Easy Way to Find Someone Willing to Sponsor My Visa in New Zealand

So, you’ve made the decision—you want to work in New Zealand. Maybe it’s the lifestyle, the clean air, or the chance to grow your career in a country that respects balance and wellbeing. But right now, the biggest question on your mind is this: How do I actually find someone who will sponsor my visa? That’s not just a small detail—it’s the deal breaker for many would-be migrants.

Let’s make this simple. In this guide, you’ll learn how to find real employers in New Zealand who are open to hiring foreign workers, how visa sponsorship actually works, and what you need to do to stand out. No complicated terms, no recycled advice—just a straightforward path you can follow, even if you’re starting from zero.

What Does “Visa Sponsorship” Mean in New Zealand?

When someone says they are looking for “visa sponsorship,” they usually mean they want a New Zealand employer to support their work visa application. In practice, this means the employer offers you a job, agrees to go through the required immigration process, and provides documentation to prove they can’t find a local worker for that role.

As of 2025, the most common route is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). This visa allows New Zealand companies to hire foreign workers—but only if:

• The employer is officially accredited by Immigration New Zealand.

• The job meets skill or pay requirements.

• The position is listed on New Zealand’s skill shortage lists or the employer can justify the need.

So, if you want sponsorship, you’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking for an accredited employer who is open to hiring from outside the country.

Step 1: Focus on Employers with Accreditation

Don’t waste time applying to companies that legally can’t sponsor you. Start by checking if they’re on the Accredited Employer list published by Immigration New Zealand. Only companies on this list can offer you a job that leads to a valid work visa.

Here’s how to find the list:

• Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.

• Search or filter companies by industry or region.

• Choose employers that match your profession or skills.

If a company isn’t listed, skip it—there’s no point applying if they can’t help you enter the country legally.

Step 2: Target Jobs in High-Demand Industries

Some sectors in New Zealand are actively short of workers. That means they’re more likely to look overseas when they can’t find enough people locally. These are the jobs where employers are more open to sponsorship.

Here are industries with the highest chance of sponsorship:

• Healthcare – nurses, aged care workers, GPs, radiologists

• Construction – project managers, quantity surveyors, electricians, plumbers

• Engineering – mechanical, civil, structural engineers

• IT and Tech – software developers, analysts, cybersecurity experts

• Agriculture – dairy farm workers, fruit pickers (seasonal roles), machine operators

• Hospitality – chefs, hotel managers (sponsorship is possible in skilled roles)

You can check if your job is listed on the Green List, which is an official list of in-demand occupations. If your role is on that list, your visa pathway may be even faster.

Step 3: Use the Right Job Platforms

Now that you know which companies can sponsor you and what types of jobs they offer, your next step is finding those jobs online.

Here are the most effective platforms to use:

• Seek New Zealand (seek.co.nz): Use keywords like “visa sponsorship,” “overseas applicants welcome,” or filter by company names from the accredited list.

• Trade Me Jobs (trademe.co.nz/jobs): This is New Zealand’s local job site. It’s especially good for trades, agriculture, and hospitality jobs.

• WorkHere New Zealand (workhere.co.nz): This site is focused entirely on helping skilled migrants find New Zealand jobs. Most employers here are already familiar with the visa process.

• LinkedIn Jobs: Search by keyword and location. Many companies include “work visa available” in job listings. You can also directly contact recruiters who’ve posted jobs.

Set up alerts with keywords like “sponsorship,” “accredited employer,” or “Skilled Migrant” so you don’t miss new listings.

Step 4: Reach Out to Employers the Right Way

If you’re applying from overseas, you need to be clear and professional in your communication. Your application should answer the employer’s main concern: Can this person really move here and start working legally?

When you apply or send a message, say something like:

“I’m currently overseas but actively looking for full-time work in New Zealand. I understand your company is accredited to support work visas, and my qualifications align with this role. I’m prepared to meet all visa and relocation requirements and can be available for interviews remotely.”

Keep it simple. Show that you’ve done your homework. Employers get flooded with messages from people who have no idea how visas work. Don’t be one of them.

Step 5: Prepare Your Documents Before You Apply

If you’re serious about getting sponsored, have your documents ready. This includes:

• A New Zealand-style CV (focused on achievements, not just job titles)

• A clean, professional cover letter

• Your passport

• Proof of work experience and qualifications (with translations, if needed)

• A valid English test score (like IELTS or TOEFL) if required by your job

The more prepared you are, the easier it is for employers to say yes. Many companies don’t want to deal with delays or confusion. Make it easy for them.

Final Tips to Improve Your Chances

• Don’t apply for jobs that don’t match your skills. This wastes your time and the employer’s.

• Be realistic. Entry-level or casual jobs (like waiter or retail assistant) rarely come with sponsorship.

• If you studied in New Zealand, use that advantage—many student visa holders transition to a work visa with employer sponsorship.

• Apply to smaller cities, not just Auckland or Wellington. Smaller towns often have labour shortages and fewer local applicants.

• Stay updated. Immigration policies change. Always check Immigration New Zealand for the latest visa rules.

Final Thoughts

Getting a visa-sponsored job in New Zealand is not impossible. It’s just a matter of approaching it the right way. First, understand how sponsorship actually works. Then, focus your energy on the companies that are allowed—and willing—to sponsor someone from overseas. Use the right tools to find them, communicate clearly, and prepare properly.

Thousands of people move to New Zealand every year through sponsored jobs. If you have the right skills and you’re willing to do the research, you could be one of them. You don’t need to send hundreds of applications. You just need to send the right ones, to the right people, with the right preparation.