WHV to work permit
 

I am currently in NZ on a 23 month WHV and have recently started work in a position in which I'm quite sure I'd be eligible for a work permit. My contract is ongoing and I think my employer would be happy to continue to keep me once the term I have agreed to stay comes to an end.

My question really relates to the working 12 months out of 23 rule on the WHV. I have worked for 9 months so far, in other employment, and my visa now expires in November. Is is possible for me to continue work until my visa expiry date without obtaining a work permit? I know of many people who have worked over the 12 month limit with no problems, but I'd like to avoid this... If I do work over the 12 months will this affect my chances of gaining a work permit? Or do I really need to get moving quickly in obtaining a work permit ASAP?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Re: WHV to work permit
 

Believe me from experience, do not leave things until the last minute. Make sure you apply for work permit before your 12 month term is up, leave yourself lots of time before your visa expires. You never know how long these things are going to take and how long it will take you to get all the paperwork together.

Re: WHV to work permit
 

You need to get moving and apply for a temp work permit. Do not delay & do not consider working illegally.

Re: WHV to work permit
 

Hi

I am moving to NZ on the same WHV in a weeks time and Im a little unsure about the restrictions regarding the type of employment that i can obtain on this visa. I understand that I can only work for a 12 month period, but can an employer only hire me on a temp contract or can i look for a permanent position? I also plan to apply for a work permit once i have settled in so if an employer were willing to employ me based on that would that be allowed?

thank you

Re: WHV to work permit
 

You can apply for a temp work permit but it will only be granted if the job is classed as `skilled` :thumbdown: