Nursing and healthcare professionals looking to work in New Zealand can apply for various visas, provided they meet specific requirements for nursing registration and the Competence Assessment Programme (CAP).
According to a recent statement by New Zealand Immigration (INZ), the available visa options include:
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Occupational Registration Visitor Visa
- Specific Purpose Work Visa (for applicants from the Philippines)
Requirements That Must Be Met to Work as a Nurse in New Zealand
The same authority further revealed the requirements for working as a nurse in the country.
According to INZ, applicants must be registered with the Nursing Council of New Zealand (NCNZ) to be eligible. At the same time, they should complete a Competence Assessment Programme (CAP) and meet the visa requirements set by INZ, VisaGuide.World reports.
If the NCNZ determines that a CAP is unnecessary, candidates can apply for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and begin working in New Zealand upon arrival. On the other hand, internationally qualified nurses (IQNs) who must complete a CAP need to apply for the Occupational Registration Visitor Visa.
To apply for the Occupational Registration Visitor Visa, applicants are required to submit several documents with their online application. This includes a letter from the NCNZ confirming the need to complete a CAP, an ‘offer of place’ confirmation from their CAP provider, and receipts for any applicable course fees.
Use your RealMe account to log into Immigration Online and apply for a Temporary entry class visa.
As for the ‘Your situation’ section, INZ pointed out that the applicant needs to answer specific questions. When asked about the type of visa, they should select ‘Visitor’ and, for their visit, choose ‘Professional.’ Additionally, they should state that they want to visit New Zealand to seek occupational registration.
As INZ explains, once applicants have completed the CAP and received NCNZ registration, they can apply for an AEWV to work in New Zealand. For IQNs, a specific purpose work visa is also an option if they have received a job offer from a district health board or Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand and have been accepted into the Nursing Council’s CAP.
New Zealand Eases Visa Requirements for Key Industries Amid Workforce Shortages
In August this year, New Zealand announced significant updates to the AEWV aimed at addressing workforce shortages in specific industries.
Since September 8, the government has temporarily removed the minimum skill requirement for certain roles in sectors such as meat and seafood processing, tourism and hospitality, and care services. This new policy will specifically apply to new visa applicants who have been offered positions under the 2024/25 cap within the meat or seafood processing industry agreement.