Applying for a job in New Zealand alone can be confusing and complicated. You don’t have to do it independently if you apply through accredited agencies. 

The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, or POEA (now the Department of Migrant Workers or DMW), is the government agency overseeing the inspection and approval of recruitment agencies for overseas work. They do this to protect Filipinos from illegal recruitment, identity theft, and other scams. 

You can easily find legit and available jobs in New Zealand by checking DMW’s online database. This guide lists the latest New Zealand job orders you can apply for through POEA-accredited agencies.

Go back to the main article: How to Get a Job in New Zealand

POEA-Licensed Recruitment Agencies for New Zealand (Updated)

To help streamline your job search, we have compiled all agencies accredited by POEA (now DMW or Department of Migrant Workers) that recruit Filipino skilled workers bound for New Zealand. Although we’ve verified that the agencies listed here are valid at the time of writing, we can’t guarantee that they will be able to keep the same status in the coming months or years. Hence, you must do your due diligence and ensure the recruitment agency you’re dealing with is legitimate and has a valid/active license by checking its name on the DMW’s agency database.

1. 1st Dynamic Personnel Resources Inc.

• Address: 3F, JLC Bldg., No.8 N. Ramirez Street, Don Manuel, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: (02) 416-1848
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.1stdynamicpersonnel.com
• Official Representative: Catherine Liana Z. Chua
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 6/10/2022 to 4/8/2026

2. 21st Century Manpower Resources Inc. (For. Nursing INT’L.)

• Address: Rooms 401,405,406 & 407, JR Bldg., 1520 Quezon Avenue, South Triangle, Quezon City, Metro Manila
• Tel No/s: 4121311/4144399/4101234
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.21stcmri.com
• Official Representative: Russell C. Garcia
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/4/2021 to 3/7/2024

3. Admiral Overseas Employment Corporation

• Address: Door Nos. 201, 202, 204, & 206, G.K. Chua Bldg., Sinciangko St., Cebu
• Tel No/s: 843-1448
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Anacres V. Golendez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 5/24/2022 to 4/6/2024

4. Al Axa Int’l Manpower Services Inc.

• Address: Rooms 504, 505 & 506 5/F Jalandoni Bldg., 1444 A. Mabini St., Manila
• Tel No/s: 82427173/09659588579
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Alexander D. Fernandez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 3/31/2023 to 10/1/2023

5. Angelex Allied Agency

• Address: Rooms 115 & 115A, Aurora Plaza Bldg. II, 537 Padre Faura St., Ermita, Metro Manila
• Tel No/s: 4004645/09176681071/09167312423
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Ma. Theresa A. Galang
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 1/8/2020 to 2/18/2024

6. Ankor Management Services And Consultants Inc. (For. Al-Khatri International)

• Address: Rooms 502 and 503, State Financing Center II, Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong
• Tel No/s: 8706-7933 /8706-7854/0917-8281309
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.ankormanagement.com
• Official Representative: Elena A. Mangabat
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 1/26/2023 to 3/7/2024

7. Asia Reach International Management & Contractor Services Inc.

• Address: Suite 18-A, 18/F Ramon Magsaysay Center, 1680 Roxas Boulevard, Manila
• Tel No/s: 3100881 local 116/09457524456
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.asiareach.ph
• Official Representative: Anthony G. Sison
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/2/2022 to 8/25/2026

8. Bison Management Corporation

• Address: 2/F & 3/F (Left Wing) BMH Center Bldg., 3963 Yague St., Makati
• Tel No/s: 896-4667/0917-555-2515
• Email Address: [email protected]/annabelle@@bisonph.com
• Website: www.bisonjobs.com
• Official Representative: Belen M. Alhumayed
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/10/2022 to 12/19/2026

9. BMS Group International Manpower Recruitment Services Corp.

• Address: 4F and G/F B Lifestyle Bldg., 1928 Leon Guinto St., Manila
• Tel No/s: 2435433/2515966/2515955/09989558150/09499953047
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Lorena Monson Sasis
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/28/2021 to 2/27/2025

10. Caves Treasures Manpower & Construction Corporation

• Address: 4/F, Philcox Building, 172 Salcedo Street, Makati
• Tel No/s: 0908-8870581
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Jerry T. Rojas
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 10/3/2022 to 8/9/2026

11. EDI Staffbuilders International Inc.

• Address: Units 701,703 & 704 Corporate Center, 139 Valero St., Salcedo Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8126703 – 04/8921814
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.edistaffbuilders.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Cesar A. Averia Jr.
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/22/2022 to 6/20/2026

12. Golden Rammad International Manpower Services

• Address: Unit 1B, Unit 2B & Unit 3B, Dolmar Bldg., United Nations Avenue, Manila
• Tel No/s: 7144609
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Artemio G. Francisco
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 3/8/2023 to 10/26/2023

13. Grand Placement & General Services Corp.

• Address: 2F 1636 Bldg., 1636 F, Agoncillo St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 5251031/5267992
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.grandplacement.com
• Official Representative: Lina S. Sy
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 6/26/2020 to 6/24/2024

14. Greenfields International Manpower Services Inc.

• Address: GF, Arc Bldg., 1916 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 256-2311/353-6898/09285009949
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.greenfieldsmanpower.com
• Official Representative: Federico L. Acdal
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 4/20/2023 to 7/16/2023

15. H.M.O. International Recruitment Inc. (Formerly H.M.O. International Human Resources)

• Address: Units 301 & 202, Aussie Tower, 1418 MH Del Pilar Ermita, Manila
• Address: Units 301 and 302 DLR Bldg., 1337 A. Mabini Street, Manila
• Tel No/s: 8395-2399/ 8531-1665 
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.hmoihr.com
• Official Representative: Tessie B. Manatad
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 10/13/2022 to 7/28/2026

16. HRD Employment Consultant And Multi-Services Inc.

• Address: 3/F Jemarson Bldg., 1618 P. Hidalgo Lim St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 5250280/5235455
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.hrdemployment.com
• Official Representative: Nora B. Braganza
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/12/2022 to 7/7/2026

 17. Industrial Personnel & Management Services, Inc. (IPAMS)

• Address: IPAMS Bldg., 723 Aurora Blvd., New Manila, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 234-5640/234-5641/+632.82345635 
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.ipams.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Angelito C. Hernandez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 12/19/2011 to 4/11/2024

18. International Skill Development Inc.

• Address: GF (Front), 2/F & 3/F, ISD Bldg., 5439 Curie St., Palanan, Makati
• Tel No/s: 5511910/5517452/8331242/5501595/8322539
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.isdphilippines.com
• Official Representative: Mr. Levi S. De Mesa
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/4/2017 to 10/28/2031

19. JGB Associates Inc.

• Address: Unit 603B, S & L Bldg., 1500 Roxas Blvd. cor R. Salas Street, Zone 72, Brgy. 668, Manila
• Tel No/s: 8-296-2852
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.jgbassociates.ph
• Official Representative: Mr. Roberto L. Neri II
• Status: Valid license
• License Validity: 11/28/2022 to 7/28/2026

20. Joblane International Manpower Services Inc.

• Address: 6/F, BDO Bldg., 707 T.M. Kalaw Cor. Churruca St., Ermita, Manila
• Tel No/s: 7086038
• Email Address:  [email protected]
• Official Representative: Jeanybel Mc Carthy
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/6/2019 to 9/9/2023

21. Louis International Manpower Services (Phils) Inc.

• Address: Units LG34, 257, 260, 261 & Sub 6, Cityland-Pioneer Cond., 128 Pioneer St., Highway Hills, Mandaluyong
• Tel No/s: (632)79101849/79337668
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.louisinternational.com
• Official Representative: Maurito Dayapan Mendez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/12/2019 to 1/7/2024

22. Long Term Recruiting And Development Corp.

• Address: 03 Ponce St., San Lorenzo Village, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8179220
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Irene C. Salud
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/5/2022 to 4/22/2026

23. Manumoti Manpower International Inc.

• Address: 2/F-A & 4/F, Lifestyle Bldg., 1928 Leon Guinto St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 0995-4690529/0915-7830815/8-2759199/8-3530399
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Elsa R. Lamsal
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/16/2020 to 9/4/2024

24. OLM International Job Placement Corp.

• Address: GF Vermont Tower, J.Nakpil St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 5251139
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Relida R. Malanum
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/26/2022 to 8/25/2026

25. Parman Inc.

• Address: 7F MGF Champaca Bldg., Amorsolo St., Legaspi Villa, Makati
• Tel No/s: 8185971/8185973/09178507842/09189367048
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.parmaninc.com
• Official Representative: Joel S. Ferrer
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/20/2022 to 8/27/2026

26. Peridot International Resources Inc.

• Address: Units A & B, 1845 Dian Cor Boyle St., Palanan, Makati
• Tel No/s: 5527826/09998899242/09275747652/09258833288
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website: www.oneperidot.yolasite.com
• Official Representative: Ms. Raquel E. Bracero
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/11/2022 to 8/10/2026

27. PNI International Corporation

• Address: Units 203, 207 & 210 , 2/F Strata 2000 Bldg., Don F. Ortigas Jr. Road, Ortigas Center, Pasig City
• Tel No/s: 8-292-8521 
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Website:  www.pniinternationalcorp.com
• Official Representative: Jan Kay Ravanzo-Quintos
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 8/11/2022 to 12/6/2023

28. Premium Quality Work Solutions Corp.

• Address: Unit 210, 2/F 525, Edsa, Pasay City
• Tel No/s: 8939590/09189425729
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Roy Orlando A. Ong
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/14/2021 to 3/27/2025

29. QRD International Placement Inc.

• Address: Units 101-102, FSS Bldg. II, 18 Scout Tuazon Cor Scout Castor Sts., Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 02 375-1144/09988417182/09088860561/09459944115
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: qrdinternational.com
• Official Representative: Gerard B. San Victores
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/27/2019 to 11/6/2023

30. Rensol Recruitment and Consulting Inc.

• Address: Units 305 and 309 (3/F), Panorama Bldg., 825 Edsa South Triangle, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: +632 8931 0968/+632 8283 0354
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Arnold Robillos Mamaclay
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 4/19/2023 to 4/28/2027

31. Rise Manpower Services Inc.

• Address: GF, 1019 Malvar Street, Manila
• Tel No/s: (02)8642-0367/09178069879
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.risemanpower.com
• Official Representative: Rose Marie P. Lainez
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 5/27/2020 to 3/18/2024

32. September Star Incorporated

• Address: 2/F & 3/F, 1677-B Dian Street San Isidro, Makati
• Tel No/s: 5199736/09189073903/09173226886
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Jose Renato C. Masonsong
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 9/16/2022 to 4/4/2024

33. Sunrise Search & Support Inc.

• Address: 4/F, Chipeco Bldg., Shaw Blvd., Cor Meralco Avenue, Pasig City
• Tel No/s: 6567496/6567497/6567499/09178747239/09996836208
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.sunrise-search.com
• Official Representative: Leslie S. Tan
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 7/14/2022 to 6/19/2026

34. Sky Bourne International Inc. (Formerly JFIL Intl. Manpower Services)

• Address: Ground Floor, 1679 Dian St., San Isidro, Makati
• Tel No/s: (2)7747-2894/7747-2908
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Official Representative: Cristy Lyn P. Masonsong
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 11/9/2022 to 11/10/2026

35. Staffhouse International Resources Corporation (Formerly Staffhouse Resource)

• Address: No. 43 Westpoint St., Cubao, Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 9133333/4371818
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.staffhouse.com
• Official Representative: Marc R J R Capistrano
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 10/21/2022 to 7/12/2023

36. STB-DJL Human Link Inc. (Formerly DJL Manpower Inc.)

• Address: 1011Av(GF), Bv(2/F) & C (3/F) Remedios Cor Modesto St., Malate, Manila
• Tel No/s: 5214875/5216636/0917-5207425
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.stb-djl.com
• Official Representative: Angelita V. Castillo
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 5/16/2022 to 2/24/2024

37. Uniplan Overseas Employment Inc. (MHM Overseas Employ’t Agency Corp.)

• Address: GF & 2/F , No. 302 J.P. Rizal St., Quezon City
• Tel No/s: 4118972/9118548/09175588832/09175588834
• Email Address: [email protected]
• Website: www.uniplanoverseas.com
• Official Representative: Elnora M. Villafaña
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 12/13/2019 to 1/22/2024

38. YWA Human Resource Corporation (Formerly Yangwha Human Resource Corporation)

• Address: 1268 Gen. Luna St., Paco, Manila
• Tel No/s: 5242181/5242185/5242188/5253407
• Email Address: [email protected]/[email protected]
• Official Representative: Ms. Acela Q. Dilkes
• Status: Valid License
• License Validity: 12/7/2022 to 11/11/2026

What Is a POEA-Accredited Agency?

POEA-accredited recruitment agencies are the bridge between foreign employers and hopeful overseas Filipino workers. Through POEA accreditation⁴, employers from New Zealand can now start recruiting Filipino workers by partnering with licensed recruitment agencies. By working with POEA-accredited agencies, you: 

• Ensure you won’t miss any critical documents or requirements since the agencies will guide you through the process. 
• Increase your chances of getting hired since these agencies’ recommendations hold weight with their clients – your future employer. 
• Protect yourself from identity theft, illegal recruitment, and other scams. 
• Ensure that your application falls under the jurisdiction of POEA. You can report agency violations or sometimes ask for help from POEA to get your money back. 

You should know that the licenses of POEA-accredited agencies are only valid for four years and can also be canceled by POEA (now DMW or the Department of Migrant Workers) as necessary. So, always ensure the agency still has a valid license by checking DMW’s database for valid agencies. 

What is a Job Order?

Job Orders under POEA-accredited agencies are recorded and validated by POEA (now DMW) to ensure they are legit jobs for Filipinos. 

What happens is that employers from New Zealand would share with accredited recruitment agencies a list of jobs and their details. These agencies then register the information for these jobs with POEA, including job details such as the date of submission, the names of each job, and the number of open positions. 

How To Apply for Jobs in New Zealand Through POEA-Accredited Agencies: A Step-by-Step Guide

While you can apply directly to New Zealand employers through job sites¹, it is highly recommended to go through a POEA-accredited agency instead. Now that you know more about the benefits of using POEA-accredited agencies, here’s what you need to do to get a job in New Zealand through them. 

1. Search for job positions that you want to apply for

You can search available job orders from New Zealand using the new DMW database. Scroll down and select “Job Site” from the drop-down list of search filters. Enter the country’s name (i.e., “New Zealand”) in the second box and click the Search button to show the results. It will display the updated list of approved job orders from New Zealand only.

By default, the list of job orders is arranged based on the agency’s name in alphabetical order. You can sort the result according to one of the following:

• Sort by Date JO was Approved. This is useful for finding new job orders since it arranges the list based on the most recently approved job order. 
• Sort by Agency. This is useful for finding job orders under a specific recruitment agency since it arranges the list alphabetically based on the agency name. 
• Sort by Position. This is useful for finding a specific position you are interested in since it arranges the list alphabetically based on the job name. 
• Sort by JO Balance. This gives you an idea of how many vacancies are left in a job order. The more job vacancies available, the more likely you’ll get the job if you apply on time and have the right skills and qualifications the employer seeks.

Check back every few weeks if you don’t find a New Zealand job you want since they update the database regularly. 

2. List down your preferred job orders

Make a shortlist of all the job orders you want to apply for. Sorting the result by Position feature on the DMW website might save you time if you already have a job in mind. With the list on hand, you can narrow it down by: 

• Checking the date that the job order was posted. The most recent job orders have the highest chances of still being open to applications. 
• Checking the number of open positions. Job orders with more open positions need more people, thus, increasing your chances of getting hired. 

3. Find out more about the job you want

You can find the job description, salary range, training requirements, and other helpful job information at the New Zealand Government’s Jobs Database. They even have interviews with people in these professions so you can learn about the daily life of the job you want. 

For example, if you’re applying for an equipment operator position and would like to know more about the job, here’s what you’ll find: 

There are separate pages for different types of equipment operated. So, you have to read through a few pages to determine the type of equipment operator job that best fits your needs. 

In your research, you might find terms such as Level 1 or Level 4 under the qualifications for a job. This classification under the NZQF or New Zealand Qualifications Framework serves as a benchmark for their equivalent qualifications in other countries.  

To check for the Philippine equivalent of the job qualifications you need, you can check this page from New Zealand’s immigration website. 

4. Ensure the agency with the job order you want has a valid license

You can do this by checking DMW’s agency database. Just type in the agency’s name in the textbox. 

As the example above shows, the results will show the license status and validity date. 

5. Do your research on the agency

Checking if the agency has a valid license is not enough. You should also find out if the agency fits your other requirements by visiting their official website and social media pages. Then learn about: 

• Their location and contact details 
• Their application and recruitment process 
• Their fees (if any) 
• What they provide as support for OFWs 
• What reviews have other people left about the agency 

6. Call or email the POEA-accredited agency

Ask about what they need to process your application. That way, you can prepare the documents first before visiting their office. 

7. Put your best foot forward

After your initial discussion with the agency, you should have a better idea of the preferred candidates of the recruitment agency and your potential New Zealand employer. When you’re applying for jobs, both local and foreign, your chances of getting hired increase if you: 

• Find out what your potential employer values in their employees by checking their website and community pages. 
• Adjust your resume and cover letter based on what you’ve learned. Customize and highlight the parts of your resume that will make you stand out from other applicants. 
• Practice for the job interview. List down your answers to expected questions and do a mock interview. If it’s an online interview, test your equipment and internet speed. You might also want to invest in some noise-canceling tools. 
• Get used to the New Zealand accent. Speaking English fluently is insufficient for solid communication if you have difficulty understanding their accent. You can practice your listening skills by finding New Zealand media online. 

8. Submit your application

After you triple-check that all your documents are complete, you should be ready to proceed with your application. Contact the agency and they’ll be able to guide you through the rest of the process. 

How Much Does Working With Agencies To Get a Job in New Zealand Cost?

Now that you know more about the process, you should learn the expected costs of working with a POEA-accredited agency. 

1. No placement fee

New Zealand has been a NO PLACEMENT FEE country since December 2014⁵ with the agreement between their government and POEA. You can report to POEA (now DMW) any agency charging you a placement fee for a job in New Zealand. 

2. Employers will shoulder recruitment costs

Under the “no placement fee” policy, employers will be required to pay for the following: 

• Recruitment and placement fees 
• Membership with the OWWA (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration) 
• Visa application fee 
• POEA/DMW processing fee 
• Airfare 
• Food and accommodation 

3. Applicants will shoulder documentation fees

You will still need to pay for the following documentation fees: 

• Passport – ₱950 for Regular (12 business days) and ₱1200 for Expedite (6 business days) 
• NBI, Barangay and Police Clearance – NBI Clearance Fee ₱115 + ₱15 DST & ₱25 System Fee (Online). The barangay and police clearance fees depend on your location. 
• PSA Authenticated Birth Certificate – ₱330 through online delivery 
• Medical Exam – fees depend on the clinic 
• PhilHealth Contribution – initial contribution of ₱2,400; additional contributions according to the salary indicated on the employment contract 
• Pag-IBIG Membership – minimum of ₱100 

4. Other fees

You will also need to pay for the following test fees: 

• Trade/Skill Testing – depends on the job requirements 
• Language Tests – such as IELTS and TOEFL. You can check the language scores you need at the New Zealand immigration website

Reminder: Make sure to document all your transactions with your recruitment agency. If there are any disputes, you can submit to POEA/DMW the documents they need to help with your case. 

What Are the Basic Requirements for Working in New Zealand?

By applying through a POEA-accredited recruitment agency, you can be assured that you have all the requirements for a job in New Zealand. For reference, here are the basic requirements: 

1. Job-Specific Qualifications

You need to prove that you are eligible for the job you are applying for. The agency should be able to tell you the specific job requirements, but you can also check them at New Zealand’s Jobs Database. These may include: 

• Trade or Skill Testing – Get a recommendation from your recruitment agency regarding which assessments you need to take to prove that you are skilled in a certain trade. 
• Education – New Zealand uses the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF)

2. Proof of Job Offer

You must show proof of a job offer from a New Zealand employer to apply for a work visa. 

3. New Zealand Work Visa

For Filipinos coming to New Zealand for work, it is essential to know that all work visas are temporary⁶ and only some of them can lead to permanent residence. Note that recruitment agencies only help with visa types that require job offers. These include: 

a. Visas that are purely temporary work visas, which are: 

• The Essential Skills Work Visa⁷ lets you stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years, depending on the pay rate. You can apply for this visa if you have specialist skills that the country needs and a) that occupation is on a New Zealand skill shortage list, or b) your employer shows proof that they cannot find a person in New Zealand suitable for the job. Note: This visa permanently closed on July 4, 2022.

b. Visas that may lead to permanent residence, which are: 

• The Skilled Migrant Category Visa⁸ will let you work and live in New Zealand indefinitely. They use a points-based system to evaluate applications with a minimum cut-off of 160 points. Use their points indicators tool to find out how many points you have. 
• The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will replace six existing visa categories, including the Essential Skills Work Visa, Talent Work Visa, and Long-Term Skill Shortage Visa. It was announced to start on November 1, 2021, but has since been postponed⁹ to July 4, 2022. If you are applying for work during this period, talking to your agency about this will be essential since it will affect you. 

Depending on the visa you are applying for, the requirements might be different. 

• Language Test Scores. Currently, New Zealand accepts language tests from IELTS, TOEFL iBT, and PTE Academic, among others. The score needed depends on the visa. For example, under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, you need a 6.5+ score on the IELTS. Meanwhile, for Residence from Work Visas, you only need a 5.0+ score on the IELTS. 
• No Stand-Down Period. Under the Essential Skills Work Visa, you must show that you are not required to spend at least 12 consecutive months outside New Zealand in a stand-down period. Meanwhile, there is no stand-down period requirement under the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa. 

Some requirements are common regardless of the visa. These include: 

• Proof of Identity. These are your official identification documents, such as passports, issued by the Philippine government. 
• Proof of Health¹⁰. This is the medical exam you must undergo to show that you are at an acceptable standard of health. The POEA-accredited agency should be able to recommend a clinic that’s part of New Zealand’s approved list. 
• Proof of Good Character & Genuine Intentions¹¹. Proof of good character means that you have no criminal record. Proof of genuine intentions implies that you will only stay and do the things allowed under your New Zealand visa.

Not sure which visa option is for you? Use the ‘Explore Visa Options’ tool on New Zealand’s immigration website. 

4. Philippine Government Requirements

To ensure that Filipinos are adequately prepared for working overseas, POEA (now DMW) has implemented the following requirements: 

• PEOS Certificate – The Pre-Employment Orientation Seminar (PEOS) is conducted online to prepare Filipinos for working abroad and help them avoid human trafficking and illegal recruitment. There are eight modules in the assessment test that you need to pass. 
• Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC) – The OEC, also known as the exit/clearance pass, is required for all Filipinos when departing as an overseas worker or returning to the country. The OEC is your proof that you are registered under POEA/DMW as a legal worker, and you can use it to get exemptions from travel tax and airport terminal fees.

Tips and Warnings

1. The minimum wage in New Zealand¹² is $22.70/hour or $181.60/day as of April 2023. It is the same across all New Zealand provinces. If you are hired in New Zealand as a trainee, your salary might fall under the trainee minimum wage rate. If you think you are being paid less than minimum wage, contact Employment New Zealand for assistance. 

2. Compute your potential income versus the cost of living and taxes using the New Zealand Now cost of living calculator. This is crucial to ensure it is worth moving to New Zealand for work. While salaries are higher in New Zealand, the cost of living is also much higher compared to the Philippines. 

3. Watch out for illegitimate agencies and fake employers. Here are some common signs that you are dealing with a possible scam: 

• You are being asked to pay before you can get a job in New Zealand. The employer should be the one to pay the agency for the recruitment costs. 
• The agency is not listed in the DMW database of agencies or their license has already expired. Licenses are only valid for four years and can also be revoked by POEA/DMW for serious violations. 
• You can’t find anything about the company online. Legitimate employers will likely have their official website or social media pages. 
• There is insufficient information in the job description, and they refuse to elaborate. Never apply for jobs that don’t have all the details that you need. 

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1. Job websites & recruitment companies. (2021). Retrieved 10 November 2021, from https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/work-in-new-zealand/finding-applying-for-jobs/job-websites-recruitment-companies
2. Job vacancy and recruitment websites. Retrieved 11 November 2021, from https://www.careers.govt.nz/job-hunting/finding-work/job-vacancy-and-recruitment-websites/
3. Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment. (2020). Are you recruiting migrant workers from the Philippines? What you need to know (A guide for employers) [Ebook]. Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/employ-migrants/guides/are-you-recruiting-migrant-workers-from-the-philippines-a-guide-for-employers.pdf
4. Accreditation of Prospective Employers for Registration with POEA. Retrieved 10 November 2021, from https://polotokyo.dole.gov.ph/accreditation-of-prospective-employers-for-registration-with-poea/accreditation-of-prospective-employers-for-registration-with-poea/
5. No Placement Fee Policy. (2018). Retrieved 10 November 2021, from https://www.philembassy.org.nz/latest/advisory/no-placement-fee-policy
6. Temporary work visas. (2020). Retrieved 9 November 2021, from https://www.newzealandnow.govt.nz/move-to-new-zealand/visas-citizenship/visas-to-work/work-visas
7. Essential Skills Work Visa (2022). Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/essential-skills-work-visa
8. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa (2022a). Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/visas/visa/skilled-migrant-category-resident-visa
9. New Zealand: New Accredited Employer Work Visa Launch Announced (2021). Retrieved from https://www.fragomen.com/insights/new-zealand-new-accredited-employer-work-visa-launch-announced.html
10. Health. (n.d.-b). Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/medical-info
11. Identity and character. (n.d.-a). Retrieved from https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/apply-for-a-visa/tools-and-information/character-and-identity
12. Current minimum wage rates. (2021). Retrieved 9 November 2021, from https://www.employment.govt.nz/hours-and-wages/pay/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-rates/