Specific Purpose Work Visa
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is a work visa for a defined purpose or event rather than an ongoing job. Immigration New Zealand describes it this way: “This visa allows you work in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event.” It costs from NZD $1,455. INZ publishes a processing time of 80% within 3 weeks.
Checked against immigration.govt.nz on 2026-09-15
What Immigration New Zealand publishes
- Length of stay
- As needed
- to complete work
- Cost
- From
- NZD $1455
- Processing time
- 80% within
- 3 weeks
Copied from the Specific Purpose Work Visa page at immigration.govt.nz on 2026-09-15. Figures change without notice.
To apply you must
- be coming to New Zealand for a specific purpose or event that meets our requirements
- meet the requirements for the specific purpose or event
- have relevant qualifications and experience, if required
- have enough money to pay your living expenses, if required
- meet the other requirements of this visa.
INZ’s own wording, unedited.
This visa lets you
- do work for a specific purpose or event as specified on your visa.
INZ’s own wording, unedited.
Where to apply
You apply to Immigration New Zealand, not to us. The Specific Purpose Work Visa page carries the application link, the full requirements and the current fee.
Questions about the Specific Purpose Work Visa
What does the Specific Purpose Work Visa cost?
Immigration New Zealand publishes a cost of NZD $1,455 for this visa, as the "from" figure — the lowest published amount. Medicals, police certificates, translations and any adviser's fee are separate. Checked on 2026-09-15; confirm on the INZ page.
How long does the Specific Purpose Work Visa take?
Immigration New Zealand publishes 80% within 3 weeks for this visa. That is a published average, not a promise about any one application. Checked on 2026-09-15; the current figure is on the INZ page.
Who can apply for the Specific Purpose Work Visa?
INZ's own summary is: "This visa allows you work in New Zealand for a specific purpose or event." The published criteria are listed above, word for word. Whether any particular person meets them is a question for Immigration New Zealand, or for a licensed immigration adviser or a New Zealand lawyer — not for this site.
Where do I apply?
On Immigration New Zealand's own website. Start at Specific Purpose Work Visa. Applying through this site is not possible: we are an information site and we cannot lodge or handle an application.
Can NZ Visas tell me whether I qualify?
No, and we would be breaking the law if we did. Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, telling somebody how the rules apply to their own immigration matter is licensed work. We republish the published rules and stop there. More on where that line sits.
Sources
Read on 2026-09-15. Immigration rules change: if this page and the source disagree, the source is right.
Once you have a decision
Getting the visa is one job; landing here is another. Our settling-in guides cover the IRD number, a bank account, a rental, schools, a doctor and a driver licence — all free, and all separate from anything to do with your visa.