Religious Worker Visa

If you're looking to serve in a religious role in New Zealand, this visa lets you carry out meaningful work with a registered religious organisation — whether you're salaried, on a stipend, or volunteering.

How to apply for a Religious Worker Visa

To apply, you must submit:

A completed Work Visa Application Form (online or paper)
The application fee and immigration levy
Proof of at least 2 years' religious training and/or experience, such as:
  • Testimonials
  • Ordination certificates
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Verified certificates/qualifications
  • Letters confirming relevant experience

Your training and experience can be combined to meet the 2-year minimum.

 Documents required from the sponsoring religious organisation

Your sponsor must provide:

A completed Sponsorship Form for Religious Workers (INZ 1190)
Proof they are a registered charity whose primary purpose is advancing religion
Evidence they can financially support their sponsorship obligations
A statement explaining the genuine need for your role, including membership size
Details of the employment or work arrangement
  – If you are employed (with salary): a signed employment agreement
  – If unpaid/voluntary/stipend-based: a description of primary and secondary duties

You also need to meet health and character requirements.

Length and conditions of your visa

Your initial Religious Worker Visa can be granted with conditions related to:

• The length of your role or sponsorship
• The type of work you're approved to do
• Any limitations on changing employers or sponsors

INZ may decline your visa if they believe your role or sponsor would undermine the integrity of the immigration or employment system.

Further Religious Worker Visa (Extension)

You can apply for an extension if:

You currently hold a Religious Worker Visa
You are in New Zealand
You apply before your visa expires
You submit all documents in the correct format and pay the fee
You have not already spent 4 years in NZ on this type of visa (including older instructions before 5 Nov 2011)
You’ve been actively performing your religious work (with evidence such as IRD records, pay slips, or letters from your sponsor)

What your sponsor must show for a further visa:

• A statement explaining the ongoing need for your religious work
• Confirmation that your work continues to support their religious mission

How long is the further visa?

You may be granted:

Up to 2 more years (but not exceeding 4 years total under this visa type)
Or until a residence application under Religious Worker Residence Instructions is decided

Your extension must:

• Be for consecutive service periods, and
• Be with the same sponsoring organisation

Need help applying?

At JD Immigration, we help religious workers and sponsoring organisations:

Confirm eligibility
Collect and present the right evidence
Draft compliant sponsorship forms and work descriptions
Apply for initial or further Religious Worker Visas
Plan the pathway toward residency under religious work

Book a consultation with JD Immigration now to begin your training journey in Aotearoa.