Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports)

The Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Work Visa is designed for people with exceptional ability in the arts, culture, or sport who want to live and work in New Zealand. Unlike employer-sponsored visas, you don't need a traditional job offer, instead, you need the backing of a New Zealand organisation that's recognised by Immigration New Zealand for its excellence in your field.

This is a work-to-residence visa, which means it's explicitly designed as a stepping stone to permanent residency. After 2 years of actively working in your field in New Zealand, you can apply for the Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa. You must be 55 or under at the time of application and demonstrate exceptional talent through evidence like international awards, exhibitions, competitions, or a body of work that shows national or international recognition.

Concord works with artists, athletes, filmmakers, musicians, and cultural practitioners to identify the right sponsoring organisation, build a compelling evidence portfolio, and manage the visa process from application through to residence. If you've achieved something remarkable in your field and want to bring that talent to New Zealand, this visa is built for you.

This visa is for genuinely exceptional people in creative and sporting fields, think award-winning filmmakers, internationally exhibited artists, elite athletes, renowned musicians, or cultural leaders. You need to show a track record of achievement that goes beyond just being good at what you do: Immigration New Zealand is looking for national or international recognition in your specific discipline.

It's also a strong option for people who've been invited to New Zealand by a recognised arts, cultural, or sporting organisation, for example, to join a national sports programme, lead a cultural initiative, or contribute to a major creative project. If you're not sure whether your achievements qualify as "exceptional," Concord can help you assess your profile and build the case.