BG2.1 Summary of requirements for the grant of a Global Impact work visa

Applications for the Global Impact work visa may be approved if:

1. the principal applicant has been selected by the provider; and
2. the provider agrees to support the applicant in the Global Impact Visa programme for the duration of the visa; and
3. a business immigration specialist is satisfied the applicant:
   1. meets English language requirements (see BG2.1.5); and
   2. has sufficient maintenance funds (see BG2.1.10); and
   3. meets the health and character requirements for Residence set out at A4 and A5; and
   4. meets fit and proper person (BM1) requirements; and
   5. if an investor, intends to use investment funds that were acquired lawfully, as set out in BG2.1.15.
4. a business immigration specialist is satisfied the applicant or their proposed activities in New Zealand do not constitute an unacceptable risk to the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration or employment laws or policies.

Note: Where an applicant’s circumstances change significantly between the time they are selected by the provider and the work visa is assessed, or where new information comes to light, Immigration New Zealand may verify that the provider still agrees to support the applicant in the programme.

BG2.1.5 English language requirements

1. Applicants for a Global Impact work visa must meet the same minimum standard of English language for principal applicants under the Skilled Migrant Category (SM4.5).
2. Applicants may provide evidence of meeting the English language standard by providing:
   1. acceptable English language test results, as set out at SM4.5.5 (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged); or
   2. other evidence of English language ability as set out in SM4.5; or
   3. confirmation from the provider that they meet the minimum standard of English.

BG2.1.10 Maintenance funds requirements

1. Applicants must have access to the equivalent of NZ$36,000 to support themselves and their family for their first year in New Zealand.
2. Evidence of access to maintenance funds may include, but is not limited to:
   1. bank statements in the name of the principal applicant or their partner; or
   2. an ongoing source of income; or
   3. a job offer for either the principal applicant or their partner with an annual salary of at least $36,000; or
   4. a scholarship valued at $36,000 or more for the first year.

BG2.1.15 Investment funds requirements

1. Applicants who were selected by the provider on the basis of an investor profile must provide evidence that investment funds and/or assets were earned or acquired legally, including funds and/or assets that were gifted to them unconditionally and in accordance with local law.
2. Where investment funds and/or assets were gifted to the principal applicant a business immigration specialist must be satisfied that the gifted funds and/or assets were earned lawfully by the person/s gifting the funds and/or assets.
3. Business immigration specialists have discretion to decline an application if they are satisfied that, had the funds and/or assets been earned or acquired in the same manner in New Zealand, they would have been earned or acquired contrary to the criminal law of New Zealand.

Effective 27/08/2023