Global Impact Work Visa

At a glance

The Global Impact Work Visa is a temporary work visa allowing the holder to work in any employment, including self-employment, anywhere in New Zealand for a period of 36 months. It requires the holder to maintain the support of an approved provider. [BG2.15]

• Duration: 36 months stay, with multiple entry travel conditions. If the applicant is outside New Zealand at grant, they have 3 months to enter; the 36-month stay and multiple entry conditions then apply on arrival. [BG2.15(1)]
• Work flexibility: No restrictions on employer, role, or location. Self-employment is permitted. [BG2.15(2)(a)]
• Provider support: The holder must retain the support of the provider throughout the visa’s validity. Loss of support may affect visa status. [BG2.15(2)(b)]

How to apply

The application process for this visa is set out in the Global Impact category instructions, which will be synthesized on this page as further sections are ingested. In the interim, refer to the official INZ operational manual.

Eligibility criteria

Eligibility to be a “successful applicant” for the Global Impact Work Visa is determined under the broader Global Impact instructions. This page currently only covers the currency and conditions of the visa once granted. (More content to be added.)

Interpretation & edge cases

• Portability: The visa permits work in any sector, for any employer, and allows self-employment — making it one of the most flexible work visas. [BG2.15(2)(a)]
• Provider dependency: The condition to “retain support” implies that if the provider withdraws support, the visa holder may be in breach of conditions and could face revocation. [BG2.15(2)(b)]
• Entry timing: For overseas applicants, the 3-month entry window starts from visa grant; the 36-month stay begins on arrival. [BG2.15(1)(b)]

Citations

• BG2.15 — Currency and conditions of Global Impact work visas