New Zealand businesses don’t always need a new full-time hire – sometimes what’s required is a short-term solution. Maybe a global head office wants to second a team member into a local office, or perhaps a machine breakdown means a specialist technician is urgently needed from overseas.
In these situations, the Specific Purpose Work Visa is often the most practical and efficient option.
The scale of short-term skill needs
Recent Immigration New Zealand data shows that thousands of Specific Purpose Work Visas are approved every year. While the Accredited Employer Work Visa dominates headlines, the Specific Purpose category is quietly playing a crucial role for Kiwi businesses.
The majority of applications fall into three categories:
- International transfers and secondments – companies moving staff across borders to share expertise.
- Technical experts – often from equipment suppliers, brought in to install or repair machinery.
- Project-based specialists – consultants, contractors, or executives needed on-site for a set period.
In the manufacturing and engineering sectors alone, employers report that delays in accessing international expertise can cost tens of thousands of dollars per day in lost productivity. Bringing the right people in quickly isn’t just convenient, it’s critical for business continuity.
Why businesses often overlook this pathway
Many employers assume they need to go through the more complex Accredited Employer Work Visa process for all overseas staff. In reality, the Specific Purpose Work Visa can be:
- Simpler – fewer long-term requirements, as it’s tied to a defined role or project.
- Faster – processing times are often shorter, especially for well-prepared applications.
- Flexible – visa durations range from a few months to three years, depending on the project or assignment.
For companies managing global mobility, it can be a highly cost-effective solution.
What Kiwi businesses should consider
If you’re weighing up whether this visa is the right fit, ask yourself:
- Is the role temporary, with a clear purpose and end date?
- Is this person coming from your international office, or a supplier with unique technical expertise?
- Will delays in their arrival cause significant downtime or project costs?
If the answer is yes, the Specific Purpose Work Visa may be the most efficient route.
A pathway worth knowing about
At a time when skill shortages dominate the headlines, it’s worth remembering that not every staffing need requires a long-term solution. For short, defined assignments, the Specific Purpose Work Visa offers employers a way to move quickly, stay compliant, and keep operations running smoothly.
