An Entertainers Work visa is an NZ work visa, which allows you to work on a film, video, or production in New Zealand and possess particular skills that the entertainment industry of New Zealand can’t meet. Bear in mind that If you’re part of an approved arts or music festival or high-end music act, you can apply for a Visitor visa instead.
The duration of stay for the Entertainers Work visa depends on the period requested to carry out the work in New Zealand. The visa will be granted for the specific duration required to complete the intended work or engagement.
What Is an Entertainment Industry Worker?
An Entertainment industry worker is a person that works as one of the following:
- an entertainer
- a performing artist (musician, actor, extra, presenter, contestant)
- a producer
- a director
- part of a film or video production crew
- part of a film or video post-production crew, or
- support personnel for any of the above
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must meet the listed eligibility requirements to qualify for an Entertainers Work visa:
- You must be in good health.
- You must be of good character.
- You must truly plan to meet the conditions of your visa.
- You must have an offer of entertainment employment.
- Your parent/legal guardian must sign your application if you are under 18.
What Does an Employer Need to Do to Sponsor an Entertainers Work Visa?
The New Zealand employer must meet certain requirements to hire an employer that isn’t a New Zealand citizen:
- The employer must submit evidence that the job can’t be done by New Zealanders by providing documents that proves:
- the overseas entertainer or performer is known universally for their work or other contribution
- finance for the production is contingent on the overseas entertainer or performer’s involvement
- the production will benefit the economy of New Zealand
- more New Zealanders could audition or pitch for the work but were unsuccessful
- For each person the employer hires, they must submit a written offer of employment or contract for services that:
- states the length of time you need to be in New Zealand to do the work
- describes the work you need to do in New Zealand
- agrees to cover your living, accommodation, and return home costs
- The employer must prove that the union or professional association has agreed to your engagement. You don’t need to provide such proof if:
-
- the job is less than two weeks; or
- the job will be undertaken on an official co-production; or
- the job is with a company that holds entertainment industry accreditation.
- The employer must complete section J (Supplementary Form) of the application form ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application’. After the employer completes it, they must give it to you to complete the rest of the form.
What Are the Required Documents for an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must provide the following documents to apply for an Entertainers visa:
- Identification documents
- Evidence of good health
- A police certificate
- Evidence of an offer of entertainment work
Identification Documents
As evidence of your identity, you must provide the following:
- A Photo. The photo must follow the New Zealand visa photo requirements.
- Your passport. If you apply with a paper application, you must submit a certified copy of your passport. For an online application, you must upload a copy of your passport. You may be required to send your passport after you apply.
Evidence of Good Health
Depending on how long you will stay on an Entertainer visa, you may need to provide a chest x-ray or medical examination. If you are from a country that does not have a panel physician, you must go to another registered doctor. They must complete the relevant medical certificates in English.
A Police Certificate
You may be required to submit a police certificate depending on how long you will stay on an Entertainers visa. If you are older than 17 and will stay more than two years, you must submit police certificates. The police certificate must not be older than six months. You must also provide an English translation if the original isn’t in English.
Evidence of an Offer of Entertainment Work
Your employer’s reasons for bringing you to New Zealand can include any one of the following:
- you’re of international merit, specific ethnic significance, or key to the production
- your employment doesn’t put the employment New Zealander entertainment industry workers at risk (unless the benefits from your employment outweigh those risks)
- they considered hiring New Zealander workers for the work.
What Are the Conditions of an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must meet the following conditions of the Entertainers Work visa:
- You must apply for entry permission. You must present your passport and arrival card (that you get on your way to NZ) to the immigration officers at the New Zealand border.
- You can work only in the job, location, and for the employer stated on your visa.
- You can’t study on an Entertainers Work visa.
- If you are granted a multiple-entry visa, you can enter and leave New Zealand whenever you want. If you have a single-entry visa, the visa will expire once you leave New Zealand.
- You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
How to Complete an Online Application for an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must follow the steps below to apply online for an Entertainers Work Visa:
- You must receive a job offer from your employer. To apply for an Entertainers Visa, your promoter, producer, or production company must give you a job offer before you can apply.
- Complete the online application form for a Work visa. To apply for an Entertainers Work Visa, you must complete the application for a work visa. Click ‘apply now’ on Immigration New Zealand’s webpage of the Entertainer Work visa. You have to create or log in to your RealMe account. When asked what kind of visa you are applying for, you need to select ‘Specific Purpose or Event’.
- Prepare the required documents for an Entertainers Work Visa. You must upload your scanned documents as PDF files on your online application. Your employer must complete the section ‘Supplementary Form’ of the application ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers, and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application’, and you must complete the other sections of the application. You must upload this document to your online application.
- Pay the required fees for an Entertainers Work Visa. When you apply online, you will be required to pay the application fee, immigration levy, and other applicable fees for an Entertainer visa. You can pay by providing your bank card details.
- Submit your online application. Once you complete the visa application, you can submit it. When your application gets processed, you will receive an email. You are contacted when your eVisa is issued. You must print your eVisa letter and bring it when you travel to New Zealand.
How to Complete a Paper Application for an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must follow the steps below to apply for an Entertainers Work Visa:
- You must receive a job offer from your employer. To apply for an Entertainers Visa, your promoter, producer, or production company must give you a job offer before you can apply.
- You must complete the paper application form for a Work visa. You must complete the application form ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application.’ Your employer must complete the Supplementary Form, which is section J of the same application you complete.
- You must prepare the required documents for an Entertainers Work Visa. You must prepare the application form, the supporting documents, and the applicable fees to apply for the visa.
- You must pay the applicable fees for an Entertainers Work Visa. You must pay the application fees for the visa. Payment can be made at the time of your appointment. You can pay with Visa or MasterCard or with a bank transfer by transferring the amount to the appropriate bank.
- You must book an appointment to submit your documents. You must book an appointment with VFSGlobal at the nearest NZ Visa Application Center. When you book your appointment, you will receive a confirmation email together with the letter of appointment.
- You must attend the appointment at the visa application center. When you attend the appointment, you must submit your NZ Entertainers Visa application. The application center will send your application to Immigration New Zealand for processing.
Note: If you apply from New Zealand and your current visa expires, Immigration New Zealand will issue an Interim visa until your Entertainers Work visa is processed.
What Are the Fees for an Entertainers Work Visa?
You must pay the required fees for an Entertainers Visa. The fees vary based on the form of the application and the country from which you apply:
| Online application | Paper application | |
| Application Fee | NZ $735 | NZ $740 — 815 |
| Courier Fee | – | NZ $17 — $190 |
| VAC Service Fee | – | NZ $40 — $75 |
New Zealand visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is rejected.
What Is the Processing Time for an Entertainers Work Visa?
The processing time for an Entertainers Work visa is 16 days. You will get a decision on your visa within this time frame.
How Long Can I Stay with an Entertainers Work Visa Valid?
You can stay on an Entertainers Visa for as long as you are requested to for the job. You can also stay for a grace period to allow you to return home.
Can I Bring My Family With an Entertainers Work Visa?
You can’t bring your family with an Entertainers Visa to New Zealand. They can apply for NZ family visas based on their relationship with you.