An Entertainers Work Visa is targeted at performers, entertainers, production and support staff who intend to work on a specific production and for a specific employer in New Zealand.
Entertainers who only intend to undertake a one-off performance or short tour may instead wish to consider whether a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa or NZeTA would be sufficient for their needs.
In order to be eligible for this visa, you must:
- be intending to work for a specific employer in New Zealand on a specific, time-limited production
- be able to supply a ‘Supplementary Form‘ from your employer in New Zealand which details:
- how long you intend to be in New Zealand to complete your work
- your proposed work schedule while in New Zealand
- a guarantee that the employer will be responsible for the costs of your accommodation, living expenses and return ticket home once your work is concluded
- why the employer will not be hiring a New Zealand citizen or resident to do the work
- meet the minimum health and good character requirements for a visa to New Zealand
What does an Entertainers Work Visa offer?
If successful, applicants for this visa are permitted to:
- travel to New Zealand in order to work for a limited time in the entertainment, film, television or music industries
- stay in New Zealand for as long as their work lasts, plus a short grace period before returning home
You are not permitted to add a partner or dependent children to this visa, though they are permitted to apply for visas of their own on the basis of their relationship to you and your intention to apply for a work visa.
Once you have received your work offer and Supplementary Form from your employer, you can submit your work visa application either online, or on paper via an Immigration New Zealand Visa Application Centre in your country or region. Once your application has been received, it may be referred to a relevant entertainment industry organisation in New Zealand for review before a decision is made by Immigration New Zealand.
Application fees for an Entertainers Work Visa vary depending on the nationality of the applicant, and range from NZD $100 to NZD $1455.
Around 80% of applications for Entertainment Work Visas receive a decision within two weeks.
