What is a Religious Worker Work Visa?
The Religious Worker Work Visa is for people who are offered a job to do religious work in New Zealand by a recognised religious group. If you work in this role for three years in a row, you might be able to stay in New Zealand permanently.
Visa Charges (NZ Immigration)
Starts from NZD $700
Processing Time
Around 9 weeks for 80% of applications
Length of Stay
Up to 2 years
Things to Note
- Your partner and kids can’t be part of your visa, but they can apply separately based on their relationship with you.
- Your kids can get visas if you earn at least NZ$43,322.76 yearly or if your religious group sponsoring you also sponsors them.
Benefits of the Religious Worker Work Visa
- Work in New Zealand: Be involved in religious work throughout New Zealand.
- Chance to Study: Study for up to 3 months within any 12 months.
- Pathway to Residency: You get a chance to apply for residency after working for three years under this visa.
Note: The cost and availability of New Zealand visas can change because of decisions made by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.
Reach out to us today, to find out how we can assist you in reaching your immigration goals.
Application Requirements
Your Religious Worker Work Visa application needs the documents listed below.
Identity proof
Valid proof of Identity is required to be submitted in the application.
Health Check
Make sure you meet health requirements.
Good Character
Show proof of good character.
Genuine Intentions
You must genuinely fulfil the conditions required by the visa.
Religious Training and Experience
Need 2 years of religious training and experience.
Sponsorship
Must be sponsored by an approved religious organisation.
Religious Work
You should have a job offer for religious work from your sponsoring organisation.
Application Process
The application process for the Religious Worker Work Visa is different for each country. Below are instructions on how you can apply for the visa from your country of origin.
Steps and Fees
Just fill in your country information on the website here to see how to apply, how long it takes, and what it costs.
How to Submit
After you enter your country info on the site linked above, you’ll get details on how to submit, pay, and where to send your application.
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Conditions for the Visa
There are certain conditions that you would need to follow as a holder of the Religious Worker Work Visa in New Zealand.
Entry Permission
When you get to New Zealand, fill out a New Zealand Traveller Declaration to get permission to enter.
Sponsorship
A religious organisation registered as a charity must sponsor you to do religious work in New Zealand.
Work
You can only do the religious work listed in your job contract and at the place specified.
Duration
You can have this visa for up to 2 years, and you might be able to extend it later.
Study
You can study for up to 3 months every year.
Travel
You can come and go from New Zealand as many times as you want while your visa is valid.
Visa Expiry
Make sure you leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
Important Rules:
- You can apply for a longer stay with another Religious Workers visa, which can last up to 4 years. After 3 years of religious work in New Zealand, you can also apply for a Religious Worker Residence from Work visa.
- Remember, you may only be allowed into New Zealand if you meet character requirements, your situation has changed, or if you completely follow entry procedures like providing biometric info when asked.
Religious Worker Work Visa Process at ICL
At ICL Immigration, we understand that navigating the Religious Worker Work Visa can be hard. This is why we help you with our tried and tested step-by-step method in helping you get a Religious Worker Work Visa successfully.
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Eligibility Check
We check if you are eligible, review your job offer, and ensure you meet the necessary criteria, including health, character, and experience requirements.
Step 2: Gathering Documents
We assist in gathering and organising all needed documents, like IDs, health and character certifications, and proof of your religious training and job offer.
Step 3: Submitting Your Application
We help you fill out the application correctly and manage the payment of the necessary fees as per Immigration New Zealand’s rules.
Step 4: Keeping You Posted
We keep an eye on your application, updating you on its progress and handling any communication with immigration officials, sorting out questions and adding more info when required.
Step 5: After Approval
Once your visa’s approved, we’ll let you know right away and help you get set for your journey to New Zealand, including making sure you meet the entry rules.
Step 6: After You Arrive
When you land, we’re still here to help, making sure you’re all good as you start your religious work and making sure you follow your visa rules.
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Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
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FAQs
What qualifications are needed to apply for a Religious Worker Work Visa?
You must have at least 2 years of religious training or work experience and an offer of employment from a registered New Zealand religious organization.
How long can I stay in New Zealand with this visa?
The visa allows you to stay for up to 2 years, and after three years, you can apply for subsequent visas or residency under the Religious Worker Residence from Work visa.
Can my family accompany me to New Zealand?
While you cannot include partners or dependent children in your visa application, they can apply for their visas based on their relationship with you, provided certain conditions are met.
What are the costs involved in applying for this visa?
The application starts from NZD 700, but additional costs may include health checks, police clearances, and possible legal fees.
What are the main reasons a Religious Worker Work Visa application might be declined?
Common reasons include incomplete applications, failure to meet health and character requirements, or insufficient evidence of genuine religious work and intentions.
Can I study while on a Religious Worker Work Visa?
Yes, you can study for up to three months in any 12 months.
What happens if my job with the sponsoring organization ends?
If your employment ends, you must notify Immigration New Zealand, as this may affect your visa status. You may need to find another eligible sponsor or apply for a different type of visa.
Can I travel outside New Zealand and return on this visa?
Yes, you can travel in and out of New Zealand while awaiting the validity of your visa. If you plan to travel frequently, ensure your visa is a multiple-entry visa.
How do I prove my intent to fulfil the conditions of the visa?
You should provide evidence of your religious training, previous religious work, and a detailed description of your proposed activities in New Zealand.
What happens after I complete three years of work on a Religious Worker Work Visa?
After three years, you may be eligible to apply for a Religious Worker Residence from Work visa, which can lead to permanent residency in New Zealand.
Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.
