For international healthcare professionals, this presents a unique opportunity to secure rewarding careers in a country known for its high quality of life, stunning landscapes, and progressive healthcare system. Many hospitals and healthcare facilities in New Zealand are actively hiring and offering visa sponsorship to attract global talent. New Zealand’s healthcare sector is experiencing a significant demand for skilled professionals, driven by an aging population, increasing healthcare needs, and a shortage of qualified workers.
New Zealand offers competitive salaries, a supportive work environment, and pathways to residency through visa programs like the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. The demand for healthcare professionals is particularly high due to skill shortages, an aging workforce, and growing healthcare needs, making it an ideal time to explore job opportunities. The appeal of working in New Zealand extends beyond professional opportunities. The country is renowned for its work-life balance, safe communities, and access to outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and exploring its breathtaking coastlines and mountains.
Healthcare Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship: Hospitals Hiring Now
Below is a curated list of 18 healthcare jobs in New Zealand that are currently available and offer visa sponsorship, based on recent job listings from sources like SEEK, Indeed, and Health New Zealand’s career portals.
1. Registered Nurse – Theatre (Wellington Central)
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Employer: Wakefield Hospital
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Description: Wakefield Hospital, a private surgical facility, is hiring registered nurses for theatre roles, specializing in plastics surgery, gynecology, orthopedics, and general surgery. Candidates need a current New Zealand Practicing Certificate and experience in a surgical setting.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates with relevant qualifications.
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Salary: Competitive, aligned with Health New Zealand/NZNO MECA rates.
2. Health Care Assistant – Ward 31 (Auckland City)
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Employer: Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
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Description: This role involves supporting patients in a 22-bed inpatient medicine ward at Counties Manukau Health. Candidates need an NZ Level 3 Health Care Assistant certificate or equivalent experience.
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Visa Sponsorship: Limited to NZ or Australian citizens/permanent residents, but sponsorship may be considered for exceptional candidates.
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Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
3. Registered Nurse – Procedure Suite (Hutt Valley)
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Employer: Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
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Description: Nurses are needed for the procedure suite in Hutt Valley, requiring excellent communication skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available through Health New Zealand’s accredited employer status.
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Salary: As per Health New Zealand pay scales.
4. Caregiver – Aged Care (Christchurch)
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Employer: NurseMaster Limited
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Description: Caregivers are needed to provide person-centered care in aged care facilities, planning daily care schedules and supporting residents’ independence.
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Visa Sponsorship: Offered to candidates with a Level 4 Diploma in Healthcare or equivalent.
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Salary: Competitive, with time-and-a-half for shifts over 8 hours.
5. Registered Nurse – Waikeria Prison (Waikato)
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Employer: New Zealand Government
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Description: This unique role involves providing nursing care in a correctional facility, requiring recent clinical experience and a commitment to equitable outcomes for Māori.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for candidates with NZ residency or a valid work visa.
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Salary: Based on experience and government pay scales.
6. Health Care Assistant (Whangarei)
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Employer: ABC House
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Description: ABC House, a rest home and hospital in Whangarei, seeks full-time health care assistants (minimum 31 hours/week) to provide exceptional care. Ongoing training, including Careerforce NZ Training, is provided.
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Visa Sponsorship: Offered as ABC House is an accredited employer.
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Salary: Competitive, with training incentives.
7. Support Worker – Mental Health (Upper Hutt)
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Employer: Pact
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Description: This full-time role involves supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities in a mental health residential service. Candidates need experience in community or aged care settings.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified candidates.
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Salary: Based on experience and qualifications.
8. Registered Nurse – Aged Care (Auckland City)
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Employer: Bupa
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Description: Bupa, New Zealand’s largest aged care provider, seeks registered nurses to deliver person-centered care in care homes. Candidates need a current practicing certificate and aged care experience.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available through Bupa’s accredited employer status.
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Salary: Competitive, with benefits like free uniforms.
9. Community Support Worker (Northland)
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Employer: Home Support North Charitable Trust
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Description: This role involves supporting clients in their homes, offering 15-35 hours per week. Previous caregiving experience is desirable.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for suitable applicants.
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Salary: Based on experience and hours worked.
10. Registered Nurse – Emergency Department (Waitemata)
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Employer: Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
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Description: Waitemata District Health Board, serving 500,000 people, seeks emergency nurses with strong clinical skills and adaptability.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available through Health New Zealand’s immigration support.
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Salary: Competitive, aligned with national standards.
11. Caregiver – Dementia Care (Invercargill)
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Employer: Ryman Healthcare
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Description: Caregivers are needed for dementia care, requiring at least one year of experience in dementia or aged care settings.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified candidates.
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Salary: Competitive, with Careerforce qualification incentives.
12. Health Care Assistant – Cedar Manor (Auckland)
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Employer: Cedar Manor Care Home
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Description: This role supports GPs and nurses in a fast-developing medical practice, requiring compassion and teamwork.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced candidates.
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Salary: Based on qualifications and experience.
13. Registered Nurse – Maternity (Northland)
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Employer: Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
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Description: Nurses are needed for maternity services in a 20-bed hospital with community health services. Experience in rural settings is beneficial.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available through accredited employer status.
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Salary: As per Health New Zealand pay scales.
14. Support Worker (Hokitika)
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Employer: Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora
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Description: This role involves community-based support, working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings. Previous caregiving experience is preferred.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for eligible candidates.
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Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
15. Physiotherapist (Various Locations)
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Employer: TBI Health
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Description: TBI Health seeks physiotherapists for rehabilitation services, including sports injury management and post-surgical care.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available, with recruitment costs covered by the employer.
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Salary: Competitive, with relocation support negotiable
16. Registered Nurse – Operating Theatre (Christchurch)
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Employer: Healthcare of New Zealand
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Description: This role involves providing nursing care in operating theatres, requiring a current practicing certificate and surgical experience.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for NZ residents or valid work visa holders.
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Salary: Competitive, based on experience.
17. Caregiver – Aged Care (Christchurch)
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Employer: Metlifecare
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Description: Caregivers are needed to support elderly residents, requiring previous experience in aged care or with the elderly.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for qualified candidates.
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Salary: Competitive, with benefits like flexible schedules.
18. Registered Nurse – Madison Care Home (Auckland)
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Employer: Ultimate Care Madison
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Description: This role requires an NZ-registered nurse with interRAI training to provide aged care services in a supportive environment.
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Visa Sponsorship: Available for experienced candidates.
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Salary: Competitive, with career development opportunities.
Benefits of Working in New Zealand’s Healthcare Sector
Working in New Zealand’s healthcare sector offers numerous benefits beyond competitive salaries and visa sponsorship. The country’s public healthcare system provides free essential services like emergency care and hospital treatment for residents and work visa holders (valid for two years or more), ensuring access to quality care for professionals and their families. Private healthcare options, including radiology clinics and surgical facilities, offer additional opportunities for specialized roles.
The lifestyle benefits of living in New Zealand are unmatched. From urban hubs like Auckland and Wellington to scenic regions like Canterbury and Southland, healthcare professionals can choose locations that suit their preferences, whether it’s proximity to beaches, mountains, or cultural centers. The country’s commitment to work-life balance means professionals can enjoy outdoor activities, family-friendly communities, and a safe environment.
How to Apply for Healthcare Jobs with Visa Sponsorship
Applying for healthcare jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship involves a structured process that requires careful planning and attention to detail.
1. Research Job Opportunities
- Start by identifying healthcare job openings that offer visa sponsorship. Focus on roles listed on the New Zealand Green List, which prioritizes healthcare occupations like doctors, nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals for streamlined visa processing.
- Use job platforms like SEEK (seek.co.nz), Indeed (nz.indeed.com), Kiwi Health Jobs (kiwihealthjobs.com), TradeMe Jobs (trademe.co.nz), or Health New Zealand’s career portal (careers.tewhatuora.govt.nz).
- Search for keywords like “healthcare jobs with visa sponsorship,” “nurse jobs New Zealand visa,” or “doctor jobs New Zealand sponsorship.”
- Check employer websites directly, such as Health New Zealand (Te Whatu Ora), Bupa, Ryman Healthcare, or TBI Health, as they are accredited employers who can sponsor visas.
- Subscribe to job alerts on these platforms to stay updated on new listings.
2. Prepare Your Application
- Tailor your CV and cover letter to meet New Zealand’s healthcare job requirements and highlight your eligibility for visa sponsorship.
- CV: Include your qualifications, professional registration status (e.g., with the Nursing Council of New Zealand or Medical Council of New Zealand), work experience, and any certifications relevant to the role (e.g., interRAI for aged care, ACLS for emergency nursing).
- Cover Letter: Emphasize your interest in New Zealand’s healthcare system, commitment to equitable care (especially for Māori and Pacific communities), and willingness to relocate. Mention any experience in similar healthcare systems (e.g., NHS in the UK).
- Professional Registration: Check the requirements for your profession with the relevant regulatory body (e.g., Nursing Council for nurses, Medical Council for doctors, Allied Health Professions for physiotherapists). Most roles require registration before starting work, which may involve submitting qualifications, proof of English proficiency (e.g., IELTS or OET), and references.
- Work with Recruitment Agencies: Agencies like Working In NZ Health, Accent Health Recruitment, or Migration Associates can review your CV, match you with suitable roles, and guide you through the process. They often have direct relationships with accredited employers.
3. Secure a Job Offer
- Obtain a formal job offer from an accredited employer, as this is a prerequisite for most work visas, including the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
- Apply directly through job portals or employer websites, following their application instructions (e.g., submitting via SEEK or emailing HR).
- Prepare for interviews, which may be conducted via video platforms like Zoom due to international recruitment. Research the employer’s values, such as Health New Zealand’s focus on Māori health equity, and be ready to discuss how your skills align.
- Negotiate visa sponsorship terms during the offer stage. Confirm whether the employer will cover job check fees (NZD 735 as of October 2024) or provide relocation support (e.g., TBI Health may offer relocation assistance).
- Use recruitment agencies to streamline the process. They can facilitate interviews, negotiate offers, and confirm the employer’s accredited status with Immigration New Zealand.
4. Apply for Professional Registration
- Register with the appropriate New Zealand professional body to practice legally in your role.
- Nurses: Apply to the Nursing Council of New Zealand (nursingcouncil.org.nz). Submit qualifications, proof of English proficiency (IELTS Academic Band 7 or OET B), and evidence of clinical experience. The application fee is approximately NZD 485.
- Doctors: Register with the Medical Council of New Zealand (mcnz.org.nz). Provide proof of medical qualifications, internship completion, and English proficiency. Fees vary but start at NZD 590.
- Allied Health Professionals: Register with bodies like the Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand or Occupational Therapy Board. Requirements include qualifications, experience, and sometimes supervised practice.
- Processing Time: Registration can take 20–60 working days, so apply early. Some employers, like Health New Zealand, may assist with the process.
5. Apply for a Work Visa
- Apply for the appropriate visa, typically the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), once you have a job offer.
- Confirm Eligibility: You need a job offer from an accredited employer, professional registration (if required), and a valid passport. The job must meet minimum wage requirements (NZD 29.66/hour as of 2024 for AEWV).
- Gather Documents: Prepare your job offer letter, CV, qualifications, professional registration certificate, proof of English proficiency, health checks (e.g., medical certificate), and character checks (e.g., police clearance from your home country).
- Submit Application: Apply online via the Immigration New Zealand website (immigration.govt.nz). The AEWV application fee is NZD 1,540 (as of October 2024). Employers may need to complete a job check first, proving no suitable local candidates are available.
- Work with Experts: Engage a licensed immigration adviser or use Health New Zealand’s Health Immigration Service (healthimmigration@tewhatuora.govt.nz) for guidance. Agencies like Migration Associates can also assist.
- Processing Time: AEWV processing typically takes 20–30 working days, but Green List roles may be faster.
6. Plan Your Relocation
- Organize logistics to move to New Zealand and settle into your new role.
- Housing: Research accommodation options in your work location (e.g., Auckland, Christchurch). Use sites like TradeMe Property (trademe.co.nz/property) or Realestate.co.nz for rentals. Some employers offer temporary housing or relocation assistance.
- Tax Registration: Apply for an IRD number (ird.govt.nz) to pay taxes and access services. This is free and can be done online.
- Banking: Open a New Zealand bank account with providers like ANZ, BNZ, or Westpac. You’ll need your passport, visa, and proof of address.
- Healthcare and Insurance: Work visa holders (valid for two years or more) are eligible for public healthcare services, such as emergency care. Consider private health insurance for additional coverage (e.g., Southern Cross).
- Networking: Join professional networks like the New Zealand Nurses Organisation or local healthcare groups to build connections and access support.
7. Start Your Job and Build Your Career
- Begin your role, integrate into the workplace, and explore long-term career and residency options.
- Onboarding: Complete employer-provided training, such as cultural competency or Careerforce NZ Training for caregivers. Engage with colleagues to understand workplace protocols.
- Professional Development: Take advantage of training opportunities offered by employers like Bupa or Ryman Healthcare to upskill (e.g., dementia care certifications).
- Residency Pathways: If eligible, apply for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa after gaining work experience (typically three years). Green List roles offer faster pathways to residency.
- Stay Informed: Monitor visa policy changes on the Immigration New Zealand website and job market trends via Kiwi Health Jobs or SEEK.
Conclusion
New Zealand’s healthcare sector offers a wealth of opportunities for international professionals seeking rewarding careers with visa sponsorship. With 18 currently available roles, from registered nurses to caregivers and physiotherapists, hospitals and healthcare facilities across the country are actively hiring. The combination of professional opportunities, a supportive work environment, and New Zealand’s exceptional lifestyle makes it an ideal destination for healthcare professionals. Start your journey today by exploring job listings, securing a job offer, and taking the first step toward a fulfilling career in New Zealand’s healthcare sector.
