Immigration Officer - Christchurch

Talent Acquisition at Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment

Discover a career with purpose at MBIE

New Year, new opportunity |12 January

• start date

Be part of an innovative and forward-thinking team in a rapidly changing environment

Career development opportunities

Starting salary of $63,278 | Christchurch

Tenei turanga - About the Role

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is the operational processing arm of New Zealand's immigration system.

Our core role is to :

Grant visas to the people Aotearoa New Zealand needs to work, visit, study, or settle here.

Ensure that people crossing the border and staying in Aotearoa New Zealand are entitled to do so.

Help migrants and refugees to make Aotearoa New Zealand their home.

Play our part in the global immigration system, together with our border partners, to keep Aotearoa New Zealand safe.

INZ is undertaking a significant transformation of its immigration system through the Our Future Services programme.

This initiative aims to deliver a trusted and effective immigration system by improving efficiency, agility, and customer experience through a more sustainable digital service model.

Visit our website to find out more about the work we do : The INZ Story : An insight into the work we do.

Your role as an Immigration Officer

The primary responsibility of this role is to assess and make decisions on visa applications, which can vary in complexity and volume depending on the visa category.

In this dynamic role, you'll be at the heart of visa decision-making – using your judgement, analytical skills, and understanding of legislation to make fair, well-reasoned decisions that impact real lives.

You'll manage your own workflow, navigate complex information, and collaborate with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Your day-to-day will include :

Assessing visa applications against current legislation and policy, ensuring decisions are sound and well-supported.

Managing a high-volume caseload with efficiency and care.

Using multiple systems and screens to interpret detailed information and provide clear written rationale for your decisions.

Building strong relationships across the Visa Operations network, the immigration system, and with external partners.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, enjoys problem-solving, and is confident applying critical thinking to complex scenarios.

If you're someone who is resilient, manages well in an ever-changing environment, can balance independence with collaboration, and who takes pride in making informed, impactful decisions, this could be the perfect fit.

Nga pukenga me nga wheako e hiahiatia ana - Skills and Experience Required

High volume caseload and workflow management.

Proficient computer literacy across multiple platforms and standard software packages.

Exceptional written communication and correct use of grammar to convey rationale.

Strong verbal communication.

An eye for detail and an ability to interpret information.

Ability to learn quickly and apply new information as required.

Ability to accept feedback and be resilient under pressure.

Open to being adaptable in a fast-paced, changing environment.

A strong moral compass and known for 'acting with integrity' in all you undertake.

To be eligible for this role, you will need to be a New Zealand citizen or hold a New Zealand Permanent Resident Visa.

Our Otautahi Christchurch site is centrally located in the heart of Christchurch City.

We are two branches within one site and process a range of different visa categories that vary in complexity and volume.

These vacancies are within our Christchurch One branch.

We are a cohesive and diverse team that focuses on career development by creating an open and supportive environment.

This role requires in-person induction and training for up to six months.

Once fully competent in the role you can discuss flexible working options with your manager, depending on business requirements (i.e. visa category).

Etahi korero mo MBIE - About MBIE

MBIE's goal is to create a resilient and high-performing economy that delivers real and ongoing quality of life for all New Zealanders.

We do this by working with others to create an environment that supports businesses to be more productive and internationally competitive, enables all New Zealanders to participate in the economy through improved job opportunities and by working to ensure quality housing is more affordable.

People are at the heart of our mahi, our way of working is guided by our values which shape our behaviours.

Mahi Tahi – Better Together

Maia – Bold and brave

Pae Kahurangi – Build our Future

Pono Me Te Tika – Own It

Our aspirations are echoed in our Maori identity – Hikina Whakatutuki – which broadly means 'lifting to make successful'.

MBIE recognises the partnership founded under Te Tiriti o Waitangi between Maori and the Crown and is committed to giving effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

We will do this through enduring, meaningful and effective partnerships with iwi, Maori, other Maori groups / organisations and the Crown, as this is critical to enable economic and social development, both for Maori and for wider Aotearoa New Zealand.

Me pehea te tono - How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed throughout the advertising period.

Online situational judgement assessment (Friday 31 October – Sunday 2 November).

Formal panel interview and written assessment (Friday 7 November – Thursday 13 November).

Start date is Monday 12 January

All information provided is evaluated in line with the competencies required for the role of Immigration Officer.

Click here to view a position description.

All applications must be submitted via our online process and include a Cover Letter and CV outlining your interest and suitability for the role.

Contact the Talent Acquisition Team at

Applications close at

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