Immigration New Zealand has formally revised the terms of the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), a popular visa route for athletes and coaches worldwide, in a significant update that impacts sports professionals seeking to reside and work in New Zealand. The purpose of these modifications, which were announced on May 26, 2025, is to more effectively facilitate professionals in the expanding sports industry by providing them with visa durations that are tailored to the level of competition.
We will provide a comprehensive overview of all the information that is necessary for current visa holders and international applicants.
What’s New in the SPWV Policy for Sports Professionals?
The duration of stay under the Specific Purpose Work Visa has been modified as of May 26, 2025, as follows:
| Applicant Type | New Maximum Visa Duration |
|---|---|
| Sports players and coaches below national/regional level | Up to 12 months |
| Sports players and coaches at national or regional level | Up to 36 months |
- Visa Extension Permitted: Individuals who are currently in New Zealand on an SPWV at the national or regional level are now permitted to extend their visa for a maximum of 36 months in the event that their contract is extended.
- The objective of this modification is to provide professional athletes and coaches with additional contractual flexibility and time to enhance their skills.
Who Is Considered a “Professional” Sports Applicant?
In order to qualify for the revised policy, applicants must satisfy the following criteria:
- Professional Sports Player: A professional sports player is an individual who is employed by a New Zealand sports organization and is primarily responsible for training and competing.
- Professional Sports Coach: An individual who is engaged by a New Zealand sports club to provide professional sports coaching.
- National or Regional Level: Applicants who represent a club in top-tier national, trans-Tasman, or international competitions.
Check Also: Taking IQA for New Zealand Visas
General Eligibility Criteria for the Specific Purpose Work Visa:
The following is required, irrespective of the applicant’s industry:
- A authentic offer that pertains to a particular purpose or event in New Zealand.
- Experience and qualifications that are pertinent to the position.
- Evidence of the duration of your stay, such as a work contract or schedule.
- Good health (may necessitate a medical certificate or X-ray).
- Character (police certifications are necessary for extended visits).
- Enough funds or a sponsor to cover living expenses.
- Evidence of departure intentions (e.g., a return ticket or the financial resources to purchase one).
Please be advised that this visa application does not permit the inclusion of your spouse or children. Separate visa applications must be submitted by each individual of them.
Benefits of New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa:
- Temporary Entry for a Clear Purpose: This option is most suitable for individuals who are arriving to complete a specific project, assignment, or event.
- No Need for Labor Market Test: Unlike other work visas, this visa frequently does not necessitate evidence that no New Zealander is capable of performing the job.
- Adaptable to a Wide Range of Applicants: Appropriate for senior executives, sportspeople, businesspeople, and specialists.
- Multiple Entry Options: The visa allows for multiple entries and exits from New Zealand.
- Duration Matches the Assignment: The duration of the visa is determined by the duration of the assignment, which is typically up to three years, depending on the nature of the position.
- Opportunity for Company Transfers: Enables the intra-company transfer of senior employees or specialist workers.
- No Job Offer Needed in Some Cases: In certain instances, a job offer is not required. A formal employment offer may not be required if you are traveling for an invited position, such as a conference speaker.
- Brings International Expertise to New Zealand: Intended to provide New Zealand organizations with temporary access to specialized abilities.
- Eligible to Bring Family: Eligible to bring family members (in certain circumstances) Your companion and dependent children may be permitted to accompany you on visitor or student visas.
- Pathway to Future Opportunities: Experience in New Zealand may be advantageous when applying for longer-term visas or residence in the future.
What Can You Do With This Visa?
- Your visa specifies the specific purpose or event for which you are employed.
- If your visa contains multiple-entry conditions, you are permitted to enter and exit New Zealand.
- Obtain an IRD number for tax registration in order to engage in legal employment.
- The Specific Purpose Work Visa application is subject to a substantial fee, which is indicative of its specialized nature, starting at NZD $1455. In terms of processing, anticipate efficiency: Within 3.5 weeks, 80% of applications are processed, rendering it one of the more efficient visa pathways for professionals traveling to New Zealand.
How to Apply for the SPWV Online?
- Ensure that your purpose aligns with the list of acceptable events or employment and verify your eligibility.
- Prepare documents, including:
- job proposition or contract
- Evidence of sponsorship or funding
- Health and character certificates
- Qualifications evidence
- Apply online via https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/specific-purpose-work-visa/
- Wait for a decision — If your current visa expires during the processing procedure, interim visas may be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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What are the key changes to the SPWV in 2025?
The median wage requirement has been abolished for SPWV applicants as of March 10, 2025. From April 1, 2025, employers are only obligated to pay the New Zealand minimum wage of NZD $23.50 per hour.
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Are there changes specific to sports professionals?
In fact, the visa duration for sports professionals who are applying for or reapplying for the SPWV has been modified as of May 26, 2025. This visa category now allows professional sports athletes and coaches to remain in New Zealand for a maximum of three years.
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What are the new eligibility criteria for the seasonal SPWV subcategory?
Applicants need to have a minimum of four months of relevant work experience in a position that involves comparable responsibilities or duties. The position must be seasonal, provide a minimum wage of the New Zealand minimum wage, and require a minimum of 30 hours of work per week.
