What counts as exceptional talent?
This visa is for people at the top of their field, not for people who are simply good at what they do. Immigration New Zealand looks for an international reputation and evidence that you are still prominent and active in your art, culture or sport. Useful evidence can include:
- major international awards, prizes, rankings or selections (for example national team or international competition selection)
- invitations to perform, exhibit, compete or coach at an international level
- media coverage, reviews or published critiques of your work from outside your home country
- letters from respected people or bodies in your field that explain your standing
- a record of recent activity, showing that your reputation is current and not only historical
Think about how your talent will benefit New Zealand. Your support letter and sponsorship will be stronger if they explain what you will do here and why it matters to the art form, culture or sport in New Zealand.
Your sponsor and the organisation of national repute
You need two kinds of support, and both are recorded on the sponsorship form INZ 1091:
- A sponsor: an individual, organisation or government agency that commits to providing you with accommodation and financial support.
- An organisation of national repute: a New Zealand body that is well known in your field (for example a national sports body or a leading arts or cultural organisation). It completes its own section of the form to confirm its support. It can be a different organisation from your sponsor.
Make sure both parts of the form are complete and signed, and that the support letter is specific about you and your plans.
How to apply, step by step
- Check you fit the visa: you need exceptional talent, an international reputation and you must be aged 55 or younger.
- Secure your support: arrange your sponsor and your organisation of national repute, and have them complete form INZ 1091.
- Gather your evidence: a passport valid for at least 3 months after you plan to leave New Zealand, police certificates if you are 17 or older (less than 6 months old when you apply), a medical examination and chest X-ray, and the evidence of your reputation and current activity.
- Apply online: the application fee is from NZD $1,630.
- Stay active in your field: keep records of your work, performances, competitions or projects in New Zealand.
- Apply for residence: after 2 years of active engagement in your field in New Zealand you can apply for the Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa and include your partner and dependent children.
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa questions
Can my partner and children come with me?
They cannot be included in your work visa application, but they can apply for their own visas based on their relationship with you, for example a partner work visa, or visitor or student visas for children. You can include them in your residence application once you have completed 2 years of active engagement in your field.
How is this different from an Entertainers Work Visa or a Specific Purpose Work Visa?
The Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa is a pathway to residence for people with exceptional talent. If you are coming for a specific production, tour, event or sports contract, an Entertainers Work Visa, a Short-term Entertainment Act Visitor Visa or a Specific Purpose Work Visa may suit you better.
What happens if I stop working in my field?
The residence pathway depends on you being actively engaged in your art, culture or sport in New Zealand for 2 years. If your activity stops or changes, talk to us early about your options, as you may need a different visa.
Can VisaEnvoy help me prepare the application?
Yes. We assess your evidence against the exceptional talent standard, help you and your sponsor complete the INZ 1091 form, and prepare a clear submission that explains your reputation and plans in New Zealand.
