1st Contact New Zealand Visas

Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Visa

The Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy is for those persons who have exceptional talent as a sports person, an artist, or an arts or cultural performer and have sponsorship from a New Zealand art, cultural or sporting organisation. This will allow you to apply for a 30 month visa, which potentially can lead to a permanent residence visa for New Zealand.

To be eligible for this visa you must:

• Be aged 55 years or under
• Be in good health and of good character
• Have exceptional talent in your field of art, culture or sport
• Be sponsored by a New Zealand organisation of national repute

To be considered as having exceptional talent, you must show that:

• You have an international reputation and record of excellence in your field
• You are still prominent in your field
• Your presence in New Zealand will enhance the country’s participation and accomplishments in that field

To be considered for a permanent residence visa your organisation must agree to sponsor you. The sponsorship arrangement must include the nomination of an individual from your organisation who will act as your personal sponsor. This individual must undertake to provide you with financial support and accommodation during the first 2 years of residence, should this be necessary.

To be eligible you must:

• Be in good health and of good character
• Have been employed by a New Zealand organisation under the Talent (Arts, Culture and Sports) Work Policy for at least 24 months and actively involved in your field of art, culture or sport
• Be sponsored by a New Zealand organisation of national repute
• Still be prominent in your field and show that your ongoing presence in New Zealand will enhance the country’s accomplishments and participation
• Not have applied for or been granted any social welfare benefits during your time in New Zealand

Permanent residence in New Zealand will only be granted if you satisfy all visa requirements as outlined by New Zealand Immigration.