adminNew Zealand continues to open its doors to foreigners looking for jobs, immigration opportunities, and visa-sponsored roles that make it easier to work abroad.
Many unskilled positions now pay between NZD 23–30 per hour, with some full-time workers earning over NZD 55,000 per year through consistent shifts.
If you’re searching for the best place to start a new life with stable income, New Zealand remains one of the top destinations for immigrants.
Why Consider Working in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers a strong economy, high salaries, and countless job opportunities for foreign workers. Even unskilled roles attract competitive pay, averaging NZD 900–1,200 per week, depending on shifts and employers.
Employers in agriculture, construction, hospitality, and manufacturing continue to request foreign labor due to workforce shortages.
Some reasons immigrants choose New Zealand include:
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Attractive salaries: Many unskilled jobs pay NZD 23–28 per hour, plus overtime.
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High demand: Over 45,000+ vacancies yearly for foreigners.
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Visa sponsorship pathways** like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
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Safe, stable, and family-friendly environment.
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Strong employee rights ensuring paid leave, health benefits, and workplace protections.
With rising demand for labor across rural and urban regions, foreign applicants now have the best chance to secure stable long-term employment in New Zealand.
High Paying Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand
Unskilled and low-skilled sectors in New Zealand still offer very attractive salaries. Many positions require no formal qualifications, yet employers pay generously due to ongoing shortages.
Some of the highest-paying unskilled or low-skill jobs include:
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Farm Workers – NZD 24–28/hr (up to NZD 60,000 yearly).
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Fruit Pickers & Packers – NZD 23–26/hr with seasonal bonuses.
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Cleaners & Housekeepers – NZD 23–25/hr, increasing with experience.
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Construction Laborers – NZD 25–30/hr, overtime included.
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Aged Care Support Workers – NZD 26–29/hr, sponsored training available.
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Factory & Warehouse Assistants – NZD 23–27/hr depending on shift.
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Hospitality Workers – NZD 23–25/hr, plus tips and accommodation in some regions.
Many Accredited Employers also sponsor AEWV visas that allow you to transition to more permanent residency pathways over time.
Qualifications for Immigrants in New Zealand
Most unskilled job roles do not require formal academic qualifications, making it easier for immigrants and foreigners without degrees to work abroad in New Zealand. However, employers still expect certain basic competencies.
Common requirements include:
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Ability to lift 10–25kg for physical roles.
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Basic education level (secondary school).
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Ready to work full-time (40–60 hrs weekly).
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Ability to follow instructions and meet safety procedures.
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Previous experience in labor roles is an advantage but not compulsory.
Salary expectations remain high even with minimal qualifications, often starting from NZD 48,000–55,000 per year across most industries hiring immigrants.
Some employers may also provide paid training worth NZD 1,000–3,000 to help you settle into your role.
Salary Expectations for Immigrants in New Zealand
Immigrants in unskilled jobs earn competitive salaries in New Zealand. The national minimum wage sits around NZD 23.15/hr, but most employers pay above that, particularly those offering visa sponsorship.
Weekly earnings can reach NZD 950–1,300, and annual earnings often total NZD 48,000–65,000, depending on overtime and weekend shifts.
Average salary ranges for immigrants include:
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Agriculture roles: NZD 48,000–60,000/year
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Construction labor: NZD 52,000–70,000/year
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Manufacturing & warehousing: NZD 50,000–62,000/year
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Hospitality: NZD 45,000–55,000/year
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Cleaning industry: NZD 47,000–55,000/year
| Job Type | Hourly Pay (NZD) | Annual Salary (NZD) |
|---|---|---|
| Farm Worker | 24–28 | 52,000–60,000 |
| Fruit Picker | 23–26 | 48,000–54,000 |
| Cleaner | 23–25 | 47,000–52,000 |
| Construction Laborer | 25–30 | 55,000–70,000 |
| Warehouse Assistant | 23–27 | 48,000–58,000 |
| Aged Care Worker | 26–29 | 54,000–62,000 |
| Hospitality Staff | 23–25 | 45,000–52,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand has clear eligibility requirements for foreigners seeking unskilled jobs, especially those hoping to secure visa sponsorship.
While these jobs do not require tertiary education, employers and immigration authorities still set standards to ensure you can work safely and contribute to the economy.
Most unskilled workers earn between NZD 48,000–62,000 per year, depending on job location and industry demand.
To qualify for work in New Zealand, immigrants must meet:
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Age requirement: Usually 18–55 years old, depending on employer policy.
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Health and character checks: Medical test costs range from NZD 180–300, while police certificates may cost NZD 20–45, depending on your country.
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Job offer requirement: Most visas require a confirmed job offer paying at least NZD 23.15 per hour.
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Proof of funds: Some visas require NZD 2,000–4,500 to show you can support yourself.
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Employer accreditation: Must be hired by a company approved to sponsor foreign workers.
Once you meet these requirements, you can smoothly transition to full-time work and start earning stable income abroad.
Language Requirements for Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand is an English-speaking country, so immigrants are expected to understand basic English.
However, unskilled jobs are more flexible, with many employers accepting applicants who speak simple, functional English. Even with minimal language proficiency, workers still earn competitive salaries of NZD 23–28 per hour.
Common language expectations include:
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Ability to understand simple instructions.
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Basic conversational English for safety briefings.
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Ability to read short forms, time sheets, or safety signs.
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Optional, but beneficial, IELTS score of 4.0–5.0, depending on visa type.
While the New Zealand immigration system does not strictly enforce language tests for unskilled visas, having moderate English skills increases your chances of being hired, helps with teamwork, and may increase your salary potential.
Many companies offer free on-site English support programs valued at NZD 500–1,500 annually, especially in agriculture and aged-care sectors that recruit foreign workers frequently.
Visa and Work Permit Requirements for Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand provides several visa pathways for foreigners seeking unskilled jobs.
The most common option is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), which allows immigrants to work for approved companies while earning between NZD 48,000–65,000 yearly.
Main visa options include:
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Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) – Requires a job offer and pays at least NZD 23.15/hr.
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Seasonal Work Visa – For fruit picking and farm jobs, offering NZD 23–26/hr.
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Working Holiday Visa – For applicants aged 18–30/35 from eligible countries.
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Residence Pathways – After working 2–4 years, some immigrants may qualify for residency based on skills shortage.
Visa fees typically range from NZD 750–1,200, while health insurance may cost NZD 200–500 per year. The AEWV remains the easiest path to secure long-term employment abroad in New Zealand.
Documents Checklist for Immigrants in New Zealand
To apply for jobs and immigration visas in New Zealand, you must prepare a set of documents that show your identity, skills, and readiness to work abroad.
Having complete documents improves your hiring chances and speeds up visa processing times, which typically take 4–8 weeks.
Required documents include:
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Valid passport (at least 2 years validity).
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Passport photographs (NZD 15–25).
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Updated CV/resume tailored to New Zealand employers.
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Educational certificates or proof of secondary school.
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Police character certificate.
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Medical examination report.
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Job offer letter indicating salary (must meet NZD 23.15/hr minimum).
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Proof of funds, if required.
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Employment reference letters.
Once these documents are ready, you can apply confidently, knowing you meet both employer and immigration requirements.
How to Apply for Immigrant Jobs in New Zealand
Applying for jobs in New Zealand is straightforward when you follow the country’s recruitment process.
Employers typically need workers urgently, especially in agriculture, construction, logistics, and hospitality, industries that pay NZD 48,000–65,000 per year to immigrants.
Follow these steps to apply successfully:
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Prepare a New Zealand–style CV (2 pages).
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Research accredited employers currently hiring foreigners.
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Apply directly via job portals and company websites.
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Ensure your application shows your willingness to relocate.
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Attend online interviews, usually lasting 10–20 minutes.
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Request a written job offer with salary details.
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Submit your visa application immediately through Immigration New Zealand.
Successful applicants normally receive job confirmations within 7–21 days and visa approvals within 4–8 weeks, depending on demand.
Top Employers & Companies Hiring Immigrants in New Zealand
New Zealand has hundreds of Accredited Employers ready to sponsor foreign workers for unskilled and low-skilled jobs.
These companies offer competitive salaries ranging from NZD 48,000–70,000 per year, depending on the industry. Many of them regularly recruit from overseas due to labor shortages.
Some of the top employers hiring immigrants include:
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Fonterra – Dairy and farm roles paying NZD 25–30/hr.
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AFFCO New Zealand – Meat processing jobs earning NZD 23–27/hr.
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Silver Fern Farms – Farming and processing roles starting at NZD 24/hr.
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Foodstuffs & Countdown – Warehouse assistants earning NZD 23–26/hr.
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AWF & Tradestaff Recruitment – Construction labor paying NZD 25–30/hr.
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Bupa Aged Care – Support worker salaries of NZD 26–29/hr.
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Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) – Hospitality roles at NZD 23–25/hr.
These employers are accredited by Immigration New Zealand and have a long history of sponsoring foreigners to work abroad legally.
Where to Find Jobs for Immigrants in New Zealand
Finding immigrant jobs in New Zealand is very easy when you know the right platforms. Most companies now list salary ranges publicly, with unskilled positions offering NZD 23–28 per hour.
The best websites to find unskilled and visa-sponsored jobs include:
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Seek.co.nz – The largest platform with over 25,000+ jobs monthly.
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Trademe Jobs – Strong listings for warehouse and farm work.
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Working in New Zealand – Ideal for visa-sponsored jobs.
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Job Bank New Zealand – Government-aligned listings.
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Workhere.nz – Skilled and unskilled foreign recruitment.
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Facebook local job groups – Many employers hire directly here.
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Company websites – Especially farms, construction firms, and food processing companies.
Most job listings include detailed salary breakdowns, helping immigrants know exactly how much they will earn before applying.
Working in New Zealand as Immigrants
Working in New Zealand gives immigrants the chance to earn high wages and enjoy a great work–life balance.
Unskilled workers earn an average of NZD 48,000–62,000 per year, with accommodation subsidies available in some rural areas.
Immigrants enjoy:
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Strong labor laws protecting foreign workers.
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Paid leave of 20 days yearly and public holidays.
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Employer-paid training worth NZD 500–2,000.
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Chance to convert work visas into residency.
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Friendly multicultural work environments.
Daily tasks are straightforward in unskilled roles, and employers provide training.
Whether you work in agriculture, construction, hospitality, or manufacturing, you’ll find New Zealand welcoming, safe, and full of opportunities to grow your income abroad.
Why Employers in New Zealand Want to Sponsor Immigrants
New Zealand employers continue to sponsor immigrants due to nationwide shortages in unskilled labor.
Many industries are losing workers to Australia, leaving gaps that must be filled by foreign talent. This creates thousands of job openings with salaries averaging NZD 23–30/hr.
Employers sponsor immigrants because:
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Local workforce is not enough to meet demand.
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Immigrants work full-time and are more consistent.
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Visa sponsorship helps companies secure long-term staff.
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Sponsored workers reduce recruitment costs.
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Foreigners support economic growth, especially in rural areas.
Because of these reasons, employers gladly offer visa sponsorship, relocation support, paid training, and stable contracts lasting 1–3 years with the possibility of extensions.
FAQ about Immigrant Jobs in New Zealand
What is the salary for unskilled workers in New Zealand?
Unskilled workers earn between NZD 23–30 per hour, with annual pay ranging NZD 48,000–65,000, depending on industry and location.
Does New Zealand offer visa sponsorship for unskilled workers?
Yes. Many Accredited Employers sponsor foreigners under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), especially in agriculture, construction, aged care, and manufacturing.
What is the minimum requirement to work in New Zealand as a foreigner?
You only need a valid passport, police certificate, medical exam, and a job offer paying at least NZD 23.15/hr.
Do I need IELTS to work in New Zealand?
Not always. Many unskilled jobs do not require IELTS. However, basic English is necessary for workplace safety.
How long does a New Zealand work visa take to process?
Most visas take 4–8 weeks, depending on application volume and documentation accuracy.
Which jobs are easiest for immigrants to get in New Zealand?
Fruit picking, farm work, cleaning, factory work, construction labor, aged care support, and warehouse jobs, salaries range from NZD 45,000–65,000 per year.
Can immigrants get permanent residency in New Zealand?
Yes. After gaining work experience and meeting salary thresholds, many foreigners qualify for residency pathways under the Skilled Migrant or Green List categories.
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