Key Takeaways:
- Eligibility: Performers, directors, and crew must meet health, character, and genuine intent criteria, plus have a job offer.
- Employer Duties: Must prove job necessity, provide written offers, and potentially secure union agreements for visa sponsorship.
- Application Process: Submit documents online or on paper, pay fees, and await a decision within 16 days for the Entertainers Work Visa.
Full Guide to Obtaining the New Zealand Entertainers Work Visa
If you’re a performer, musician, or part of the entertainment crew, working in New Zealand could be a rewarding opportunity. The Entertainers Work Visa, a type of New Zealand Visa, is designed to enable industry professionals to engage in film, video, or production projects across New Zealand. Whether you’re an actor, director, or a member of the post-production team, this visa could open doors to exciting career prospects in the vibrant entertainment industry of New Zealand.
What Is an Entertainment Industry Worker?
An entertainment industry worker encompasses several roles such as:
– Entertainer
– Performing artist (musician, actor, extra, presenter, contestant)
– Producer
– Director
– Part of a film or video production crew
– Part of a film or video post-production crew
– Support personnel for any of the above
What Are the Eligibility Requirements for an Entertainers Work Visa?
To qualify for an Entertainers Work Visa, you must meet specific criteria:
1. Good Health: You must be in good health.
2. Good Character: You must be of good character.
3. Real Intentions: You must genuinely intend to adhere to the conditions of your visa.
4. Employment Offer: You must have an offer for entertainment employment in New Zealand.
5. Parental Consent: If you are under 18, your parent or legal guardian must sign your application.
What Must Employers Do to Sponsor an Entertainers Work Visa?
Your prospective employer has certain responsibilities:
– Proving Necessity: They must demonstrate that the job cannot be performed by New Zealanders. This involves providing documents that:
– Show the entertainer is internationally recognized.
– Indicate that the production’s financing depends on the entertainer’s involvement.
– Highlight the economic benefits to New Zealand’s economy.
– Show that more New Zealanders auditioned but were unsuccessful.
- Written Offer: For each hire, the employer must provide a written offer or contract that:
- Specifies the duration needed in New Zealand.
- Details the work to be done.
- Covers living, accommodation, and return costs.
- Union Agreement: If required, the employer must prove that a union or professional association has agreed to your engagement unless:
- The job lasts less than two weeks.
- It’s part of an official co-production.
- The employer holds entertainment industry accreditation.
- Supplementary Form: The employer must complete section J (Supplementary Form) of the ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers, and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application.‘ They will then provide it to you to complete the remaining parts of the form.
What Documents Are Necessary for an Entertainer Work Visa?
You’ll need to submit several documents:
1. Identification Documents:
– Photo: Compliance with New Zealand visa photo requirements.
– Passport: Certified copy for a paper application or an uploaded copy for an online application.
- Evidence of Good Health:
- A chest x-ray or medical examination, depending on your stay duration.
- Police Certificate:
- Required if you’re over 17 and plan to stay more than two years. The certificate must be less than six months old.
- Offer of Entertainment Work:
- Documentation from your employer outlining your role, significance, and the compliance with New Zealand laws.
What Conditions Must Be Met for an Entertainer Work Visa?
As a visa holder, these conditions apply:
– Entry Permission: Present your passport and arrival card to immigration officers upon arrival.
– Work Constraints: Work only in the specified job, location, and for the stated employer.
– Educational Restrictions: You cannot study on an Entertainers Work Visa.
– Travel: With a multiple-entry visa, you can re-enter New Zealand freely. A single-entry visa will expire once you leave New Zealand.
– Departure: Leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
How to Apply for an Entertainer Work Visa Online?
Here are the steps for an online application:
1. Job Offer: Secure a job offer from your promoter, producer, or production company.
2. Online Application Form: Complete the online work visa form through Immigration New Zealand’s website. Create or log in to your RealMe account, and select ‘Specific Purpose or Event’.
3. Document Preparation: Upload scanned documents as PDF files. Include the Supplementary Form completed by your employer.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee, immigration levy, and any other applicable fees online including NZD $735.
5. Submission: Submit your application. Upon processing, an email will notify you about your eVisa. Print and carry this when traveling.
How to Apply for an Entertainer Work Visa on Paper?
Alternatively, you can apply via paper:
1. Job Offer: Ensure you have a firm job offer.
2. Application Form: Complete the ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application,’ including your employer’s Supplementary Form.
3. Documentation: Gather all necessary documents and forms.
4. Fee Payment: Pay the application fees, ranging between NZD $740 to $815, plus any applicable courier and VAC service fees.
5. Appointment Booking: Schedule an appointment with VFSGlobal at the nearest NZ Visa Application Center.
6. Appointment Attendance: Submit your application in person. VFSGlobal will forward your application to Immigration New Zealand for processing.
What Are the Fees for an Entertainer Work Visa?
The fees for your Entertainers Visa depend on your application method:
– Online Application: NZD $735
– Paper Application: NZD $740 to $815
– Additional costs may include courier fees (NZD $17-$190) and VAC service fees (NZD $40-$75).
Processing Time for an Entertainer Work Visa
Applications typically processed within 16 days. You will receive a decision and, if approved, your eVisa via email.
How Long Is the Entertainer’s Work Visa Valid?
Your visa will be valid for the duration necessary to complete your work plus a grace period for your return home.
Can Family Members Accompany Me on an Entertainers Work Visa?
While you can’t bring family members under your Entertainers Work Visa, they can apply for family visas based on their relationship with you. Detailed information is available on the official New Zealand Immigration website.
Conclusion
Securing an Entertainers Work Visa to work in New Zealand is a straightforward process with the right information and preparation. This New Zealand Visa opens up numerous opportunities to work and thrive in the entertainment industry, provided all requirements are meticulously met. For additional guidelines and to ensure application accuracy, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website.
This comprehensive guide aims to simplify your journey towards obtaining an Entertainers Work Visa, ensuring you’re equipped with all you need to make your professional venture in New Zealand a successful and enriching experience.
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Glossary of Immigration Terms
- Entertainers Work Visa: A specific type of New Zealand visa intended for industry professionals such as performers, musicians, directors, and other entertainment crew members, allowing them to work on film, video, or production projects within New Zealand.
Entertainment Industry Worker: Individuals who perform various roles within the entertainment sector, including entertainers, performing artists, producers, directors, production crew members, post-production crew members, and support personnel.
Offer of Employment: A documented job proposal from an employer outlining details such as the duration, role, and tasks involved, necessary for the visa application process.
Supplementary Form: Section J of the ‘Performing Artists, Entertainers, and Entertainment Industry Personnel Work Visa Application’ that must be completed by the employer to provide additional information supporting the visa application.
Union Agreement: A necessary consent from a relevant union or professional association endorsing the engagement of a foreign worker in the entertainment industry, unless specific exemptions apply (e.g., the job lasts less than two weeks or it’s part of an official co-production).
This Article In A Nutshell:
The New Zealand Entertainers Work Visa opens doors to actors, musicians, and production crew. Requirements include health, character, employer offer, and parental consent for minors. Employers must justify the need, provide a job offer, union agreement if needed, and document economic benefits. Apply online or by paper, with fees ranging from NZD $740-815.
— By VisaVerge.com
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