New Zealand Temporary Visa Entertainers Work Visa

• You must genuinely intend to meet all the conditions of your visa;
• you provide all required documents to support your application;
• You must have an offer of entertainment work;
• Your employer must complete a ‘Supplementary Form’ providing details of your engagement, including:
• the duration of time you need to be in New Zealand to complete your work;
• a timetable describing the work you need to do in New Zealand;
• an assurance that they’ll bear the costs of your accommodation, living expenses and return airfare;
• their strong reasons for not recruiting a New Zealander to do the job, and evidence to support those reasons;
• Your employer’s explanations on bringing you to New Zealand can include any one of the following, that:
• you’re of international distinction or value, or particular ethnic significance, or important to the presentation or production;
• your service doesn’t put the employment of New Zealand entertainment industry workers at risk, unless the broader benefits from your employment balance those risks, they considered hiring New Zealander workers for the work.

Step 1 – You get an offer of work in the entertainment industry

You will need a valid job offer from a production company, promoter, producer or other entertainment group.

Step 2 – You and your employer complete the visa application process

When you lodge your application online, you will need to select ‘Specific Purpose or Event’ when asked what kind of visa application you are proceeding for.

You can then complete your application and upload your supporting documents.

You must get your production company, promoter or producer to complete the ‘Supplementary Form’ part of the ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application’ form. A completed ‘Supplementary Form’ must be uploaded with your application.

Work Visa Guide (INZ 1016) – A guide for applying for a work visa

Step 3 – Assessment with the entertainment industry organisation

Before the Immigration of New Zealand makes a decision about your application, they will ask the New Zealand entertainment industry organisation about your position and if they are prepared to support your application to work in New Zealand.

Step 4 – You get a decision on your application

• Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application (INZ 1187)
• Evidence of valid job offer from New Zealand’s employer.
• Evidence of good health and character
• Evidence of academic qualification
• Evidence of work experience and how they are relevant to new job in New Zealand
• Evidence of English proficiency
• Evidence of your income and how you will manage yourself in New Zealand

Application Fee for Entertainment Work Visa is NZD $530

This is the charge for Immigration New Zealand to process your application. NZ Immigration does not refund application costs if they decline your Entertainment Work Visa application. A non-refundable immigration levy is charged and is included within the cost. Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35 is charged and is included within the cost.

Things to note

• If you’re part of an approved arts or music festivalor high-end music act, you may be able to come to New Zealand on a visitor visa instead.
• If you’re under 18, your parent or legal guardian will need to sign your application for you.
• You can’t include your partner or dependent children in your visa application, but they can apply for visas based on their relationship to you.