New Zealand Visa – How To Apply For Visa

1. What types of visas are available for New Zealand?

There are several types of visas available for New Zealand, including temporary visas and resident visas.

Temporary Visas:
1. Visitor Visa – for tourism, visiting family or friends, or business purposes.
2. Student Visa – for studying full-time in New Zealand.
3. Work Visa – for working in New Zealand for a specific employer or industry.
4. Working Holiday Visa – for young adults (18-30 years old) to work and travel in New Zealand.
5. Partnership Based Work Visa – for the partner of a New Zealand citizen or resident to work in the country.
6. Resident and visitor visa – allows someone who is granted residence to travel to and from New Zealand as a resident.

Resident Visas:
1. Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa – for skilled workers who meet the points threshold and have a job offer in New Zealand.
2. Family Category Resident Visa – for family members of New Zealand citizens or residents.
3. Business Investor (Investor 1 or 2) Resident Visa – for investors with significant funds to contribute to the country’s economy.
4. Entrepreneur Resident Visa – for entrepreneurs who want to start a business in New Zealand.
5. Sibling/Adult Child/Parent Retirement Resident Visa – allows siblings, adult children, and parents of New Zealand citizens or residents to retire in the country.

2. How do I know which visa is right for me?
The type of visa that is right for you will depend on your personal circumstances and reasons for wanting to come to New Zealand.

If you are planning on visiting for a short period of time, then a visitor visa may be suitable. If you want to study in New Zealand, then a student visa would be necessary.

For those looking to work in New Zealand, there are different options depending on your qualifications, skills, and job offers, such as the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or Partnership-Based Work Visa.

If you have immediate family members who are citizens or residents of New Zealand, then a family category resident visa may be the best option for you.

It is important to carefully research and consider your options in order to determine which visa is the most appropriate for your specific situation.

3. How do I apply for a New Zealand visa?
The application process for a New Zealand visa will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for, but generally, it will involve filling out an application form, providing supporting documents, and paying the application fee.

You can apply for most visas online through the Immigration New Zealand website. For some visas, you may need to submit a paper application at a Visa Application Center or directly through an immigration officer.

It is important to carefully read and follow all instructions provided by Immigration New Zealand and ensure that you provide all necessary documents in order to avoid delays or rejection of your application.

4. How long does it take to get a New Zealand visa?
The processing time for a New Zealand visa can vary greatly depending on several factors such as the type of visa, the volume of applications being processed at that time, and whether all required information and documents have been provided correctly.

Generally, temporary visas can take anywhere from 2 days to 4 weeks to process while resident visas can take up to 9 months or longer. It is recommended to check the current processing times on the Immigration New Zealand website for more accurate and updated timelines.

5. Can I work in New Zealand with a visitor or student visa?
A visitor or student visa does not allow you to work in New Zealand unless it specifically states otherwise on your visa. If you want to work in New Zealand, you will need to obtain a work visa that allows you to do so. However, students who hold a valid student visa are allowed to work part-time during their studies (up to 20 hours per week) and full-time during scheduled breaks.

6. Can I bring my family with me to New Zealand on a work visa?
In most cases, your partner and dependent children can be included in your work visa application and join you in New Zealand. However, they may also need to meet certain criteria such as providing medical certificates and police certificates.

7. How long can I stay in New Zealand on a temporary visa?
The length of time you can stay in New Zealand on a temporary visa depends on the specific type of visa you hold. A visitor visa typically allows stays of up to 9 months at a time, while a student visa may allow for longer stays depending on the duration of the study program.

Work visas are usually valid for the duration of your employment contract, and working holiday visas allow for stays of up to 12 months.

It is important to check the conditions of your specific visa to understand how long you are allowed to stay in New Zealand.

8. Can I switch from a temporary visa to a resident visa?
In some cases, it is possible to switch from a temporary visa (such as a work or student visa) to a resident visa. This is usually done through the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa process, where individuals who have been working or studying in New Zealand and meet certain requirements may be eligible for permanent residence.

However, it is important to note that not all temporary visas are eligible for this switch, so it is best to research and plan ahead if this is something you are considering.

2. How do I apply for a visa to visit New Zealand?

You can apply for a visa to visit New Zealand by completing an online application on the Immigration New Zealand website, or by submitting a paper application through the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate. You will need to provide supporting documents such as a valid passport, proof of financial means, and a detailed itinerary of your trip. The specific requirements and process may vary depending on your country of citizenship and purpose of travel. It is recommended to start the application process at least several weeks in advance of your planned date of travel.

3. Can I apply for a visa online or do I need to submit a paper application?


It depends on your country of residence and the type of visa you are applying for. Some countries allow for online visa applications, while others may require applicants to submit a paper application either in person or by mail. You can check with your country’s embassy or consulate for specific application procedures.

4. What documents do I need to provide with my visa application?

The documents required for a visa application vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the country you are traveling to. Some common documents that may be required include:

1. Valid passport
2. Completed visa application form
3. Passport-sized photographs
4. Proof of travel itinerary or confirmed flight bookings
5. Proof of accommodation arrangements
6. Proof of sufficient funds or financial support
7. Travel insurance documents
8. Letter of invitation from a host in the destination country (if applicable)
9. Employment or education documents (such as employment letter, payslips, or school enrollment letter)
10. Medical records and/or vaccination certificates (if required for entry into the destination country)

It is important to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are traveling to for a comprehensive list of required documents before submitting your visa application. Additionally, make sure to submit all documents in the language specified by the embassy or consulate and follow any specific formatting instructions provided.

5. Is there an application fee for a New Zealand visa?

Yes, there is an application fee for a New Zealand visa. The fee amount will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your nationality. You can find the most up-to-date fee information on the New Zealand immigration website.

6. How long does it take to process a visa application?


The processing time for a visa application varies depending on the type of visa and the country you are applying to. In general, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months for a visa application to be processed. Factors such as the complexity of your case, amount of applications being processed at the consulate/embassy, and the accuracy of your application can also impact the processing time. It is recommended to submit your visa application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow enough time for processing.

7. Do I need a medical exam to apply for a New Zealand visa?

It depends on the type of visa you are applying for and your personal circumstances. In some cases, a medical examination may be required to establish your health fitness to enter New Zealand or to confirm that you do not pose a risk to public health. Individuals who plan to work or study in New Zealand for more than 6 months, as well as those who intend to stay in the country for longer periods (e.g. family members of New Zealand citizens/residents), may need to undergo a medical examination.

Additionally, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to travel or stay in New Zealand, you may also be required to provide relevant medical reports or documents.

You can check the specific requirements for your visa category on the official website of Immigration New Zealand. If a medical exam is necessary, detailed instructions will be provided on how and where to undergo it. You will be responsible for covering the cost of the exam.

8. Do I need to have travel insurance when applying for a New Zealand visa?


While travel insurance is not a requirement for obtaining a New Zealand visa, it is highly recommended. Travel insurance can provide coverage for unexpected medical expenses, trip cancellations or interruptions, and lost or stolen luggage. It can also protect you in case of emergencies while abroad. It is important to purchase travel insurance that meets the specific requirements and coverage needs of your trip.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for a New Zealand visa?


No, there is no age limit for applying for a New Zealand visa. However, applicants under the age of 18 may need to have parental consent and an adult sponsor in order to be granted a visa. Additionally, some visas may have age restrictions or requirements for certain individuals, such as working holiday visas which are only available to those between the ages of 18 and 30 (or 35 for certain countries). It’s important to check specific visa requirements before applying.

10. Can I include my spouse and children in my visa application?

Yes, you can include your spouse and children in your visa application as dependents. They will need to provide the necessary documents to prove their relationship with you and meet the eligibility requirements for dependent visas.

11. What is the validity period for a New Zealand visa?


The validity period for a New Zealand visa will depend on the specific type of visa being applied for. Generally, visitor visas are valid for up to 9 months, study visas can be valid for the duration of the program of study, and work visas can range from one to three years. It is important to check the specific validity period for the visa being applied for as it may vary.

12. Can I extend my stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa?

Yes, it is possible to apply for an extension of stay on a visitor visa in New Zealand. However, you must meet certain criteria and provide a valid reason for needing to extend your stay.

To be eligible for an extension, you must have complied with the conditions of your current visa and be able to provide evidence that supports your request for an extension. This could include proof of ongoing travel plans or a letter from a family member or friend inviting you to stay longer.

You will also need to demonstrate that you have the financial means to support yourself during the extended stay and that you have valid travel insurance for the duration of your extended visit.

It is important to note that extensions are not granted automatically and each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis. You should plan ahead and apply for an extension at least two weeks before your current visa expires.

If your request for an extension is denied, you may need to leave New Zealand or risk being in the country unlawfully. You can contact Immigration New Zealand directly if you have any questions about extending your stay on a visitor visa.

13. How much money do I need to show as proof of funds when applying for a visitor visa?


The amount of money that you need to show as proof of funds when applying for a visitor visa varies depending on the country you are applying from, your purpose of visit, and your length of stay. Generally, you will need to provide enough evidence (such as bank statements, pay stubs, or sponsorship letters) to demonstrate that you can cover your expenses during your trip and that you have strong ties to your home country. This could include showing available cash, assets such as property or investments, and a stable income. It is always best to consult with the specific country’s embassy or consulate where you are applying for more information on their specific requirements.

14. Can I work while on a visitor visa in New Zealand?


Generally, you are not allowed to work while on a visitor visa in New Zealand. Visitor visas do not allow for employment or business activity unless specifically stated on the visa. If you wish to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a visa that allows for employment, such as a work visa. It is important to check the conditions of your specific visitor visa to ensure that you are not breaching any restrictions. Any unauthorized employment could result in your visa being cancelled and may impact future applications for entry into New Zealand.

15. Are there any special requirements for business or work visas in New Zealand?

Yes, there are a few special requirements for business or work visas in New Zealand:

1. Employer sponsorship: In order to obtain a work visa, you will need an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer.

2. English language proficiency: You may need to provide evidence of your proficiency in the English language if it is not your first language. This can be done through a language test or by completing a recognized qualification taught in English.

3. Health and character requirements: You will need to meet certain health and character requirements to be granted a work visa in New Zealand. This includes providing evidence of good health and character as well as undergoing medical examinations and police checks.

4. Qualifications and experience: Depending on the nature of your work, you may need to provide evidence of your qualifications and experience in your chosen field.

5. Proof of funds: You may be required to show that you have enough funds to support yourself during the duration of your stay in New Zealand.

6. Approval from relevant authorities: Some types of work require approval from relevant government agencies before a work visa can be granted. For example, healthcare workers must be registered with the appropriate regulatory body in New Zealand before they can apply for a work visa.

It is important to carefully review the specific requirements for the type of visa you are applying for, as they may vary depending on your individual circumstances and the type of job you will be doing in New Zealand.

16. Does every country require a tourist or visitor visa before entering New Zealand?


No, not every country requires a tourist or visitor visa before entering New Zealand. Citizens of some countries can enter New Zealand for short trips without a visa, while others are required to apply for a visa beforehand. It is important to check the current visa requirements for your specific country before traveling to New Zealand.

17. Will having previous criminal convictions affect my chances of getting a New Zealand visa?

Yes, having previous criminal convictions can affect your chances of getting a New Zealand visa. The New Zealand government reserves the right to deny entry to individuals with certain criminal backgrounds or those who pose a potential risk to the safety and security of the country. Each visa application is assessed on a case-by-case basis, taking into account factors such as the severity and nature of the crime, how long ago it occurred, and if there is any evidence of rehabilitation.

If you have criminal convictions, it is important to be transparent about them when applying for a visa and provide all relevant information and documentation. Failure to disclose this information may result in your visa being denied or revoked in the future.

It is recommended that you seek professional advice from a licensed immigration advisor before applying for a New Zealand visa if you have previous criminal convictions. They can help determine how your convictions might impact your eligibility for a visa and assist with gathering all necessary documents and evidence to support your application.

18. Can I study in New Zealand on a visitor or tourist visa?


No, you cannot study in New Zealand on a visitor or tourist visa. These visas are for short-term visits and do not allow you to enroll in a course or program of study. If you wish to study in New Zealand, you must obtain a student visa before arriving in the country.

19.Can I change my status from one type of visa to another while in New Zealand?

Yes, it is possible to change your status from one type of visa to another while in New Zealand. This process is known as a “visa change of conditions” and can be done through the Immigration New Zealand website or by submitting an application in person at an Immigration office. The specific requirements and documents needed will vary depending on the type of visa you are currently on and the one you wish to apply for. It is recommended to seek professional advice or consult with Immigration New Zealand before applying for a change of visa status.

20.What should I do if my visa application is denied?


If your visa application is denied, there are a few steps you can take:

1. Understand the reason for the denial: The first thing to do is to carefully review the reason for the denial stated in your rejection letter. This will help you understand what went wrong and how to address it.

2. Reapply: In some cases, you may be able to reapply for the visa after addressing the issues mentioned in your rejection letter. However, make sure to wait for a reasonable amount of time before reapplying, as submitting multiple applications in a short period of time may negatively impact your chances of approval.

3. Appeal: Depending on the country and type of visa, you may have the option to appeal the decision. This typically involves providing additional evidence or documentation to support your case. Check with the embassy or consulate about their appeal process.

4. Seek legal advice: If you believe that your application was wrongly denied or if you are not sure how to proceed, it is best to seek legal advice from an attorney who specializes in immigration law.

5. Consider alternative options: If all else fails, consider alternative options such as applying for a different type of visa or exploring other ways to enter the country, such as through a work or study program.

Remember that every country has its own set of rules and regulations regarding visa applications, so make sure to thoroughly research and understand these before applying again. It is also important to remain honest and provide accurate information during the application process.