Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Work Visa

At a glance

This work visa allows principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) to enter New Zealand to search for ongoing skilled employment when they do not already have a skilled job offer or current skilled employment, and have not completed certain full‑time New Zealand postgraduate study. [WR5]

The visa is available only if the SMC residence application otherwise meets all requirements for approval. [WR5]

How to apply

An application for this work visa must be made within three months of the date INZ advises the principal applicant that they may apply under these instructions. [WR5]

The application is lodged using the standard temporary visa process (see lodging a temporary visa application). The applicant must demonstrate that they meet the specific requirements of WR5, including evidence of sufficient funds and an outward ticket. [WR5]

Eligibility criteria

To be eligible, the principal applicant must meet all of the following conditions: [WR5]

• They do not qualify for points for an offer of skilled employment or current skilled employment in New Zealand.
• They have not undertaken full‑time study for at least two years in New Zealand that resulted in a Doctorate or Master's degree.
• Their SMC application otherwise meets all requirements for approval.

Ineligibility — Study to Work visa holders

A principal applicant who is in New Zealand and currently holds, or has held in the last 24 months, a work visa granted under the WD Study to Work instructions is not eligible for a work visa under WR5. [WR5]

Timing

The application for the work visa must be made within three months of receiving advice from INZ that the applicant may apply. [WR5]

Funds and onward travel

Applicants must provide evidence that they have sufficient funds to maintain themselves for at least three months in New Zealand: [WR5]

• NZD 400 per month if they have pre‑paid accommodation.
• NZD 1,000 per month if they do not have pre‑paid accommodation.

Additionally, applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket from New Zealand for themselves. [WR5]

Bona fide applicant

All applicants under these instructions must be assessed as bona fide applicants for a temporary visa. [WR5]

Work rights

Work visas granted under these instructions allow work for any employer in New Zealand. [WR5]

Visa currency and travel conditions

The currency of the Work to Residence visa granted under these instructions depends on when the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) residence application was made and whether the applicant is in New Zealand. [WR5.5]

• SMC applications made on or after 10 April 2007 and before 28 August 2017:
  • If the applicant is in New Zealand, the visa allows a stay of nine months in New Zealand. [WR5.5]
  • If the applicant is outside New Zealand, the visa is subject to the following conditions: first entry to New Zealand must be made within three months of the visa being granted; and the visa allows work and multiple entries to New Zealand for nine months from first arrival. [WR5.5]
• SMC applications assessed under instructions effective on or after 28 August 2017 (applicants outside New Zealand):
  • The visa allows work and multiple entries to New Zealand for 12 months from the date the Work to Residence Visa is granted. [WR5.5]

Interpretation & edge cases

• Transitional SMC instructions: Applicants who made an SMC application before 21 December 2005 may be granted a work visa in accordance with the SMC instructions that were in effect at the time of their application. The same applies for applications made on or after 21 December 2005 and before 10 April 2007. [WR5]
• Impact of Study to Work history: The bar on those who held a WD Study to Work work visa in the preceding 24 months is absolute; it applies even if the applicant would otherwise meet all other requirements. [WR5]
• Accommodation and funds: The lower maintenance figure (NZD 400) applies only when the applicant can demonstrate they have pre‑paid accommodation for the period. [WR5]
• Bona fide test: The general temporary entry bona fide assessment (E5) applies in conjunction with the specific WR5 instruction. [WR5]
• Relationship to residence application: The work visa is contingent on the SMC residence application meeting all other approval requirements; if the residence application is declined, the foundation for the work visa disappears. Advisers should coordinate the two processes carefully. [WR5]

Citations

• WR5 — Skilled Migrant Category Job Search Instructions
• WR5.5 — Currency of Work to Residence visas