Veterinary shortage in New Zealand
Why is there a veterinary shortage?
There are many factors influencing retention in clinical practice. The NZVA office team is acutely aware and acknowledges the realities behind issues such as remuneration, workplace culture, bullying, harassment, after hours, lack of collegial support and inflexible work environments — that all contribute to veterinarians leaving clinical practice.
The NZVA strategic plan has workforce and business sustainability as a key priority with a focus on improving retention and recruitment, mentoring and coaching.
Current visas available to overseas veterinarians
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) remains the best pathway for veterinarians relocating to New Zealand, however wage thresholds will be removed for the AEWV from March 2025 (date to be confirmed). Rather than using wage thresholds, Immigration New Zealand will determine whether migrants are getting paid the correct market rate at the Job Check stage.
The removal of wage thresholds means that the AEWV will be more accessible to veterinary nurses, if they are paid the market rate and have a minimum of two years relevant work experience, or a qualification at Level 4 or higher on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
Please note that employers looking to hire migrant veterinary nurses will need to provide evidence that the role has been advertised to attract New Zealand citizens before the Job Check stage.
Accreditation Checklist
Employers must be accredited for for veterinarians and support staff to apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced a checklist system for employers wishing to gain accreditation to hire migrants. The new Accreditation Checklist provides information on what is required when applying or renewing your accreditation.
Green List
The Green List still applies for veterinarians, meaning that employers do not need to advertise these roles. The Green List allows for individuals to apply for a Straight to Residence Visa.
To prove individuals are eligible for Green List permissions, veterinarians must be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) before applying for their visa. Individuals not registered with VCNZ will have their application declined.
Specific Purpose Work Visa
The Specific Purpose Work Visa is currently open for roles relating to seasonal activity. In November 2025, two additional pathways for seasonal workers will be introduced, including a three-year multi entry visa for experienced workers and a seven-month single entry visa for lesser skilled workers.
We are more than happy to help employers and individuals navigate the immigration process. If you have any queries, please contact Megan Miller (executive@vets.org.nz).
Visa applications
You can find work visa processing times on the Immigration New Zealand website. To ensure employers do not face any unnecessary delays, we suggest the following:
- Check your current accreditation is up to date. You need a valid employer accreditation for INZ to process your Job Check and AEWV applications. You can check your accreditation status on the INZ website.
- Make sure you have all the relevant information before you apply for a Job Check. As veterinarians are on the Green List, employers DO NOT need to advertise the job before applying for a Job Check.
- Encourage migrants to read about their AEWV application requirements when you send them a job token. Please note they MUST be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand BEFORE applying for the Visa.
If you have any queries about any of the above, please contact Megan Miller on executive@vets.org.nz.
Alternatively, Immigration New Zealand has an employer helpline which is open between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday. Freephone from NZ landlines: 0508 967 569
Other useful information
Current vacancies
Get an idea of the current veterinary jobs available in New Zealand.
VCNZ registration
To practise as or use the title 'veterinarian' in New Zealand, you must be registered with the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) and have a current annual practising certificate (APC). Visit the VCNZ website to learn more.
