NewZealand - Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy requirements

If you are a sports person, an artist, or an arts or cultural performer, you may be eligible for a work visa or permit as a step towards residence under their Work to Residence, Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy. 
 If your application is successful, they will issue you with a multiple entry work visa or permit that allows you to work in New Zealand for up to 30 months. When you have been here for two years, actively engaged in your field of talent, you can apply for residence.

Requirements

In addition to meeting our requirements for health and character you need to:
  • - be aged 55 years or under
  • - have exceptional talent in your field
  • - be sponsored by a New Zealand organization of national repute.

Exceptional talent

For them to consider you have exceptional talent you need to show them that you: 
  • - have an international reputation and record of excellence in your field (for sportspeople, this will usually mean that you have represented a national team in international competition)
  • - are still prominent in that field
  • - will enhance New Zealand’s participation and accomplishments in that field.

Sponsorship

The New Zealand organization sponsoring you for your work visa or permit application must complete. This form requires a statement of support for your application from your sponsor. 

The sponsor is also required to: 
  • - explain how you will enhance New Zealand’s accomplishments and participation in your field
  • - guarantee to meet the costs of your living expenses, accommodation, and maintenance, if necessary
  • - satisfy us that it is an organization of national repute – it has a reputation for excellence, or fostering exceptional talent, in its field of arts, culture or sports. Generally, an organization is of national repute if it is a national representative body, or at least a regional representative body.