New Zealand•Oceania5 weeks
NZ$1,455 NZD
Varies by filing options
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Sponsored 2-year work visa for ministers, missionaries, and trained religious workers offered roles with a registered NZ religious charity, with a path to residence.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand, the Religious Worker Work Visa lets ministers, missionaries and members of religious orders take sponsored roles with a NZ religious organisation registered as a charity whose primary purpose is advancing religion. Applicants need a confirmed work offer and at least two years of relevant training or experience.
Each visa lasts up to two years, with one further two-year visa allowed (four years total) before applicants must switch categories or seek residence. The fee starts at NZD 1,355, plus the NZ$100 IVL where it applies, and 80% of decisions issue within 7.5 weeks. Partners and dependent children cannot be included and must apply separately.
This visa is ideal for ordained clergy, missionaries or religious teachers sponsored by a registered NZ religious charity who aim to progress to residence via the Religious Worker Resident Visa after three years.
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandMust have an offer of religious work from a sponsoring organization.
The sponsoring organization must be a registered charity in New Zealand.
Must have at least 2 years of religious training or work experience.
Must be sponsored by the organization for the duration of the stay.
Must meet health and character requirements.
Experience
2+ years
Valid passport
Religious credentials
Experience evidence
Police certificate
Health certificate
Charity registration (sponsor)
Organization documents (sponsor)
Employment agreement (sponsor)
| Religious Worker Work Visa Application | — |
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