetings, performing contract work, or participating in sports or cultural events.

Note: This visa is not for permanent employment; it’s strictly for tasks with a fixed duration. Once your job or project ends, you are expected to leave New Zealand unless you apply for another visa.

Who Can Apply in 2025?

You can apply for this visa if:

• You are coming to New Zealand for a specific project or event (e.g., film production, machinery installation, sports competition, business transfer).
• You have skills or experience directly related to the purpose of your visit.
• You meet New Zealand’s health and character requirements.
• You can prove that your stay will be temporary and that you will leave once your work is complete.

Examples of eligible applicants include:

• Engineers or technicians installing specialized equipment.
• Artists, athletes, or performers participating in events.
• Professionals on short business assignments.
• Researchers or consultants invited by local institutions.

Visa Duration and Validity

The visa is granted only for the time required to complete the specific task.

• Most visas are valid for up to 12 months.
• In some cases (e.g., business executives or specialists on secondment), extensions up to 24 months may be approved.
• Once the purpose or event ends, you must leave New Zealand unless another visa is granted.

Requirements for 2025

To qualify for the New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa, you must provide:

1. Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended stay.
2. Letter of Invitation or Job Offer – From your New Zealand employer or organization detailing your role, duration, and reason for visit.
3. Proof of Experience or Qualification – Demonstrate your skills or previous experience in the same field.
4. Financial Proof – Show that you have enough funds to support yourself during your stay.
5. Return Ticket or Travel Funds – Evidence you can leave New Zealand after your assignment.
6. Medical and Police Certificates – Required for longer stays or applicants from certain countries.
7. Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) – If your employer is based in New Zealand.

Cost and Processing Time

• Visa Fee: Starts from NZD $1,455 (approx. USD $850).
• Processing Time: Around 3 to 4 weeks for most applications.
  Processing time may vary depending on your country of residence and the complexity of your case.

How to Apply Online for the Specific Purpose Work Visa

Follow these steps for a smooth online application process:

Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure your purpose fits within the visa’s scope — it must be specific, time-limited, and essential.

Step 2: Prepare Documents
Gather your passport, job offer or invitation letter, proof of qualifications, financial evidence, police clearance, and medical certificates if needed.

Step 3: Create an Immigration NZ Account
Go to the official Immigration New Zealand website and create an online account to start your application.

Step 4: Complete the Online Form
Fill in all personal and employment details carefully. Upload scanned copies of your supporting documents in PDF or JPG format.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
Pay securely online via credit or debit card. The fee varies slightly depending on your region.

Step 6: Wait for Processing
You can track your application status through your online account. Immigration NZ may contact you for additional documents or clarification.

Step 7: Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you’ll receive an eVisa by email. Print and carry it when traveling to New Zealand. You must enter within 12 months of visa issuance.

After Arrival in New Zealand

Once you arrive:

• You must work only for the employer, purpose, or event stated in your visa.
• You must comply with all visa conditions and New Zealand laws.
• You can apply for another work visa if your project or event extends, but you must do so before your current visa expires.

Latest 2025 Updates

• Immigration New Zealand updated its policy in May 2025, clarifying the definition of specific-purpose roles under business and seasonal categories.
• Processing times have improved for online submissions, and document verification is now faster through digital verification.
• Applicants must now provide more detailed evidence of their job relevance and experience to prevent misuse of short-term visas.

Final Thoughts

The New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa 2025 offers a practical way for professionals and specialists to contribute to projects or events within the country. With streamlined online application steps and faster processing, it’s easier than ever to apply — as long as you prepare the required documents carefully and ensure your purpose is clear.