The Global Impact Work Visa is a long-term work visa specifically for investors or entrepreneurs who have been awarded a place on the Edmund Hillary Fellowship.
Who can apply for a Global Impact Work Visa?
In order to be eligible to submit an application for a Global Impact Work Visa, you should:
- have received a formal offer letter from the Edmund Hillary Fellowship confirming that you have been invited to the programme
- have access to at least NZD $36,000 or equivalent in maintenance funds to support yourself during your first year in New Zealand
- personal funds, assets, a scholarship or job offer are all acceptable
- be able to demonstrate proof of funds if your entry into the Edmund Hillary Fellowship is based on an investment plan
- be able to demonstrate a high level of English language ability
- meet standard health and good character requirements for a New Zealand visa
- not have been involved in owning, running or operating a business which has not complied with taxation, employment or immigration law
- not have been convicted for fraud or dishonesty, nor investigated by the Serious Fraud Office or New Zealand police for any business-related offence
What does a Global Impact Work Visa offer?
If granted this visa gives holders the right to:
- live in New Zealand for 36 months
- work for any employer, or as self-employed, in any field
- undertake any formal study while in New Zealand
- travel freely to and from New Zealand for as long as their visa is valid
Holders must remain on the Edmund Hillary Fellowship for the duration of their visa. If, after 30 months, they are still on the Fellowship, they will become eligible to apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand.
Your partner and/or dependent children can not be included in your application for a Global Impact Work Visa. However, they can use your admittance to the Fellowship as a basis for their own visa applications providing that they meet health and good character requirements.
How do I apply for a Global Impact Work Visa?
In order to apply for this visa, you must first apply for and secure an invitation to the Edmund Hillary Fellowship. The Fellowship chooses new entrants up to twice a year, with a quota of 400 available places over a four-year period.
Once you have your formal invitation from the Fellowship, applications for this visa can be submitted either online or on paper. The fee for applying varies depending on your nationality and how you apply, and ranges from free (for citizens of certain countries) to around NZD $1630.
Once received, 80% of applications for this visa receive a decision within seven weeks.
