Specific Purpose Work Visa updates

New visa durations offer flexibility for athletes and coaches

On 26 May 2025, Immigration New Zealand introduced updates to the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV), extending the allowable visa durations for sports professionals. These changes are intended to better reflect the unique needs of the professional sports sector in New Zealand.

Under the new rules, athletes and coaches who are not competing at a national or regional level may now be granted a visa of up to 12 months. For those engaged at a national, trans-Tasman, or international competition level, the visa duration has increased to 36 months.

This is a significant improvement for sports professionals, as those meeting the national or regional threshold can now also reapply for a second SPWV if their contract is extended, allowing a combined stay of up to three years.

Who qualifies as a sports professional?

Immigration New Zealand defines a professional sports player as someone who holds a paid position at a New Zealand sports club and whose main role is to train for and compete in their sport. A professional sports coach is similarly someone in a paid coaching role at a New Zealand club. To be considered competing at a national or regional level, an individual must be representing a club in a top-tier domestic, trans-Tasman, or international league.

The SPWV has long been a useful pathway for short-term or event-specific roles in New Zealand, but until now, sports professionals were typically only allowed one such visa. The new settings recognise the ongoing nature of many sports contracts and create a more sustainable option for teams and clubs.

Application criteria and eligibility

To qualify for a SPWV, applicants must demonstrate a genuine reason for entering New Zealand to complete a specific purpose or event. They must be qualified for the work, meet the relevant visa conditions, and provide the necessary supporting documents. This includes proof of a job offer, relevant qualifications or experience, and a clear timeline of how long they need to stay in the country.

To be eligible, you must also:

• Be in good health and of good character
• Show how long you need to stay and how you will support yourself
• Have a genuine reason for travel and proof you intend to depart once your purpose is complete

Conditions while in New Zealand

While in New Zealand on a SPWV, visa holders are required to work only in the specific role, for the designated employer, and in the location listed on their visa. Any changes to this arrangement would require a new application or a variation of conditions.

If you wish to travel in and out of New Zealand during your stay, your visa must have a valid multiple-entry condition. If not, leaving the country will cause the visa to expire. If you need to change this condition, you must apply using a paper form before exiting the country.

It is also important to note that all workers in New Zealand must pay tax. This means obtaining an IRD number from Inland Revenue and fulfilling any applicable tax obligations while earning income.

Staying longer and interim visas

For most SPWV holders, applying for another visa of the same type is not permitted. However, this restriction now has an important exception for national and regional-level sports professionals, who may extend their stay to a total of 36 months if their contract is extended and a second SPWV is approved.

Certain business professionals may also qualify for an extended SPWV. Senior or specialist business people on short-term secondments can apply to stay an additional 12 months, while transferees from multinational companies operating in New Zealand may be eligible for up to three more years.

If your current temporary visa is set to expire while Immigration New Zealand is still processing your new application, an Interim Visa will typically be issued to allow you to remain in the country lawfully during the decision period.

Supporting New Zealand’s sports sector

These changes are a welcome development for New Zealand’s sports industry, which relies on international talent to support competitive clubs and growing leagues. By aligning visa durations with sporting contracts, these adjustments not only reduce administrative complexity but also create more certainty for both clubs and professionals.

Contact us

Whether you are a business bringing athletes or coaches into New Zealand, or a sports professional seeking to compete or coach locally, Absolute Immigration NZ can provide expert guidance on the Specific Purpose Work Visa. Contact us at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com for tailored visa support and advice.