Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa

Come to New Zealand for a specific job, role, or event.

What is this visa for?

The Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa is for people who need to come to New Zealand temporarily to complete a one-off job, task, or event — usually because of their unique skills, expertise, or role.

This visa helps people who benefit New Zealand (or specific individuals/organisations) without affecting job opportunities for local citizens or residents.


 Who can apply?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are coming to New Zealand for a specific job or event listed in the policy (see examples below).
  • The work is temporary and time-bound (not open-ended or permanent).
  • You have the right skills or qualifications to do the job.
  • You meet health and character requirements.
  • You provide the required documents and proof for the role or event.

Examples of acceptable specific purposes or events:

Here are common reasons people apply under this visa category:

Purpose

Who it’s for

How long you can stay

Business secondments

Senior or specialist staff sent to NZ offices

Up to 12–36 months

Intra-company transfers

Executives, managers, or experts joining NZ branches

Up to 36–72 months

Special machinery installation

Technicians installing equipment as part of purchase

Up to 3 months

Sports players or coaches

Joining a NZ club at a professional or regional level

12–36 months

Entertainment workers

Artists, performers, film crew

Length of event/project

Examiners and judges

Referees, judges, or dance/music examiners

Up to 6 months

Seasonal activity workers

Workers for weather-dependent industries (e.g. ski season, harvest)

Up to 9 months

Investor residence applicants

Visiting NZ to arrange or investigate investments

12–18 months

Other unique roles

Where no NZ citizen or resident is suitable for the job

Case-by-case duration

 For each type, you’ll need specific evidence – such as a job offer, invitation, or secondment letter.


What documents do you need?

(depends on your specific reason)

You may need to provide:

  • A valid job offer or invitation to participate in the event
  • A completed Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113)
  • Proof of your skills/qualifications
  • Evidence of funds to support yourself
  • Details of the event or work duration
  • For seasonal workers: work experience, job ad history, and employer accreditation

 How long is the visa valid for?

  • The visa is granted only for the time required to complete the purpose or event.
  • The maximum stay varies depending on the category.
  • Extensions are allowed only in certain categories where explicitly permitted.

Can I get another visa under this category?

In most cases, you cannot apply again under this category if you already hold a Specific Purpose or Event visa — unless:

  • The policy allows for extensions in your category (check the visa table), and
  • You need more time to complete the same purpose or event.

 Conditions on your visa:

  • You can only work for the specific employer and in the role/location mentioned in your visa.
  • Your visa may allow multiple entries into New Zealand while valid.
  • If outside NZ, you’ll be given enough time to enter the country before starting your role.

 Who cannot apply?

  • Guardians of international students holding a Visitor Visa (V3.100) cannot apply for this visa.
  • If you are filling a permanent role (like a full-time farm worker), you must apply under a different visa (e.g. Accredited Employer Work Visa).

 Need help applying?

Every case is unique. At JD Immigration, we can help:

? Check if your job or role qualifies
? Gather the right documents
? Prepare a strong application
? Handle extensions (if applicable)

 Book a consultation today to see if this visa is right for you.