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Moving to New Zealand with an Argentinian Passport
Relocating to New Zealand has been a major trend in recent years due to the country’s excellent quality of life, strong economy, and high demand for skilled overseas workers. As a rapidly ageing society, New Zealand continues to rely on immigration to fill shortages in key sectors such as healthcare, engineering, agriculture, construction, and information technology. Because of this, New Zealand consistently welcomes thousands of skilled migrants every year through temporary and permanent residency pathways.
Argentina has become an increasingly important source of immigrants for New Zealand. Many Argentinians, and foreign nationals who naturalised in Argentina, choose New Zealand because of its safe environment, English-speaking workforce, and strong protections for workers. The cultural exchange between Argentina and New Zealand grows every year, especially with the popularity of working holiday visas and skilled migration programs.
Below is a complete overview of how to move to New Zealand with an Argentinian passport, including temporary visas, work-based permanent residency pathways, job-search tools, language advantages, and the strategic benefits of first relocating to Argentina before starting your New Zealand immigration journey.
New Zealand Temporary Residency Programs
New Zealand offers several temporary visas that allow foreigners to work, study, or gain work experience. These temporary pathways often lead to permanent residency if you build skilled work experience inside the country.
a) Student Visa
For international students studying full-time at a New Zealand education provider (university, polytechnic, or college), at approved Pathway Education Providers, such as Pacific International Hotel Management School Limited, Lincoln University, etc. You must provide Proof of financial support that you have enough money to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel for yourself and any accompanying family members without working in New Zealand (NZD $20,000 for each year/person). Most student visas allow part-time work up to 20 hours per week and full-time during holidays. Must hold an appropriate NZQA IQA assessment of their overseas qualifications for NZ level and comparability.
***Explore and compare courses and institutions in New Zealand before applying.
If you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months, you must apply for a student visa before travelling; (*** important) you cannot enter on a visitor or NZeTA and apply onshore.
Private Training Establishments (PTEs)
Some PTEs offer Level 7+ qualifications in business, design, health, or applied sciences:
- Media Design School – Prep English alongside/before tertiary
- New Zealand College of Business
- New Zealand College of Chiropractic
- New Zealand Tertiary College
- Pacific International Hotel Management School Limited
- Queenstown Resort College
- Taylors College and Embassy CES
- Whitecliffe College of Arts and Design – Prep English alongside/before tertiary
Universities
b) Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- The most common work visa for foreign workers.
You must have a job offer from an Accredited Green List Employers in New Zealand for a role listed on the “Green List” or one that meets wage and skill requirements, or a position that is LMIA-exempt.
c) Working Holiday Visa (WHV) , For Argentinians
Argentinian passport holders between 18–35 years old can apply for a Working Holiday Visa, which allows:
• Living in New Zealand for up to 12 months
• Working for any employer
• Studying for up to 6 months
This is one of the easiest relocation pathways for young Argentinians.
Argentina Working Holiday Programme (Country List)
The Working Holiday Program enables foreigners to apply for visas to work and travel in Argentina, while Argentinians also can apply through the embassies of the reciprocal partner countries they wish to visit.
| Programme | Annual Quota |
|---|---|
| Australia Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 1,500 |
| Denmark Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | Unlimited |
| France Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians (reciprocal) | 1,000 |
| Germany Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | Unlimited |
| Ireland Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 200 |
| Netherlands Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 100 |
| New Zealand Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 1,000 |
| Poland Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 400 |
| Portugal Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians (reciprocal) | 100 |
| Republic of Korea Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | 200 |
| Sweden Work & Holiday Programme for Argentinians | Unlimited |
d) Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
For job offers in occupations facing significant shortages.
Employers may need to show that no New Zealand citizen/resident is available.
e) Partner of a Student or Worker Visa
Partners of eligible students or skilled workers can get an open work visa, and dependent children can study in public schools without international fees. In New Zealand, children must attend school from ages 6 to 16.
f) Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
After completing eligible New Zealand qualifications, international students can work for 1–3 years, depending on their degree level.
g) Seasonal Worker & Agriculture Programs
- Work short-term in NZ’s horticulture/viticulture industries. Must have a job offer from an approved RSE employer.
For people already in NZ on a student or visitor visa. Allows up to 6 months of seasonal horticulture/viticulture work with an approved employer.
h) Work While Waiting for Residency
- If you’ve already applied for skilled residency, you may be allowed to work under a temporary visa while waiting for approval.
Study Pathway to New Zealand
Studying in New Zealand is one of the most reliable and strategic ways to start your migration journey.
A student visa requires:
• Acceptance from a New Zealand education provider (university, polytechnic, institute)
• Proof of financial capacity
• Medical exam or police certificate (depending on country)
• English-language ability (IELTS, PTE, TOEFL)
Advantages of studying in New Zealand:
• Access to the Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) to gain skilled work experience
• Spouse can usually apply for an open work visa
• Children can attend public school
• Direct pathway to permanent residency through the Skilled Migrant Category or Green List jobs
A study-to-residency strategy is especially effective for professionals building an English-language profile or seeking New Zealand work experience.
Move to New Zealand via Permanent Residency (PR) Programs
New Zealand has several work-based and industry-specific pathways to secure permanent residency.
1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) , Points-Based Residency
The Skilled Migrant Category is New Zealand’s primary permanent residency program.
Points are awarded for:
• Skilled job offer in New Zealand
• New Zealand qualifications
• Work experience (especially in NZ)
• Occupation on the Green List
• Salary level
• Age and English skills
The SMC grants permanent residency directly once the points threshold is met.
2. Green List, In-Demand Job, Residency (Fast-Track PR)
New Zealand’s Green List includes in-demand occupations that qualify for fast-track straight to residence (Green List Tier 1 occupations) or residency after two years of work (Green List Tier 1 occupations).
If your job appears on the Green List Employer and you have an employer accredited by Immigration NZ, you may qualify for direct-to-residence.
| Category | Occupations |
|---|---|
| Green List Tier 1 Occupations | Engineers (Acoustic, Aeronautical, Aircraft Maintenance, Chemical, Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Environmental, Mechanical, Production/Plant, Structural, Telecommunications), Construction Managers, Quantity Surveyors, Surveyors, Health Practitioners (Doctors, Nurses, Surgeons, Therapists, Psychologists, Counsellors, Pharmacists, Dentists), Veterinarians, ICT Professionals, Teachers, Auditors |
| Green List Tier 2 Occupations | Construction/Plant Operators (Backhoe, Bulldozer, Crane, Excavator, Grader, Loader, Paving), Trades (Electricians, Plumbers, Gasfitters, Mechanics, Welders, Fitters, Fabricators, Machinists, Panel Beaters, Vehicle Painters), ICT Technicians, Corrections Officers, Dairy Farm Managers, School Principals, Halal Slaughterers, Special Education Teachers, Early Childhood Teachers, ESOL Teachers |
3. Investor & Entrepreneur Residence Pathways
New Zealand offers business and investment pathways, such as:
• Entrepreneur Work Visa (business creation and innovation, NZD $1 million)
These require investment capital or proof of entrepreneurial track record.
4. Family-Based Residency
Including:
• Partner of a New Zealand resident (Work Permit or Student Permit) holder. Spouse can work in New Zealand if your partner studies an eligible Level 7–10 qualification (Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree, Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Honours Degree, Postgraduate Certificate, Postgraduate Diploma, Master’s Degree, Doctoral Degree).
• Parent sponsorship (subject to quotas)
Regional & Sector-Specific Programs
NZ Regional Job Shortage Lists
Some regions have critical shortages and may offer easier visa approval for roles in:
• Dairy farming
• Forestry
• Construction
• Truck driving
• Hospitality and tourism
Working Holiday Jobs
Argentinians on a Working Holiday Visa often find work in:
• Hospitality
• Agriculture
• Tourism
• Seasonal jobs
• Retail
These experiences can lead to employer sponsorship under the AEWV if the employer is accredited.
Job Search Websites in New Zealand
Here are useful platforms for finding work:
• https://www.trademe.co.nz/jobs
• https://job.govt.nz
• https://www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz (Agriculture-specific)
How to Write a New Zealand-Style CV and Cover Letter
New Zealand CVs are usually:
• 2–3 pages
• Detail-focused work history
• Emphasis on measurable achievements
• With clear soft skills and team culture fit
Guides:
• https://www.careers.govt.nz/articles/how-to-write-a-cv
• https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/work-in-nz/nz-jobs/how-to-write-cv
Argentinians Moving to New Zealand
1. Visa-Free Travel and Strong Passport Reputation
Argentinian passport holders can travel to New Zealand on NZeTA, and the application process is greatly simplified for Argentinian nationals.
2. Straightforward Self-Employment Path in Argentina Helps Build Your Profile
Argentina allows foreigners to become registered freelancers (Monotributo) very easily.
This is extremely helpful if you want to:
• Build official work experience
• Demonstrate consistent income for visa purposes
• Work for international companies remotely
• Prepare for New Zealand’s entrepreneur or skilled worker pathways
3. Remote Work Opportunities with NZ/US Companies
Because Argentina shares a relatively manageable time overlap with New Zealand and strong overlap with the U.S., many companies hire remote Latin American workers.
This gives Argentinian citizens an edge in building a New Zealand-ready professional portfolio and apply for NZ nomad Visa
4. Argentina as a Strategic “Trampoline” for New Zealand Immigration
Living in Argentina before moving to New Zealand allows you to:
• Upgrade your immigration profile
• Build self-employment experience
• Access remote jobs
• Travel more freely
• Prepare financially with lower living costs
For many international migrants, this makes the move to New Zealand much more achievable.
Conclusion
New Zealand offers high living standards, numerous skilled job opportunities, fair immigration policies, and a welcoming lifestyle. From student visas to working holidays to skilled migration and fast-track Green List residency, there are multiple ways to build a long-term future in New Zealand leading New Zealand citizenship after 5 years of legal residency.
If you are interested in first relocating to Argentina, becoming legal, e, and building a stronger immigration profile before applying for New Zealand visas, we are here to help!