If you’re dreaming of building a new life in a peaceful, progressive, and opportunity-rich country, New Zealand might be your next big move. With labour shortages across various industries, the New Zealand government has made it easier for employers to hire international talent through work visa support. Whether you’re skilled in healthcare, IT, construction, farming, or hospitality, there are thousands of vacancies waiting for foreign professionals just like you.
In this post, you’ll discover New Zealand jobs with work visa support, top industries hiring in 2025, application steps, and where to apply right now.
Why Choose New Zealand for Work?
From stunning landscapes to a balanced lifestyle and a transparent immigration system, New Zealand offers more than just a paycheck.
Benefits of working in New Zealand:
- High quality of life and work-life balance
- Competitive wages and strong labour laws
- Safe, inclusive, and multicultural society
- Straightforward path to residency
- Family-friendly immigration policies
- Public healthcare and free schooling for eligible dependants
What Is Work Visa Support in New Zealand?
Work visa support means a New Zealand employer is willing to assist you in obtaining a legal work visa, typically under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
To hire you legally, the employer must be accredited with Immigration New Zealand and the job must pay above the median wage (NZD $29.66/hour as of 2025) or meet an exemption.
👉 Learn more: https://www.immigration.govt.nz
Top Industries Hiring Foreign Workers in New Zealand (2025)
Due to skill shortages, these industries are aggressively hiring and sponsoring foreign workers:
| Industry | Roles in Demand |
|---|---|
| Healthcare | Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Aged Care Assistants |
| Construction | Electricians, Plumbers, Carpenters, Civil Engineers |
| Information Technology | Software Developers, IT Security Experts, Network Engineers |
| Agriculture & Farming | Farm Workers, Dairy Assistants, Horticulture Labourers |
| Hospitality & Tourism | Chefs, Hotel Managers, Kitchen Assistants, Baristas |
| Logistics & Transportation | Truck Drivers, Forklift Operators, Warehouse Workers |
| Education | Early Childhood Teachers, Secondary School Teachers (Math, Science, Tech) |
Best New Zealand Employers Offering Work Visa Support
Here’s a list of well-known companies and sectors where visa sponsorship is common:
1. Oceania Healthcare
2. Silver Fern Farms
- Sector: Agriculture & Food Processing
- Roles: Butchers, meat workers, food safety officers
- Silver Fern Jobs
3. Datacom
- Sector: IT / Software Development
- Roles: Software developers, cloud engineers, data analysts
- Datacom Careers
4. Fletcher Construction
- Sector: Construction & Engineering
- Roles: Project managers, carpenters, site supervisors
- Fletcher Jobs
5. Bupa New Zealand
- Sector: Healthcare & Aged Care
- Roles: Registered nurses, caregivers, kitchen assistants
- Bupa NZ Careers
6. Accor Hotels New Zealand
- Sector: Hospitality
- Roles: Chefs, hotel managers, receptionists, F&B staff
- Accor Careers
Here are trusted platforms to find real-time job listings offering visa sponsorship:
| Job Portal | Description |
|---|---|
| New Kiwis | Job board connecting migrants to accredited NZ employers |
| WorkHere New Zealand | Specializes in jobs for overseas professionals |
| Seek NZ | Use filters for “visa sponsorship” or “overseas applicants welcome” |
| Trade Me Jobs | Lists skilled and unskilled roles, often with relocation packages |
| Immigration NZ Job Check | To verify if the employer is accredited |
How to Apply for Jobs with Work Visa Support
✅ Step 1: Update Your Resume
Use the New Zealand CV format (simple, 1–2 pages, no photos). Tailor it to each job listing.
✅ Step 2: Write a Cover Letter
Explain why you want to work in New Zealand, your relevant skills, and your willingness to relocate.
✅ Step 3: Search for Accredited Employers
Only accredited employers can support your AEWV. Use Immigration NZ’s employer list to verify.
🔎 Accredited Employer List
✅ Step 4: Apply and Attend Interviews
Most companies interview online via Zoom. Be prepared to talk about your experience and why you’re choosing New Zealand.
✅ Step 5: Receive a Job Offer and Visa Support
If successful, your employer will give you an employment contract and a Job Token, which you’ll use to apply for the AEWV.
Pathway to Permanent Residency (PR)
After working for a few years under the AEWV, you may be eligible to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List Residence Pathway.
💡 Some roles on the Green List offer direct-to-residence visas!
👉 Green List Details: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/green-list
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand is facing a skill shortage and actively hiring foreign professionals.
- Employers are offering full visa support, especially under the AEWV scheme.
- Industries like healthcare, IT, construction, and farming are most in need.
- Jobs can be found on platforms like Seek, WorkHere, and New Kiwis.
- Many of these roles offer pathways to permanent residency and even citizenship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need a job offer before applying for a New Zealand work visa?
Yes. The AEWV requires a confirmed job offer from an accredited employer.
2. Is IELTS required for a work visa?
English language proof is required for some roles and permanent residency pathways. IELTS or equivalent tests are accepted.
3. Can my family join me?
Yes. You can bring your partner and dependent children. Spouses may also work in New Zealand.
4. How long does the work visa process take?
Typically, 4 to 8 weeks from the time of application, depending on your country of residence and the job role.
5. Do all jobs offer visa sponsorship?
No. Only jobs from accredited employers and those meeting income and skill requirements can offer sponsorship.
Conclusion
There’s never been a better time to explore a new future in New Zealand. With thousands of jobs offering visa support and a streamlined process for foreign workers, the opportunity is wide open. Whether you’re a tech expert, a farmer, a nurse, or a chef, New Zealand has a place for your skills.
Apply today and take the first step toward your new life in Aotearoa.
