New Zealand: Expanded Visa Pathways for Business Visitors and Specialist Services Workers

Business Visitor Visa (BVV). The government has expanded visa rules to cover additional business visitor activities allowed under the BVV, including:  

• Attending informal training relevant to a business in which the individual is involved. The training must be limited to observation and theoretical instruction and must not lead to a formal qualification;  

• Conducting business transactions for a business in New Zealand, provided the individual holds a management or financial services role; or 

• Attending or participating in a tourism convention as a tour or travel agent, tour guide or tour operator. 

Employers and foreign nationals should assess whether their proposed activities fall within the expanded list and ensure they meet all applicable visa requirements. 

Entering under a BVV is a less time-consuming application process than entering under a work visa in New Zealand, so those whose activities qualify for a BVV benefit from fewer administrative burdens for entry. 

Specific Purpose Work Visa eligibility expanded. The government has expanded visa pathways for specialist services workers under the Specific Purpose Work Visa to include Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals. 

Although the previous policy did not explicitly set out Contractual Service Suppliers and Independent Professionals as separate categories for Specific Purpose Work Visa applications, such applications were possible in practice. The new policy formalizes and clarifies the requirements, including detailed criteria relating to qualifications, relevant work experience, New Zealand service contracts, skill level, labor market test evidence and other required supporting documentation.