Work Visa and Migration in to New Zealand for Doctors

Overseas Health Professionals are well respected and desired within the New Zealand health system. New Zealand is a popular destination with the British in particular, so you can be reassured there are other people here in the same situation as yourself.

Following is a summary of these processes:

Work permits/visas vary depending on your needs and plans, but tend to fall into the following categories - we have put a short explanation next to each to help you out.

A. Work Visas are issued to all applicants living outside NZ, and are converted to Permits at passport control when you enter NZ. They tend to expire after either one or two years, and so are perfect for people planning to stay for that period of time. When you do decide you want to stay, you can then work towards Residency whilst here on a work permit. All you need for this is a job offer from an NZ employer and your Medical Council of New Zealand Registration.

Your partner can apply for a work visa on the 'back' of yours (i.e. the principal applicant). You just need a marriage certificate or other evidence that gives you a de-facto history of more than a year i.e. joint utility bills, joint mortgage, bank accounts etc. This permit just takes 2 - 4 weeks, once you have all documentation into the New Zealand High Commission.

B. Permanent Residency allows you to reside in NZ and work for an indefinite period of time. This is the one for you if you are committed to making NZ your home! To apply for this, you start by completing an EOI (expression of interest) - your application will be selected from this pool based on a points system. Most registered health professionals will come very close to being part of the select group - but with a job offer from a NZ employer - you will definitely have enough points! Once selected you then submit the formal residency application including associated medicals.