Is Moving to New Zealand Worth It in 2026? Pros & Cons|New Zealand NZ Work Visa |Rajnisgoodlife

The video starts with an introduction from the presenter, Rajni, who has been living in New Zealand for 10 years as a software consultant with 15 years of IT experience. She migrated from Singapore for a better future and works for an Australian-based company. She offers career coaching and helps people move abroad, inviting direct contact for assistance.

The discussion moves to the 2026 New Zealand job market, noting its evolution since pre-COVID times. Post-COVID, New Zealand has become a popular destination, leading to increased competition. Despite a slowdown in the economy in previous years, 2026 shows signs of picking up. The government has introduced changes like increasing minimum and median wages, creating new opportunities for students and work visa holders, and expanding the Green List.

The video explains that February and March are the best months to apply for jobs from overseas. From November to January, there is a slowdown due to Christmas breaks, with recruitment freezing. Employers resume work in February, making it an opportune time to apply. Any lack of response during the previous months is attributed to this holiday slowdown.

A common question addressed is where to start the migration process. The speaker emphasizes that New Zealand's immigration process is transparent and accessible online, negating the need for agents or agencies. The first step involves deciding on a pathway: work or student. For a work pathway, applicants should focus on employers that offer sponsorship and are accredited.

For the work pathway, it is crucial to apply only to accredited employers who can sponsor visas. Random applications on job sites like seek.co.nz are ineffective. The New Zealand immigration website provides a list of accredited employers. Applying to these specific companies saves time and increases the chances of visa sponsorship. Jobs not from accredited employers are typically for local candidates.

If the work pathway proves difficult, the student visa is a backup plan. A golden tip is to choose a course that is high in demand, rather than one recommended by agents primarily for commission. The Green List (Skilled Occupation List) can help identify such courses. It's also advised to select a course that aligns with one's educational background and work experience to avoid issues with immigration officers.

Prospective immigrants are advised to be flexible about their living location in New Zealand. Instead of fixating on popular cities like Auckland or Wellington, they should be open to job offers from smaller towns. The job offer itself should determine where one settles, emphasizing that securing employment is the priority.

Many applicants report not receiving responses despite strong professional profiles. The reason often lies in the application method. To get a response, it's essential to search for jobs from 'accredited employers' (AEWV - Accredited Employer Work Visa) on job portals. This filters for jobs that offer visa sponsorship, increasing the likelihood of a positive outcome. The presenter invites further discussion for personalized advice.