How Can You Find Work in New Zealand as a Lithuanian?
Ranking 4th on the list of global peace countries, New Zealand is definitely one of those countries that knows how to maintain it all. From education to healthcare, the country always offers the best environment for individuals to live and build their lives for the better. Well, this environment is a big reason why individuals from all parts of the world are coming here to work.
Many individuals come to this country for work with a New Zealand employment visa, which is a top desirable work destination: scenic beauty, quality of life, and work opportunities. However, Lithuanians, being a part of the working holiday scheme, are among the top ones to seek employment in the country. Well, are you a Lithuanian who is trying to do the same? Then, you will be required to understand the steps that will help you achieve your goal.
Understanding New Zealand’s Work Visa Options
New Zealand strongly encourages other nationalities to come and work in the country. This is why we have a long list of visa types available for individuals. Some of the different types of New Zealand employment visas or work visas that one can get for this country are:
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
This is the main pathway that is open for employment in New Zealand. The visa comes with a validity of 5 years of stay for most jobs. However, for jobs which are at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5, the stay is for 3 years.
With this information in mind, any international skilled workers who wish to work in the country for career growth can apply for this visa. And for that, they will be required to provide the job offer that they have received from an accredited NZ employer.
Working Holiday Visa
In other words, known as a work and holiday visa for New Zealand, this comes with limited availability, which means only a few countries are eligible to apply for this visa. Along with Lithuania, there are countries like Argentina, Italy, and 45 others that are eligible to apply for this visa.
This visa is designed for people between the ages of 18 to 30. That being said, there are a few countries for which the upper limit is at 35. The visa allows a total stay of 12 months, during which one can explore the country like a tourist while working at the same time, working like a fund for the trip. It is important to note that the validity is extended to 23 months for people from Canada and to 36 months for Britishers.
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
This type of New Zealand employment visa is for all those individuals whose skills and abilities will help in improving the economic growth of the country. To apply for this visa, all applicants will have to share proof of a job offer or an existing job in New Zealand’s skilled employment. Most important of all, the job must pay a medium wage.
The validity of this visa isn’t set at one, and allows you a stay till you are working in skilled employment. However, once you complete two years, you can proceed to apply for permanent residency. Some of the documents that you will need for the visa include a police certificate, medical test results, and other documents.
Other Specialized Visas
Other than the ones listed above, there are also a few other types of New Zealand employment visas. There is a Post-Study Work Visa, which is designed for people who plan to study in the country first and then want to seek employment. Other than that, there is also a Critical Purpose Visa, which is designed specifically for specialized industries.
The Process to Apply for a New Zealand Work Visa
Irrespective of which New Zealand work visa you apply for, all of them follow a more or less similar process. All the visas can be applied for online, and the steps for doing that are:
- Visit the online portal for visa application.
- Fill out the visa application form with accurate details related to you and your visit purpose.
- Add scanned copies of the necessary documents, like a valid passport (one with a minimum of two blank pages and at least 3 months validity beyond your validity date), a recent passport-sized photograph, bank statements, your flight ticket, and additional documents related to the type of visa that you are applying for.
- Pay the visa application fee with the help of your credit or debit card.
- Attend the interview for your visa approval, if necessary.
- Wait for 3 to 5 days to get your visa application approved.
- Receive the approval letter for your visa in the email ID you added to your application form.
- Bring a few copies of the approval letter to the airport.
- Inform the Helpdesk in case of any issues.
Popular Job Sectors for Lithuanians in New Zealand
New Zealand’s job market is divided into a few categories. As a Lithuanian planning to enter the country with a work and holiday visa for New Zealand, you can explore the following sectors.
Construction and trades
Being the third-largest employer in the country, this one invites many skilled individuals. If you’re someone who has experience in roles like electricians, carpenters, or welders.
Healthcare
Working in the healthcare industry is a noble profession, which is why many come to the country to work in public hospitals (around 85% of hospitals are public) or the private ones. If you also plan to do the same, then you can try working as nurses or aged care workers.
Hospitality and tourism
Being one of the favourite tourist destinations, the country’s tourism is a major contributor to New Zealand’s GDP. On top of that, job roles like hotel or restaurant workers or tour operators are also very popular among those who come to the country with a work and holiday visa for New Zealand.
IT and engineering
With a projected growth of US$4.23 billion in 2025, the IT industry of the country is set to give employment to many individuals. If you have prior experience in the field or want to start your career in it, then you can surely look for some job opportunities in this.
How to Start Your Job Search from Lithuania
Finding a good job opportunity in New Zealand from Lithuania is easy. It just involves a few steps that follow:
Online Job Portals
Start looking for opportunities online before applying for a New Zealand employment visa. You can try sites like Seek.co.nz, TradeMe Jobs, WorkHere, or Careers.govt.nz as they are great for accessing the best opportunities.
Recruitment Agencies
Try seeking help from different recruitment agencies like Adecco NZ, 1st Call Recruitment, or 3rd Eye Recruitment. These are experienced and specialize in hiring overseas workers.
Networking
Create an account on apps like LinkedIn or other online communities. There, you will be able to build connections with people in the industry or even join Lithuanian expat groups in the country.
Direct Applications
Create a list of all the companies and try directly applying to them. Your goal should be to target companies that sponsor work visas.
Important Considerations
Some of the considerations that you should keep in mind are:
Visa Sponsorship
Make sure the job offer includes the necessary paperwork for your visa. Discuss things related to this with your employer in case of any confusion.
Health and Character Requirements
Get your medical exams and police certificates before your visa application, so sort things out in advance.
Cost of Living
The average living cost for a single person in New Zealand is around NZD 3,000 (including rent). Balance your income and expenses before living in cities like Auckland, Wellington, and Christchurch.
Housing and communities
Renting is always better than buying, so choose a secure place that fits your budget. The goal is to pick a place close to your workplace to lower transportation costs. Other than that, you should also join Lithuanian communities and cultural organizations to feel closer to home.
Feeling confident to work with a New Zealand employment visa?
Finding work in New Zealand as a Lithuanian is achievable when you get your preparation right. So, start by understanding the industries and getting a job offer before making the move. Once all this is set in motion, it automatically becomes easy for you to enter the country with an employment or work and holiday visa for New Zealand.
However, if you continue to face issues with the process, the Helpdesk will be at your rescue.