New Zealand Jobs for Immigrants – Work in New Zealand

If you’re Googling “New Zealand jobs for immigrants,” you’re probably wondering one of two things:

“Can I actually get hired in New Zealand as a foreigner?”

or

“What jobs are even available for immigrants like me?”

And both are great questions — because the answer is:

Yes, you can work in New Zealand as an immigrant

…but only if you know where to look, what skills are in demand, and what visas let you stay.

This guide breaks it all down:

• The 10 most in-demand jobs for immigrants in New Zealand
• What qualifications or experience you’ll need
• Which jobs offer realistic visa pathways (not just “click here and dream”)
• How to apply without falling for scams
• What salaries, work conditions, and immigration rules look like in 2025+

By the end, you’ll know what roles are hiring — and what steps to take right now to land a job that could change your life.

Let’s dive in.

Working in New Zealand as an Immigrant: What You Need to Know First

Before we talk about jobs for immigrants in New Zealand, let’s get one thing straight:

You don’t just apply for a job and hop on a plane.

You apply for a job that leads to a visa — or you won’t get in.

And that means you need to understand how the New Zealand work visa system works. So here’s a breakdown in plain English.

Types of Work Visas for Immigrants in New Zealand

To legally work in New Zealand as a foreigner, you’ll usually need one of these:

1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

This is the most common path for immigrants.

To qualify, you need:

• A job offer from a New Zealand-accredited employer
• The right skills or qualifications for that job
• To meet English language + health requirements

💡 Bonus: Many jobs on this list qualify for fast-track residency if they appear on the Green List (skill shortage list).

2. Skilled Migrant Category Visa (SMC)

Points-based visa for skilled professionals with:

• A job offer
• Recognized qualifications
• Relevant work experience
• High English proficiency

You can apply for permanent residency through this route.

3. Family or Partner-Based Work Visas

If your spouse or partner works or studies in NZ, you may be eligible for an open work visa.

4. Post-Study Work Visa (for recent graduates)

If you’ve studied in New Zealand and completed an eligible program, you may qualify to stay and work without a job offer upfront.

Key Requirements Immigrants Must Meet

No matter the job, you’ll need to:

• Be offered a job by an accredited New Zealand employer
• Prove your experience and qualifications
• Show you meet English language standards
• Meet health and character requirements

Pro Tip: Avoid Job Scams

If someone says, they’ll “sponsor” your visa for $500… it’s a scam.

Always verify job listings and employers via:

• New Zealand Immigration Official Site
• The Accredited Employer List
• Government-registered job boards like Seek or NewKiwis

10 Best Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand

Finding a job as an immigrant is easier if you target industries with worker shortages. Below are the 10 best jobs for foreign workers looking to move to New Zealand.

10 Best Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand (2025)

Target sectors with skill shortages to boost your visa odds and salary potential.

#	Job / Sector	Typical Salary (NZD)	Visa Options	Where to Apply
1	Healthcare Professionals Doctors, Nurses, Aged-Care Workers	50,000 – 200,000 / yr	Accredited Employer Work Visa Skilled Migrant Visa	NZ Health Jobs, Kiwi Health Jobs
2	IT & Software Development	70,000 – 140,000 / yr	Skilled Migrant Visa Accredited Employer Work Visa	Seek, Hays IT, NZ Tech Alliance
3	Construction & Civil Engineering	50,000 – 110,000 / yr	Essential Skills Work Visa Accredited Employer Work Visa	Trade Me Jobs
4	Hospitality & Tourism Chefs, Hotel Staff, Tour Guides	45,000 – 70,000 / yr	Working Holiday Visa Essential Skills Work Visa	Backpacker Board
5	Agriculture & Dairy Farming	40,000 – 65,000 / yr	Seasonal Work Visa Working Holiday Visa	PickNZ
6	Teaching & Education	55,000 – 90,000 / yr	Skilled Migrant Visa Accredited Employer Work Visa	Education Gazette
7	Skilled Trades Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics	55,000 – 100,000 / yr	Essential Skills Work Visa Accredited Employer Work Visa	Tradestaff
8	Truck Drivers & Delivery	50,000 – 85,000 / yr	Essential Skills Work Visa	Driver Jobs NZ
9	Retail & Customer Service	40,000 – 65,000 / yr	Working Holiday Visa (limited sponsorship)	Seek
10	Caregivers & Social Workers	45,000 – 75,000 / yr	Accredited Employer Work Visa Skilled Migrant Visa	CareJobs NZ

1. Healthcare Professionals (Doctors, Nurses, Aged Care Workers) 

New Zealand’s healthcare system is experiencing a worker shortage, making it one of the easiest fields for immigrants to enter. Hospitals, aged care homes, and private clinics regularly hire foreign medical staff.

• Salary: NZD 50,000–200,000 per year
• Visa Options: Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Visa
• Where to Apply: New Zealand Health Jobs, Kiwi Health Jobs

2. IT & Software Development 

Tech jobs are booming, and there is a high demand for software developers, cybersecurity specialists, and data analysts. Many tech companies in Auckland and Wellington actively sponsor skilled IT professionals.

• Salary: NZD 70,000–140,000 per year
• Visa Options: Skilled Migrant Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Seek, Hays IT, NZ Tech Alliance

3. Construction & Civil Engineering 

From roadworks to residential developments, New Zealand is constantly expanding its infrastructure. The demand for builders, electricians, and civil engineers is high, and many employers sponsor foreign workers.

• Salary: NZD 50,000–110,000 per year
• Visa Options: Essential Skills Work Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Trade Me Jobs

4. Hospitality & Tourism (Chefs, Hotel Staff, Tour Guides) 

New Zealand’s tourism industry is a huge employer, particularly in Queenstown, Rotorua, and Auckland. Skilled chefs, hotel workers, and tour guides are always in demand.

• Salary: NZD 45,000–70,000 per year
• Visa Options: Working Holiday Visa, Essential Skills Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Backpacker Board

5. Agriculture & Dairy Farming 

If you’re looking for seasonal work, agriculture and dairy farming are solid options. The country’s large farming industry hires thousands of foreign workers every year.

• Salary: NZD 40,000–65,000 per year
• Visa Options: Seasonal Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa
• Where to Apply: PickNZ

6. Teaching & Education 

New Zealand schools need teachers, especially for STEM subjects and special education. If you have teaching qualifications, this could be a great opportunity.

• Salary: NZD 55,000–90,000 per year
• Visa Options: Skilled Migrant Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Education Gazette

7. Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Mechanics) 

If you’re a certified tradesperson, New Zealand is actively looking for skilled workers in these fields. Accredited electricians and mechanics are particularly needed.

• Salary: NZD 55,000–100,000 per year
• Visa Options: Essential Skills Work Visa, Accredited Employer Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Tradestaff

8. Truck Drivers & Delivery Workers 

With the growth of online shopping and logistics, truck drivers and delivery workers are in high demand.

• Salary: NZD 50,000–85,000 per year
• Visa Options: Essential Skills Work Visa
• Where to Apply: Driver Jobs NZ

9. Retail & Customer Service 

Major retail chains like Countdown and The Warehouse hire immigrants for customer service and sales positions.

• Salary: NZD 40,000–65,000 per year
• Visa Options: Working Holiday Visa (limited sponsorship)
• Where to Apply: Seek

10. Caregivers & Social Workers 

With an aging population, New Zealand is increasing recruitment for elder care workers and social service providers.

• Salary: NZD 45,000–75,000 per year
• Visa Options: Accredited Employer Work Visa, Skilled Migrant Visa
• Where to Apply: CareJobs NZ

Now that we’ve shown the top 10 jobs for immigrants in New Zealand, the next logical question is:

“How do I actually apply for these jobs from outside the country — and get taken seriously?”

How to Apply for These Jobs from Overseas

Thousands of international job seekers apply for New Zealand roles every day.

Most never hear back.

Not because they’re not good — but because they don’t apply correctly.

Here’s how to stand out, get noticed by accredited employers, and land interviews from overseas.

Step 1: Create a New Zealand–Style CV (Not Your Usual Resume)

New Zealand CVs are different — they’re longer, more detailed, and more human.

Include:

• A short personal statement (2–3 lines about who you are + your career goals)
• Detailed employment history, including responsibilities
• Referees (references) — very important in NZ
• No photo, no age, no marital status — it’s not culturally relevant or appropriate

Step 2: Search for Jobs on Verified New Zealand Job Boards

Avoid random Facebook posts or vague WhatsApp groups.

Use legit, employer-verified platforms:

Platform	Why It’s Great
Seek.co.nz	Most widely used job site in NZ
NewKiwis.co.nz	Job-matching for migrants
Workingin-NewZealand.com	Immigration-friendly job portal
Jobsearch.govt.nz	Government roles

Use search filters like:

• “Visa sponsorship”
• “Work visa available”
• “Accredited employer”
• “Open to overseas applicants.”

Step 3: Target Accredited Employers Only

This is the most important part.

Only employers accredited by Immigration New Zealand can legally hire immigrants through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system.

Check the current Accredited Employer list here

When applying, ask the employer directly in your cover letter:

“Are you accredited to support work visa applications under the AEWV?”

Step 4: Write a NZ-Style Cover Letter (Keep It Human)

NZ employers value personality, motivation, and why you want to live and work in New Zealand.

Do not send:

• Generic cover letters
• Overly formal or robotic intros
• Resumes with no explanation of visa status

Instead:

• Address the hiring manager by name (if possible)
• Talk about why you want to move to NZ
• Clarify that you are open to AEWV sponsorship and have the necessary documents ready

Step 5: Be “Visa-Ready” When You Apply

When you email or submit your application, include the following:

• Your CV
• Your cover letter
• A short line stating your visa eligibility
• Any pre-approvals or EOI numbers if you’ve submitted one under Skilled Migrant

Example line:

“I am eligible to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa and am available for relocation upon job offer approval.”

Step 6: Prepare for Online Interviews

Most interviews will be over Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet if you’re overseas.

Tips:

• Set your time zone to NZDT/NZST in all communication
• Dress professionally, even if they say “casual” (New Zealanders are casual, but you’re not local — yet)
• Be honest about availability and timeline for relocation

Don’t Fall for This Common Trap

“Pay us $2,000, and we’ll find you a job with visa sponsorship!”

This is almost always a scam.

No real New Zealand employer or recruiter will ask for money to sponsor a work visa.

What to Expect When You Move to New Zealand for Work

You got the job. You got the visa. You’re ready to make the move.

But what’s it like to live and work in New Zealand as a newcomer?

Let’s break down what no job listing will tell you — and what you should plan for before you board that plane.

Cost of Living in New Zealand (2025)

New Zealand is beautiful — but it’s not cheap.

Especially in cities like Auckland and Wellington.

Here’s what you’ll realistically spend per month:

Expense	Cost (NZD)
Rent (1-bed apartment in Auckland)	$2,200 – $2,800 / month
Rent (shared housing in regional towns)	$800 – $1,200 / month
Utilities + Internet	$200 – $300 / month
Food & groceries	$400 – $700 / month
Public transport	$120 – $200 / month
Total (solo living in city)	$3,000 – $4,000+ / month

Tip: If your salary offer is under NZD $60,000/year, your budget will be tight—look for shared housing or live outside major cities.

Finding Housing as a Migrant

New Zealand doesn’t offer “employer-provided housing” unless stated in your contract.

You’ll need to:

• Search on TradeMe Property or realestate.co.nz
• Pay 4 weeks’ rent as a bond + 2 weeks in advance
• Provide references — past landlords or employers help
• Apply fast — housing is competitive

If your employer offers housing or relocation assistance — take it.

Work Culture in New Zealand

Expect things to be chill, friendly, and on a first-name basis.

But also:

• Kiwis value work-life balance — 8 to 5 means 8 to 5
• Punctuality and self-motivation are important
• People don’t “brag” about titles — leadership is flat, not hierarchical

In offices:

You’ll hear “How’s it going, mate?” more than “Yes, sir.”

But don’t mistake casual talk for lack of expectations — Kiwis value performance and humility.

Diversity & Belonging

New Zealand is an immigrant country.

Over 25% of residents were born overseas. You’ll meet people from:

• India
• The Philippines
• South Africa
• China
• The UK
• Fiji and Samoa
• And many other countries

You won’t be “the only immigrant in the room.”

But you will need to learn the local systems: healthcare, taxes, workplace rights, and more.

Healthcare & Insurance

If you’re on a work visa valid for 2 years or more, you’ll likely qualify for public healthcare (free doctor visits, subsidized hospital care).

Shorter visas?

Get private health insurance before arriving

Many employers require it as a condition of employment

Adjusting to Life in New Zealand

Things that might surprise you:

• Food is expensive but clean and high-quality
• Internet is decent, but not as fast as Europe/Asia
• Driving is on the left side (and you’ll need a local license soon)
• Weather shifts fast — pack for rain and shine in one day

Frequently Asked Questions About Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand

Still have questions? Here are the fast answers to what everyone’s Googling — but most job boards don’t explain.

1. Can immigrants get jobs in New Zealand?

Yes — if you have a job offer and meet visa criteria.

The most common route is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). You’ll need:

• A job offer from a licensed NZ employer
• Relevant experience or qualifications
• To meet English, health, and character requirements

2. Does New Zealand offer visa sponsorship?

No, not in the “we’ll do it all for you” sense.

But yes, employers can support your visa if the AEWV system accredits them.

They’re not “sponsoring” you financially, just backing your work visa application.

3. What jobs are open to foreigners in New Zealand?

Jobs in:

• Healthcare (nurses, aged care)
• Construction (project managers, electricians)
• Engineering (mechanical, civil)
• Tech (software, systems)
• Education (early childhood teachers)
• Logistics (truck drivers)
• Farming and dairy work

These appear frequently on the Green List or Accredited Job Boards.

4. How much money do I need to live in New Zealand?

On average, a single immigrant worker needs NZD 3,000–4,000/month to cover rent, food, transport, and basic bills in a major city.

Tip: OCostsdrop by ~20–30%. Outside Auckland or Wellington

5. Can I bring my family with me?

Yes, but only if your job and visa type allow it.

If you’re on an AEWV with a salary above NZD 29.66/hour, your:

• Spouse can apply for a work visa
• Children can attend school as domestic students

You’ll need to prove extra funds for their support.

6. What English level do I need?

Most visas require proof of English — typically:

• IELTS: Overall 6.5 (varies by role)
• PTE / TOEFL equivalents accepted
• Jobs on the Green List may waive this if your education is in English.

7. How long does it take to get a New Zealand work visa?

3 to 8 weeks on average.

If your employer is accredited and your documents are in order, it’s fast.

Delays happen when:

• Forms are incomplete
• Employer isn’t accredited
• You fail to meet health or background checks

8. Can I apply for permanent residency later?

Absolutely.

Many AEWV jobs lead to PR after 2 years of work.

Even faster if your job is on the Green List Tier 1.

Pathways include:

• Skilled Migrant Category
• Work-to-Residence visa
• Straight-to-Residence (Green List roles)

Your Future in New Zealand Starts Now

By now, you’ve got more than job titles — you’ve got:

• A list of high-demand roles
• The visa types that match
• Realistic pay expectations
• Application strategies that work
• A plan to go from job → visa → long-term residency

This isn’t just about work.

It’s about building a future — in a country actively looking for people like you.

Resources and Support for Immigrants

The following are resources that will come in handy

Government Resources

• New Zealand Immigration: Provides comprehensive information on visa requirements, application processes, and employment rights.
• Work Visas and Permits: Offers guidance on different types of visas, including the Skilled Migrant Visa and Essential Skills Work Visa.

Non-Profit Organizations

• Red Cross New Zealand: Offers support services for immigrants, including job training and integration programs.
• Citizens Advice Bureau: Provides free legal advice on immigration, employment, and housing issues.

Community and Networking Groups

• LinkedIn Groups: Join groups like “Immigrants in New Zealand” and “Expat Network NZ” to connect with professionals in your field.
• Meetup Groups: Participate in local meetups for immigrants and expats to build your network and gain insights into the job market.

Educational Resources

• English Language Courses: Enroll in courses offered by institutions like the British Council to improve your language skills.
• Vocational Training: Explore training programs in fields like healthcare, IT, and engineering to enhance your job prospects.

Legal and Financial Advice

• Citizens Advice Bureau: Offers free legal advice on immigration, employment, and housing issues.
• Financial Planning: Seek advice from organizations like the Money Advice Service to manage your finances effectively.