On this page
- Overview (What is Form INZ 1015?)
- Context and workflow
- Do you need this visa?
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form INZ 1015 rejections?)
- What it asks for (What does Form INZ 1015 ask for?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form INZ 1015?)
- Checklist (What is the Form INZ 1015 checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form INZ 1015 have?)
- Key terms
- Choose your path
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form INZ 1015?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form INZ 1015?)
- Scenarios
- Key differentiators
- Why it matters
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Overview (What is Form INZ 1015?)
#The Immigration New Zealand (INZ 1015) 1015 Work Visa Application form is designed for individuals seeking to work in New Zealand under various visa categories, including those based on employment, qualifications, or humanitarian reasons. It is a critical document managed by Immigration New Zealand, ensuring that applicants meet the necessary criteria for their specific visa type. Typically, this form is filed by individuals who have secured a job offer in New Zealand, have completed qualifications in New Zealand, or are seeking protection or refuge.
It is also used by those transitioning from a temporary visa to a more permanent work visa. After filing, the application is reviewed by Immigration New Zealand to verify the applicant's eligibility, including their health, character, and employment details. Successful applicants receive a work visa allowing them to legally work in New Zealand for the duration specified in their visa conditions. Depending on your eligibility category, INZ 1015 may be filed alongside Form INZ-1024, or other related forms.
Context and workflow
#If required, provide biometrics. The processing time for INZ 1015 varies based on case type and current workload—always consult the official INZ 1015 processing time tool.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Application acknowledgement (via Immigration ONLINE)
- Provide biometrics (if required)
- Assessment of application based on submitted information
- Visa issuance via email or physical delivery
Who uses it
Your partner must use the Partnership Visa Application (INZ 1198) Application checklist All applicants must provide: Completed, signed application form. Common filers: Fee-Paying Student, Government or Institution Exchange, NZ Government Scholarship.
When it is used
- STUDENT: Student Visa
- Foreign nationals with an offer of place from an NZQA-accredited education provi.
- Students participating in a government-approved or institutional exchange progra.
- Recipients of a New Zealand government scholarship (e.g., NZAID, Manaaki) who ha.
Do you need this visa?
#Requirements snapshot
#- Work to Residence: A visa category allowing individuals to work in New Zealand with the potential to transition to residence. Applicants under this category must meet specific employment criteria and may eventually apply for residence.
Failure prevention (What causes Form INZ 1015 rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Submitting an unsigned application form
- Failing to submit required documents
Substantive weaknesses
- Providing false or misleading information
- Applying for an inapplicable visa category
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
What it asks for (What does Form INZ 1015 ask for?)
#- Personal details including name, gender, date of birth, and passport information.
- Contact details including residential address and email.
- Health information including tuberculosis status and medical conditions.
- Applicant identification information
- Supporting documentation inventory
- Eligibility or purpose details
- Declarations and signatures
- Your full legal name as it appears on official documents
- Your date and place of birth
- Your current passport number and issuance details
- Your passport validity and expiration information
- Documentation related to: I am, or will be eligible for publicly-funded maternity health services and have provided evidence of my eligibility
Sources for this section
What you need (What do you need for Form INZ 1015?)
#- The current edition of INZ 1015
- Proof of identity
- Completed, signed application form.
- Two passport-sized colour photographs.
- Passport or travel document.
- I am, or will be eligible for publicly-funded maternity health services and have provided evidence of my eligibility
- Personal details including name, gender, date of birth, and passport information.
- The relevant evidence
- Gather all required documents including photographs, passport, and certificates.
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
- Copy of your filed or approved INZ-1024 (Sponsorship declaration if applicable)
Checklist (What is the Form INZ 1015 checklist?)
#- Download the current INZ 1015 and instructions from the official INZ 1015 website
- Review the official INZ 1015 instructions before filing
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of INZ 1015
- Confirm the form is signed and dated in all required fields
- Sign, date, and submit INZ 1015 with all required supporting evidence
Sources for this section
Example receipt notice for INZ 1015
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Visitor and Short-term | 3 to 4 weeksas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for INZ 1015 under "Visitor and Short-term": 3 to 4 weeks (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for INZ 1015 vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by INZ office and current workload. Verify current processing times with INZ.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated INZ office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the INZ office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official INZ website before submitting. For related guidance, see All Forms.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form inz 1015. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
Can the Form INZ 1015 fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
INZ will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see student.
Fees change; always verify on INZ.
Form sections (What sections does Form INZ 1015 have?)
#Section A: Personal Details
Name, gender, date of birth, passport details, citizenship.
Section B: Contact Details
Current address, overseas address, communication preferences, immigration adviser details.
Section C: Your Health
TB status, medical conditions, pregnancy, medical certificate requirements.
- Chest X-ray required if staying more than 6 months and from non-low-TB country
- Medical certificate required if staying more than 12 months
Section D: Your Character
Criminal convictions, investigations, deportation history, terrorist associations.
- Must include all convictions including driving offences
- Police certificates required if staying 24+ months
Section E: Employment and Qualifications
Current and previous employment history, qualifications held.
Section F: Job Offer
Employer details, position offered, ANZSCO occupation code.
Section G: Declaration
Applicant signature confirming truthfulness of information.
Key terms
#- Work to Residence
- A visa category allowing individuals to work in New Zealand with the potential to transition to residence.In this form: Applicants under this category must meet specific employment criteria and may eventually apply for residence.
Choose your path
#Choose your path based on your eligibility category. Each block summarizes who qualifies, what to file, common mistakes, and typical processing time.
Fee-Paying Student
STUDENT-FEE-PAYING
Foreign nationals with an offer of place from an NZQA-accredited education provider, paying full tuition fees.
File with:
- Offer of place from approved institution
- Evidence of tuition fee payment
- Proof of funds for living costs (NZD 20,000/year)
Common mistakes:
- Insufficient funds evidence for living costs beyond tuition
Typical processing: 20-30 working days
Government or Institution Exchange
STUDENT-EXCHANGE
Students participating in a government-approved or institutional exchange program between their home institution and a New Zealand provider.
File with:
- Exchange program confirmation letter
- Home institution endorsement
- Proof of funds or scholarship documentation
Common mistakes:
- Not providing the official exchange program confirmation from both institutions
Typical processing: 20-30 working days
NZ Government Scholarship
STUDENT-SCHOLARSHIP
Recipients of a New Zealand government scholarship (e.g., NZAID, Manaaki) who have been awarded funding to study at a New Zealand institution.
File with:
- Scholarship award letter from NZ government
- Offer of place from approved institution
- Passport and identity documents
Common mistakes:
- Not including the official scholarship award letter in the application
Typical processing: 20-30 working days
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or incorrect information | Delay | Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. |
Examples (What are examples for Form INZ 1015?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision.
- Common weakness: An applicant forgets to sign the form; it is returned, causing a delay in processing.
- Scenario: Applicant A submits their work visa application with all required documents. They receive a confirmation and are invited to provide biometrics. Always double-check that all documents are included before submission.
- A foreign national applies for INZ 1015 to obtain legal authorization to work in the country
- An employer sponsors a worker who files INZ 1015 as part of the work authorization process
- An applicant in the Student category files INZ 1015 as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form INZ 1015?)
#- Filing this form does not guarantee approval of the underlying case
- Filing does not authorize immediate work
- Work permits are employer- or category-specific; changing jobs may require a new permit
- Filing INZ 1015 automatically allows you to start working — You must wait for official approval before beginning employment. Working without authorization can have serious immigration consequences.
Scenarios
#A British citizen applies for a Partnership-Based Work Visa using INZ 1015, supported by their NZ citizen partner, with evidence of 12 months living together.
Work visa granted for up to 3 years with open work conditions (not tied to a specific employer).
Partnership work visas provide open work rights. The key requirement is proving a genuine and stable partnership of at least 12 months.
A couple applies but has only lived together for 6 months, with limited evidence of a shared household.
Application declined due to insufficient evidence of a genuine and stable partnership.
INZ requires evidence of at least 12 months of living together in a genuine partnership. Gather extensive documentation before applying.
A partner visa holder wants to apply for residence from within New Zealand.
Partnership-based residence applications can be made through the Skilled Migrant Category or direct partnership residence pathways.
The partnership work visa is often a stepping stone to residence. Plan the residence pathway early and ensure you meet all requirements.
Key differentiators
#- Unlike INZ 1198 Partnership Visa Application: The INZ 1015 is specifically for work visas based on employment, qualifications, or humanitarian reasons, whereas the INZ 1198 is for partnership-based visa applications.
- Unlike Form INZ 1024: Sponsorship Form for Residence: Filed together: Sponsorship declaration if applicable (Work pathway)
- Unlike Form INZ 1017: Visitor Visa Application: Alternative option: Visitor visa if primary purpose is tourism not study (Work pathway)
- Unlike Form INZ 1113: Work Visa Application: Alternative option: Work visa if primary purpose is employment not study
Why it matters
#Applications for certain work visas can only be made by current visa holders applying for a subsequent visa.
Why it matters: This ensures that only eligible individuals who have already been vetted can apply for these specific visa categories.
Applicants must provide evidence of their qualifications and work experience relevant to the job offer.
Why it matters: Providing the correct evidence is crucial for demonstrating eligibility and ensuring the application is not delayed or denied.
Police certificates must be less than six months old when submitted.
Why it matters: Submitting outdated police certificates can lead to application rejection or delays.
Next steps
#- Application acknowledgement (via Immigration ONLINE)
- Provide biometrics (if required)
- Assessment of application by INZ
- Receive decision via email or physical delivery
Verification
#This guide is derived from official INZ instructions for INZ 1015 and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official INZ website.
Resources
#FAQs
Can I file INZ 1015 if I've already left the country or my situation has changed?
Application acknowledgment (via Immigration ONLINE) It is important to note that eligibility and filing requirements may vary depending on your location or individual circumstances. For comprehensive information, please consult the official instructions.
Do I need to file INZ 1015 if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. INZ 1015 may not be required for simple address changes. Review the official instructions for complete details.
What should I do if I have a criminal conviction?
you may need to disclose any criminal convictions in your application. Review the official instructions for complete details.
Do I need to provide proof of my qualifications?
Please consult the official instructions tailored to your particular circumstances.
What supporting documents do I need for INZ 1015?
I am, or will be, eligible for publicly-funded maternity health services and have submitted evidence of my eligibility. Additionally, personal details such as name, gender, date of birth, and passport information are required. Please include two passport-sized colour photographs as well.
Who is eligible to file INZ 1015?
Deciding whether you are eligible to board a flight to New Zealand The information we collect may also be used to determine whether you are allowed to board a flight to New Zealand Review the instructions for your specific eligibility category before starting.
What happens after I submit INZ 1015?
After submitting INZ 1015, INZ will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons INZ 1015 gets rejected?
Common reasons INZ 1015 is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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