The University of Otago may offer you a job if you do not hold a Work or Residency Visa, but it will be conditional on you obtaining the appropriate Visa. You will not be able to start working with us until you have obtained this. The University is NOT involved in the Visa process.
We will do what we can to support you with your Visa application, but we are not able to provide any immigration advice to you. The NZ Immigration Advisor Act (2009) requires anyone providing immigration advice to be licensed and the University of Otago is not a licensed immigration advisor.
Immigration requirements
Meeting immigration requirements can take time, so we suggest that you visit the New Zealand Immigration website as soon as possible to identify the relevant pathway and submit an online application.
Visit the New Zealand Immigration website
Find out about current skill shortages in New Zealand
Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa
As an Accredited Employer, the University of Otago is part of a small group of New Zealand organisations who are able to recruit highly talented and skilled individuals through the fast-tracked 'Talent Visa' scheme.
A Talent Visa is for a fixed period of time, and is not a Residency Visa. You will still need to apply for a Permanent Resident Visa at a later date. A Talent Visa will simply enable you to start work in New Zealand quicker than other visa types.
Provided all the necessary documentation is submitted with the initial application and there being nothing of note on the medical certificate and the police clearance, a Talent Visa will take approximately 6–8 weeks to process. This is substantially faster than the process for obtaining a standard work visa and much faster than the process of applying for Permanent Residency (which can take from 6–8 months to complete).
Who does the Talent Visa apply to?
You may be eligible for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa if you:
- Are aged 55 years or younger, and
- Have an offer of full-time employment (of at least 30 hours per week) for a minimum of 24 months, and;
- Will be paid a minimum base salary of NZ$79,560 per annum (see below 7 October 2019 note), and;
- Have met immigration health and character requirements, and;
- Have met, or are able to meet, any of the necessary New Zealand occupational registration requirements to take up the offer (if required).
Once issued with a Talent Visa, you will be granted multiple entry work visas enabling a stay of 30 months in New Zealand. Your visa is subject to the condition that you may work for an Accredited Employer only.
After two years you will be in a position to apply for permanent residency in New Zealand.
Did you apply before 7 October 2019?
If you were granted or applied for a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa before 7 October 2019, a different minimum salary and permanent residency option applies. Those conditions are protected.
Permanent/Confirmation Path appointments
Any person intending to settle in New Zealand (other than Australian citizens or the holder of a current Australian permanent residence visa including an Australian resident return visa) must have an appropriate New Zealand residence visa.
You may initially choose a Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, and then apply for a Resident Visa later (see above information), or you may choose to apply for a Residence Visa.
Fixed-term appointments
If you are accepting a fixed-term appointment, you will be required to obtain the appropriate work visa for the length of your appointment. If you are eligible to apply under the Essential Skills Work Visa, the University will support your application by providing a job offer and an Employer Supplementary form.
