International Candidate

International

This section provides a gateway to all the information on working in New Zealand for overseas applicants.

Depending on your profession and personal status you will have different information requirements. Information you may require crosses over a number of Government agencies, such as Immigration New Zealand, and registration bodies.

New Zealand

New Zealand may be a little country with a small population, but it has a lot to offer!

You will find a nice blend of city and country life, sublime scenery, pristine beaches, world-renowned wine and food, a uniquely Kiwi music scene, adventure tourism, art galleries and of course rugby, as well as countless other things.

But we think New Zealand is pretty special, so we would say all of this. So if you want to hear less biased accounts of New Zealand, check out some testimonials of people who have immigrated here.
A big concern when moving to another country is whether or not you will be able to find a job. However, health professionals are some of the most sought out people in New Zealand, with certain health careers featuring heavily in our skill shortage list - Immigration NZ - Skills Shortages Lists. So we need you!

And to make your move easier, we are here to provide you with up-to-date information on immigrating to and working in New Zealand. We are not an agency and we welcome enquiries from all health professionals. Whether you are looking for a working holiday or thinking about shifting here permanently, we have all the information that you require.

Depending on your profession and personal status you will have different information requirements. Information you may require crosses over a number of Government agencies, such as Immigration New Zealand, and registration bodies. The links below have been developed to assist and guide you to the appropriate organisation based on your needs.

All you need to know about New Zealand

New Zealand is a subtropical country, consisting of two main islands. You will find a unique blend of city and country life in New Zealand. Our major cities are known as some of the best life-style cities in the world and Wellington has been named the "the coolest little capital in the world" by Lonely Planet.

New Zealand is known for its work-life balance, so you will have ample opportunities to get to know all aspects of our country - especially since workers in New Zealand are entitled to 4 weeks paid leave per year.

We are a friendly sort of people and Lonely Planet has described our country as a "kinder, gentler, more respectful place". We are a truly multi-cultural society and everyone is welcome here. We are also ranked the second least corrupt country in the world.

From a professional point of view, shifting to New Zealand could be a good move for you. We have one of the best publicly funded health care systems in the OECD and there's no shortage of jobs. Many health professions feature on Immigration New Zealand's skill shortage list, which means that if you gain registration, finding a job should not be too difficult.

These are just a few reasons why New Zealand is a great place to live. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you require more information about living and working in New Zealand. Relocating is a big decision and we will do all that we can to help you on your way. We are not an agency and we will provide you with the most up-to-date information in a timely fashion.

Immigration Information

If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Resident, then you need the right sort of visa to be able to work here. There are a number of different visas for which you could apply. Most health professionals come to New Zealand as skilled migrants on a temporary work permit and then decide once they are here (and love it) to apply for residency. Others prefer to apply for a residency permit before they come. Additionally, there are other categories that you may be eligible to apply under to work in New Zealand. If you would like more information please visit:

• Our international advisory page.
• Immigration New Zealand's website for up to date immigration information.

Registration

In New Zealand, health professionals are required under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act (HPCAA) to be registered with their professional board before they can begin to work. This can be a long and complicated process and we recommend that you apply for registration at least 4 months before your intended arrival in New Zealand. The application process for some professions can even take longer, so it is a good idea to check estimated processing times with your board. For more information, please visit our international registration advisory section of this website.