Specific Purpose Work Visa — New Zealand

You must show that you’re coming to New Zealand for a defined purpose or event and that you have the skills to complete that work. INZ assesses your job offer, qualifications, and supporting documents before granting this visa.

Acceptable purposes

Travel to New Zealand must be for a clearly identified purpose or event that fits INZ criteria. Your reason must match who can apply under this visa category.

Typical features of an acceptable purpose:

• A specific role tied to a defined project or event
• A time-limited engagement
• A confirmed job offer or written engagement

Provide evidence of your job offer, such as a contract or formal letter outlining:

For entertainment industry work, apply for an Entertainers Work Visa instead. This visa does not replace other pathways like the Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Entrepreneur Work Visa, or the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Choose the visa that matches your actual purpose.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll need to show that you have the qualifications and work experience required for the role, if the position demands them. INZ checks if your background matches the job offered.

Provide:

• Relevant qualifications (if required for the role)
• Evidence of work experience
• Documents linking your skills directly to the position

If you’re claiming work experience from a European country and you’re not a citizen of a Schengen member state, provide proof that you had the legal right to work there.

Your evidence must be clear and verifiable. Inconsistent job titles, unclear dates, or missing proof of employment can delay or weaken your application.

Pre-application checks

Before applying, confirm your purpose fits INZ’s eligibility criteria. If your situation doesn’t match the defined acceptable purposes, another visa category may suit you better.

Checklist:

1. Confirm your purpose or event qualifies.

2. Secure a written job offer or contract.

3. Gather qualification and experience documents.

4. Prepare your completed application forms, such as Form INZ 1017 and Form INZ 1015, if required for your case.

INZ makes all decisions on visa eligibility.

You’ll need to present clear proof of your identity, your job or business purpose, and your ability to support yourself. INZ will assess your application based on the documents you provide, so incomplete evidence can delay a decision.

Identity and travel documents

Provide a copy of your valid passport or, if applicable, your certificate of identity. Make sure the copy is clear and readable.

If INZ requires a specific application form, submit the correct version. Common forms include:

• Form INZ 1015 (Work Visa Application)
• Form INZ 1017 (Visitor Visa Application, if applying under a visitor-based category tied to specific purpose work)

If you hold citizenship or residence in Hong Kong or Macao and apply as a visitor, worker, or student, complete the required supplementary form.

Check that your personal details match across all documents. Any inconsistency between your passport and supporting evidence can slow processing.

Evidence of work and funds

Show why you qualify for the specific purpose work category. The required evidence depends on the visa type, such as the Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Entrepreneur Work Visa, or a pathway linked to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

Prepare:

• Proof of qualifications, if your role requires them
• Evidence of relevant work experience
• A written job offer, if the category requires one
• An employment agreement, if applicable

You’ll also need to show you can financially support yourself. INZ may request:

• Recent bank statements
• Payslips
• Proof of accommodation, such as ownership documents or rent receipts

Supplementary and originals

Submit all required supporting documents at the time of application. Missing documents often cause delays.

Provide original documents if INZ requests them. Keep copies for your records before submission.

If you include extra supporting evidence, make sure it directly supports your eligibility. Submit only documents that relate to your job offer, qualifications, financial position, or accommodation.

You must pay the correct fee when you submit your application to INZ. processing times depend on the specific purpose category and where INZ assesses your file.

Application fees

Your application fee depends on the specific category and how you submit your application.

You pay the fee at the time you submit your application.

INZ won’t start processing until payment is complete.

If you apply under a different pathway—like the Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Entrepreneur Work Visa, or Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa—the fee will be different.

You’ll need to use the right form, such as Form INZ 1015 or Form INZ 1017, depending on your situation.

Submitting the wrong form can slow things down.

Typical processing times

INZ processes most specific purpose work applications within set timeframes.

Processing times start once INZ receives your complete application and payment.

The 15–25 business day range applies to standard cases.

Complex cases may take longer.

INZ bases processing times on recent applications, so these numbers can shift.

Apply well ahead of your intended travel or work start date.

Avoid booking non‑refundable travel until your visa is approved.

Processing variations

Processing times shift depending on:

• The specific purpose or event category
• Where your application is being processed
• How complete your documents are

If you leave out evidence—like proof of qualifications, experience, or funds—INZ may pause your application and ask for more.

That will extend your timeline.

Applications that need extra verification or raise eligibility questions will also take longer.

If you have another visa (like a Post-Study Work Visa or Essential Skills Work Visa) and you’re moving to a specific purpose category, INZ will assess your eligibility under the new rules.

This can impact how long processing takes.

Your visa lets you carry out only the specific purpose or event approved by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).

You have to meet all requirements, and approval depends on the evidence you submit.

Meeting visa conditions

You must satisfy requirements for the exact purpose or event listed in your application.

INZ checks if your role or activity matches what you’ve claimed.

You’ll also need to show you can support yourself while in New Zealand.

If you can’t demonstrate you have enough funds, INZ can refuse your application.

Key points you must meet:

• Evidence that your visit matches the specific purpose or event
• Proof you meet all eligibility criteria for that purpose
• Evidence of sufficient funds
• Accurate and complete forms, such as Form INZ 1015 and Form INZ 1017, where needed

If you previously held another visa—like an Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, or Entrepreneur Work Visa—you must still meet the requirements for this specific purpose category.

Prior approval under a different visa doesn’t carry over.

Approval is not guaranteed

Submitting an application doesn’t mean you’ll get approved.

INZ reviews each case individually.

You have to provide enough evidence to show you meet the requirements.

If your documents don’t clearly establish your purpose or your ability to support yourself, INZ can decline the application.

A pending or previous visa—such as a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa application—doesn’t guarantee a positive outcome.

This visa is assessed on its own.

Portability is limited.

This visa ties you to the approved purpose or event.

If your circumstances change, you may need to submit a new application rather than rely on your current approval.

Reasons applications fail

Most applications fail because there isn’t enough evidence.

INZ doesn’t assume facts you don’t document.

Common refusal reasons:

• Not showing you genuinely meet the specific purpose or event criteria
• Incomplete or incorrect forms, including INZ 1015 or INZ 1017
• Lack of proof you have enough money
• Missing supporting documents

You carry the burden of proof.

If you don’t clearly demonstrate that you meet each requirement, INZ can refuse the application without asking for more information.

Check your documents carefully before submission.

Clear, consistent evidence reduces the risk of refusal.

Your employer must complete specific INZ forms and provide evidence that your work fits the stated purpose of the visa.

Missing or incomplete employer documents can delay or derail your application.

Employer-supplied forms

If required, your employer must complete an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113).

This form confirms details such as:

• The employer’s legal name and contact details
• Your job title and duties
• The length and purpose of your engagement
• Confirmation that the role matches the specific purpose in your application

INZ may also require your employer to complete:

• Form INZ 1015 (where employer details must match the job offered)
• Form INZ 1017 (if you’re using a supporting partner form in related applications)

If you previously held an Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, or Working Holiday Visa, your employer must ensure the new role matches the purpose of this application.

Do not submit an unsigned or incomplete form.

INZ treats that as missing information.

Job-related evidence

Your employer should provide documents showing the work is genuine and tied to a specific project or event.

This usually includes a commercial document proving the work is required.

For example:

If the job involves installing or servicing equipment, the purchase documentation should state that installation or servicing is part of the sale conditions.

INZ checks if the work is specific, time-bound, and purpose-driven.

Employer documents must directly support those points.

If you later apply for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or Entrepreneur Work Visa, inconsistent job evidence can cause credibility concerns.

Your employer’s documentation needs to stay accurate and consistent across applications.

Employer omissions that cause issues

Employers often cause problems by submitting incomplete or inconsistent information.

Common issues:

• Not providing the completed Employer Supplementary Form when required
• Leaving sections blank or unsigned
• Listing job duties that don’t match the supporting documents
• Providing documents that don’t clearly link your role to the specific purpose

If INZ can’t verify the purpose of your work from the employer’s documents, your application may stall or be declined.

You’re responsible for making sure employer documents are complete before submission.

Review every form and attachment.

INZ decides based on the evidence in front of them.

Most problems with a New Zealand Specific Purpose Work application come from missing documents, untranslated records, or incorrect information. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) expects a complete and accurate submission the first time.

Incomplete or missing documents

INZ can refuse your application if you leave out required documents. This applies for the Specific Purpose Work Visa and also if you're transitioning from categories like Essential Skills Work Visa, Post-Study Work Visa, Working Holiday Visa, Entrepreneur Work Visa, or Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.

You need to follow the document checklist for your visa type and submit every required form, including Form INZ 1015 or Form INZ 1017 if they're relevant.

Common missing items include signed application forms and supporting documents listed in the checklist. Sometimes applicants reference documents in their answers but forget to attach them.

Use this basic control table before you submit:

If any required document is missing, INZ may reject your application rather than ask for it later.

Translation and completeness errors

INZ requires documents in English. Submitting documents in another language without an English translation can lead to refusal or delay.

Every non-English document needs a full English translation. All fields in your application forms must be completed.

Names, dates, and passport details should match exactly across documents. Skipping sections or leaving blanks creates uncertainty about your eligibility.

Incomplete answers often cause delays. If you've held previous visas like the Essential Skills Work Visa or Post-Study Work Visa, make sure information aligns across all paperwork.

Inconsistent employment dates or role descriptions can trigger extra scrutiny. Accuracy counts more than speed.

Submit only when every field is complete and every document is readable and translated.

Processing delays and rejections

INZ delays are common when information is incomplete or inconsistent. Rejections usually result from missing required documents.

Here's the breakdown:

If INZ can't verify your purpose, role, or supporting evidence, your application may not move forward. This risk increases if your records from previous visas don't align.

You reduce delays by reviewing the official checklist carefully and completing every field accurately. Submit all required documents at once.

INZ decides based on what you provide. A complete and consistent file gives your application the best chance of timely processing.