Can You Get a Visitor Visa in New Zealand If You Have a Job Offer?
When someone in New Zealand receives a job offer but doesn't yet have a work visa, they often consider applying for a visitor visa to stay lawful while their situation is being processed. But is that allowed under New Zealand immigration rules?
What Counts as a Lawful Purpose for a Visitor Visa?
Immigration Instruction V2.1.1 outlines the types of activities that are considered lawful purposes for visitor visa holders in New Zealand. These include:
Holidaying
Sightseeing
Family and social visits
Amateur sport
Business consultation
Medical treatment
Guest of government visits
However, this list is not exhaustive. Immigration officers may consider other reasons as lawful, provided they meet the criteria. Notably, employment and full-time study are not lawful purposes while on a visitor visa, with the exception of short-term study.
When Can You Apply for a Visitor Visa With a Job Offer?
While employment itself is not a valid reason for holding a visitor visa, there are limited circumstances where a person with a job offer may still qualify for one—particularly if they are already onshore.
For example, if someone’s current visa is about to expire and their prospective employer is undergoing a job check or accreditation process, they may apply for a visitor visa simply to remain lawful in New Zealand while that process is underway.
Crucially, applicants must not work while holding the visitor visa and must still prove that they are bona fide—genuinely intending a temporary stay for a legal reason.
Factors Immigration Officers Consider
When assessing such applications, immigration officers evaluate:
Evidence of a job offer or even an indicative one from the employer.
Immigration history, including visa status and past ties to their home country.
Whether the purpose stated in the new visa matches previous intentions or if there has been an abrupt change.
The employer’s accreditation status. If the employer is suspended or revoked, a visitor visa is likely inappropriate.
Arriving Visitors: “Look, See and Decide” vs. Committed Migrants
Visa Pak Issue 214 provides guidance for applicants who are offshore or arriving under the “Look, See and Decide” category, or attending job interviews.
It’s important to note this category does not apply to people who:
Already have a job offer, or
Have severed ties with their home country (e.g., sold their home, quit their job)
In such cases, the focus of assessment shifts to bona fide applicant criteria (E5). Applications should not be declined solely under V2.1.1(c), unless there is evidence the person will work while on a visitor visa.
Case-by-Case Examples
Here are three real-life examples illustrating how these rules are applied:
Example 1: From Study to Visitor Visa
A student completed their bachelor’s degree and was on a Post Study work visa. Their employer has submitted a job check application, but it won’t be processed before their current visa expires.
They apply for a general visitor visa to stay lawful. They clearly state they will not work while holding the visitor visa. The officer finds no concerns with their intent.
✅ Outcome: A visitor visa may be granted, assuming other conditions are met.
Example 2: Sudden Change in Plans
A tourist enters New Zealand on a one-month visitor visa for sightseeing. They now apply for a new visitor visa, citing a job check application from a potential employer.
The officer notices a sudden shift from a holiday to employment intentions, raising questions about their ties to their home country.
🟡 Outcome: Case must be reviewed carefully. If the applicant has strong ties or other compelling reasons, a visa may still be granted.
Example 3: Lack of Evidence
A Working Holiday visa holder applies for a visitor visa, claiming their current employer will offer a permanent role. No documentation is provided. Moreover, the employer's job check relates to a different position.
❌ Outcome: Without supporting evidence, the officer is likely to find that the applicant does not meet the bona fide test.
Final Word: Apply With Care
Holding a job offer in New Zealand doesn’t automatically make someone ineligible for a visitor visa—but the application needs to be carefully framed and well-supported.
Applicants must never intend to work while on a visitor visa, and officers will thoroughly assess their bona fides and immigration history.
