Nursing in New Zealand

Immigration Requirements

Overseas nurses wishing to work in New Zealand may need to apply to the New Zealand Immigration Service for a Work Visa or Permit.

A Work Visa is an endorsement on your passport, which shows you have permission to travel to New Zealand and may be granted a work permit when you arrive.

A Work Permit is an endorsement on your passport, which allows you to work in New Zealand. This will state the expiry date and conditions of your permit.

You will not need a Work Visa or Permit to work in New Zealand if:

you are a New Zealand citizen or a New Zealand Residence Permit holder
you are an Australian Citizen or a resident who holds a current Australian resident return visa
you are exempt from the requirement to hold a Permit to be in New Zealand
the work you will undertake in New Zealand is not considered to employment as defined by the New Zealand Immigration Service.

You can apply for a Work Visa or Permit by completing and submitting the application to work in New Zealand form.

Visit the New Zealand Immigration Service website for further information on immigrating to New Zealand.

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Page last reviewed: 12 December 2007