Working in New Zealand
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. Also reassuring is our strong long-term relationships with health providers - this makes finding the best health care job (for you) easy and without any of the hassle of sending out multiple CVs or applications. You will benefit from our representation of you as a job seeker, and our knowledge and expertise in the health care job market. You're able to get information from one source to ensure you don't make a mistake and end up in the wrong job.
All health professionals working in New Zealand, are required to:
- Work with a valid and legitimate work permit
- Be registered with the New Zealand authority for your profession.
Following is a summary of these processes, but don't forget, Geneva Health Consultants have developed a real expertise with all of this - it is what we know and do. We are truly experienced in helping and supporting health professionals, like you, to move to New Zealand and enjoy either a working holiday or a whole new life here! Be assured, whilst you will get all you need from this document and those websites - we are here to make sure you totally understand and have a smooth ride!
The ability to work and live in New Zealand
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 (leave that to Geneva Health) and your Professional 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.
C. Working Holiday Visas are for people aged between 18 - 30 years, and are issued for up to a year! These cannot be extended beyond that year and so are ideal for people passing through on their big travels, or just here for a look and short stay!
New Zealand Authorities (Professional Registration)
Each different health professional has their own governing authority who is responsible for ensuring your training, qualification and employment history will allow you to practice effectively in New Zealand. Most of these authorities are contactable via the internet and you can apply online in most cases also. The time it takes to get NZ registration will depend on your professional qualifications, experience, the completing of the documents as evidence and your IELTs result (if English is not your first language). Realistically, this may take anywhere from 6 weeks to 6 months, but we can again let you know exactly who to contact and how to ensure this process happens as efficiently as possible.
All these registration authorities manage lists of countries where further training in New Zealand is not required - it would be worth looking for this information first. For example, Norway, Japan, United Kingdom, Ireland, USA, Canada are just a few countries where Nurses can work in New Zealand without further study.