In New Zealand, work permits are broadly divided into the New Zealand Work to Residence Visa and the General Work Visa. The Work to Residence visa or WTR allows a candidate to apply for permanent residency after two years of work in New Zealand and may be obtained by securing sponsorship from an accredited New Zealand employer, possessing exceptional talent in the arts or sporting fields, or by applying for a position which features on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. In all cases, WTR permits are multiple entry visas for leaving and entering New Zealand and are valid for 30 months.
The General work visa requires a job offer from a New Zealand company but is appropriate where the applicant’s skills do not feature on the Long Term Skill Shortage List. Unlike the WTR visa a general work permit does not lead to settlement and is granted for three yeas at a time.
