With its stunning nature, rich culture and modern cities and infrastructure, New Zealand is well-established as a popular destination for skilled migrants looking to make a life for themselves in this unique and fascinating country. So long as they are able to meet the Medical Council of New Zealand’s registration requirements, doctors across a range of disciplines have a number of visa options available to them to enable them to relocate.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa is ideal for doctors who are looking to relocate to New Zealand on a permanent basis. Applicants must have a job offer from (or currently be working for) an accredited employer in New Zealand, be aged 55 or under, be able to demonstrate that they have a sufficient command of the English language. They will also need to score at least six points in New Zealand’s points test for visa applicants.
Before a full application can be lodged, prospective applicants for this visa must submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). If the minimum criteria and points tally are met, an invitation to submit a full application will be issued. This application must be submitted within four months, otherwise the EOI will expire.
The application fee for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa varies depending on the nationality of each applicant, with no charge at all for holders of some passports. Processing times can vary from several weeks to several months, depending on processing backlogs and the personal circumstances of each applicant.
Straight to Residence Visa
Many doctors will qualify for the fast-track Straight to Residence visa, which offers individuals with qualifications or job offers in certain fields the ability to obtain residence in New Zealand without requiring a temporary work visa beforehand. Successful applicants for this visa will be able to work, study and live in New Zealand immediately and indefinitely, and to travel freely in and out of the country for two years. This travel facility can be extended by applying for a permanent residence visa after arriving in the country.
Applicants are required to meet English language requirements and ideally already have a letter from the Medical Council of New Zealand stating that they are eligible for registration. The fee for a Straight to Residence visa is from NZD 4290, so a cheaper temporary work visa may be a more sutiable alternative if you only intend to work in New Zealand for a limited time.
Temporary Work Visas
If you are looking to practice medicine in New Zealand but are not intending to relocate on a long-term or permanent basis, or would like to keep your options open, you may find that a temporary work visa is the right choice for you. Typically, the most appropriate choice for doctors with a job offer from an employer in New Zealand is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Applicants for an AEWV must have a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand (at least 30 hours per week), as well as registration or proof of eligibility for registration from the Medical Council of New Zealand. AEWV visas for doctors can be issued for a period of up to five years and application fees are usually around NZD 750. Applicants from some countries may be exempt from paying any application or issuance fees for this visa.
Temporary work visa holders may still be able to apply for permanent residence once they have been living and working in New Zealand for two years, should they wish.
Tailored visa advice for medical professionals
VisaEnvoy is a truly international migration firm, with a long track record of working with both companies and private individuals to understand their personal circumstances and visa needs, and helping them get the right visa for them as quickly and hassle-free as possible.
We understand that the key to a successful visa application is understanding both our clients and the immigration systems with which we work. A critical part of that work is keeping on top of the frequent changes to the immigration systems and visa categories of the countries in which we operate.
Our friendly, professional team of migration agents and immigration solicitors work with trusted partners in the UK, Australia and New Zealand, as well as in Canada and the United States.
If you would like to know more about VisaEnvoy, our agents or the services we offer, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Alternatively, you can book an appointment with a member of our team to discuss the needs of you or your company.
Mohamed Anas Sirajur Raheem
BA (Political Studies), LLB (VUW)
Mohamed is an enrolled Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand, specializing in immigration law.
He is a former New Zealand Immigration Officer (Visa Services) and Border Officer at Auckland International Airport. He has several years of experience working in various Government Departments in New Zealand and has also worked as a Licensed Immigration Adviser at a prominent New Zealand Immigration firm.
His areas of expertise and interest are in the fields of General Skilled Migration, Temporary Work (Long and Short Stay), Business visas, Partner, Parent and Child Visa streams.
Mohamed was inspired to pursue a career in immigration by his own migration experiences. Over the years he has assisted individuals, families, large corporations, professional sportspeople, and entertainers (singers, speakers, and actors) to come to New Zealand.