Specific Purpose Work Visa

A work visa without the need for employer accreditation

The Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) enables employers to bring offshore talent to New Zealand for time-bound roles or events. 

If your business needs to bring in a highly skilled overseas worker for a fixed-term project, event, or specialist task, the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) could be the right fit: no employer accreditation required. 

This visa is designed for temporary, purpose-driven work. It’s a flexible solution for businesses that need to engage overseas professionals without committing to long-term employment or the requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). 

When to use the Specific Purpose Work Visa

This SPWV is best suited to roles that are:

  • Temporary and clearly time-bound
  • Not part of your business’s ongoing workforce needs
  • Dependent on specific expertise, qualifications or experience not readily available in New Zealand

Common examples include:

  • Short-term secondments within international companies
  • Specialist technicians or installers for one-off projects
  • Sports coaches or professional athletes for a season or event
  • Overseas workers needing occupational registration in New Zealand
  • Other scenarios not covered by the Accredited Employer Work Visa

Alternative uses for the Specific Purpose Work Visa:

In addition to the common cases above, Immigration New Zealand recognises a range of specific, often niche, uses for this visa:

  • Referees or judges invited to sports events, shows, exhibitions, or competitions
  • Dance and music examiners from recognised international teaching institutions
  • Entertainment industry workers, including performers, film/video production crew, and support personnel
  • Businesspeople visiting longer than 3 months to undertake specific business activities
  • Approved investors or retirement migrants assessing opportunities or managing direct investments
  • Active Investor Plus applicants arranging the transfer or investment of funds in New Zealand
  • Entrepreneur residence applicants maintaining their NZ-based business under transitional work visa conditions
  • Philippines nurses completing a Competence Assessment Programme with a job offer from a District Health Board
  • Workers in seasonal industries (outside horticulture/viticulture) employed by accredited AEWV employers, where the work is directly tied to climate or seasonal factors
  • Other unique or one-off roles, where the role or circumstances mean it’s inappropriate or impractical for a New Zealander to fill the position (e.g. requiring foreign government clearance or country-specific qualifications)

Benefits for your business

  • No accreditation needed – Employers don’t need to be accredited with Immigration New Zealand to support this visa.
  • Faster – Fewer requirements than other work visa types can mean quicker turnaround times.
  • Simple and specific – The visa ties directly to the individual’s defined task or event, making the scope clear for all parties.

Your obligations as an employer 

While accreditation isn’t required, employers must still support the visa application appropriately. This typically includes: 

1

Providing a formal offer or invitation

You’ll need to supply a letter confirming: 

  • The role and responsibilities
  • The fixed duration of the engagement
  • Why the role is tied to a specific purpose or event
3

Complying with employment laws

The role must meet or exceed:

  • Minimum wage
  • Employment rights and protections
  • Health and safety standards
2

Completing an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113)

Depending on the circumstances, you may need to complete this form to outline key details of the job and confirm that you’re meeting New Zealand employment standards.

4

Justifying the need

You may be asked to demonstrate that:

  • The required skills or experience are not available locally
  • The applicant is uniquely suited to the role

Common employer mistakes to avoid

  • Unclear purpose – The visa must be linked to a specific, time-limited activity. General employment may not qualify.
  • Missing documentation – Incomplete support can delay or sink an application.
  • Wrong visa type – If the worker is filling a permanent or ongoing position, the AEWV may be more appropriate.

How VisaAide helps

Navigating visa options can be complex—especially when the right category depends on the specific context of the role. VisaAide can help you:

  • Confirm whether the SPWV is suitable for your needs
  • Prepare your supporting documents (e.g. offer letter, justification)
  • Complete the INZ forms correctly
  • Liaise with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf

Need to hire for a fixed-term project?

The Specific Purpose Work Visa offers a streamlined pathway to bring in overseas talent without the need for employer accreditation. While accreditation is a great long-term solution for ongoing recruitment, this visa suits one-off or short-term engagements that fall outside your regular hiring needs. 

Talk to VisaAide to find out whether this visa fits your situation and get expert support every step of the way.