How to switch NZ working holiday visa to work visa?

Changing your Working Holiday Visa to a Work Visa in New Zealand is not a direct process. Generally, New Zealand does not allow a simple ""change"" of visa status from a Working Holiday Visa to a Work Visa. However, you can follow these steps to apply for a Work Visa while you're in New Zealand, depending on your specific situation:

1. Check Eligibility for a Work Visa

First, you need to ensure that you meet the requirements for a Work Visa in New Zealand. There are several types of work visas, and your eligibility depends on your job offer, qualifications, and skills. The most common work visas are:

• Essential Skills Work Visa: For people who have a job offer in an occupation where there is a skills shortage in New Zealand.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): For workers who have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand.

• Post-Study Work Visa: If you recently completed a qualification in New Zealand, you may be eligible for a post-study work visa.

• Work to Residence Visa: If you have a job offer that could eventually lead to residency under the Residence from Work category.

2. Find a Job in New Zealand

To apply for a work visa, you typically need a valid job offer from a New Zealand employer. Here’s what you need to consider:

• Your employer must be willing to support your work visa application and meet any requirements for the specific visa you are applying for (e.g., showing they couldn't find a local candidate for the role).

• Your job must usually be on the Essential Skills in Demand list or in a shortage occupation.

3. Determine the Appropriate Work Visa

Based on your job offer and skills, determine which work visa category you are eligible for:

• Essential Skills Work Visa: If your job is listed as being in demand or you’re hired for a specific position that requires a skill level that matches New Zealand’s needs.

• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): If your employer is accredited with Immigration New Zealand (INZ), they can offer you this work visa.

• Work to Residence: If your employer is offering a job that could lead to a long-term stay in New Zealand, this might be an option.

4. Apply for the Work Visa

Once you have a job offer, you can apply for the appropriate work visa either online or via paper application:

• Gather required documents: This includes proof of your job offer, proof of qualifications (if required), your passport, health and character documents (medical checks, police clearance, etc.).

• Submit your application: You can apply through the Immigration New Zealand website or through a paper application. Ensure that you provide all necessary documents and follow the application process for the specific type of work visa you're applying for.

5. Wait for a Decision

The processing time for work visas in New Zealand can vary depending on the type of visa and the complexity of your case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months.

6. Transition from Working Holiday Visa to Work Visa

• While your Working Holiday Visa is valid, you can apply for a work visa, but you cannot work under the Working Holiday Visa conditions once your new work visa is approved. This means you should not work outside the conditions of your current visa while waiting for the decision on your new visa.

• If your Working Holiday Visa expires before you receive your new Work Visa, you may need to leave New Zealand and apply for a Work Visa from your home country or a country where you have legal residency. In some cases, if you’re still eligible, you may be able to apply for a Visitor Visa to remain in New Zealand while your Work Visa is being processed.

7. Important Considerations:

• Visa Conditions: Be aware that the new work visa may have specific conditions, such as work limitations to a specific employer or role, a restriction on the length of stay, etc.

• Plan Ahead: Make sure to apply for your work visa well before your Working Holiday Visa expires. If you're close to the expiration date of your working holiday visa, you may need to leave New Zealand and apply for a work visa from abroad.

• Check for Updates: Immigration policies in New Zealand can change, so always check the Immigration New Zealand website for up-to-date information about visa requirements and processes.

Conclusion:

While you can't directly change your Working Holiday Visa to a Work Visa, you can apply for a work visa while in New Zealand. This process requires finding a suitable job, meeting the eligibility criteria for the work visa you are applying for, and following the appropriate application steps. Ensure that you stay within the conditions of your current visa until your new work visa is approved.