Do NZ Tech Companies Sponsor Work Visas for Engineers?

Yes, New Zealand tech companies do offer work visas and sponsorship for software engineers, especially if your skills and experience are in demand. The country has a growing tech industry, with high demand for skilled software engineers, developers, and IT professionals.

Key Points About Work Visas and Sponsorship for Software Engineers:

1. High Demand for Software Engineers: Software engineering is often listed on New Zealand's Long Term Skill Shortage List (LTSSL), which means employers are more likely to hire and sponsor foreign workers due to a shortage of qualified local talent.

2. Types of Visas for Software Engineers:

o Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: This is a points-based visa for individuals who possess skills that are in demand in New Zealand. If you score sufficient points (based on factors such as age, work experience, and qualifications), you can apply for permanent residency, and job sponsorship can help you gain extra points.

o Essential Skills Work Visa: If you have a job offer from a New Zealand employer, they can sponsor you under this visa category. The role must match one on the Essential Skills in Demand (ESID) list, and the company must prove that they couldn't find a suitable local candidate for the position.

o Accredited Employer Work Visa: Some companies in New Zealand are accredited employers, which means they have permission to hire and sponsor foreign workers without proving a labor shortage each time.

3. Tech Companies in New Zealand Offering Sponsorship: Many New Zealand tech companies, especially those in major cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch, offer visa sponsorship to skilled software engineers. These companies range from large tech firms to innovative startups. Some notable companies include:

o Xero: A global software company specializing in cloud-based accounting software.

o Flick Electric: An energy tech company offering innovative solutions in energy usage.

o Orion Health: A global company providing healthcare software solutions.

o Trade Me: A popular online auction and classifieds platform.

4. How to Find Sponsorship Opportunities:

o Job Portals: Websites like Seek, Trade Me Jobs, and Workhere New Zealand list job openings, including those from companies willing to sponsor.

o Networking: Use LinkedIn and other professional networks to connect with employers and recruiters in New Zealand’s tech industry.

o Recruitment Agencies: Specialized tech recruitment agencies like Absolute IT and Hays Technology often place international candidates in roles that come with visa sponsorship.

5. Pathway to Residency: Once you secure a job offer and a visa, you may have a pathway to apply for permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category, particularly if your occupation is in high demand.

In summary, New Zealand tech companies are open to offering work visas and sponsorship for skilled software engineers, especially when local talent is scarce. You can increase your chances by applying through relevant job portals, targeting companies on the skill shortage list, and networking with employers who are accredited to sponsor foreign workers.