1. What is a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

A New Zealand Visitor Visa is an endorsement that allows foreign nationals to enter and temporarily stay in New Zealand for tourism, business, or other short-term activities. It is typically valid for up to 9 months and allows multiple entries into the country during that time period. The purpose of the visit must be genuine and temporary, and applicants must show sufficient funds to support themselves throughout their stay in New Zealand.

2. Who needs to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?

3. How long is a New Zealand Visitor Visa valid for?
4. Can I work in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
5. Can I study in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
6. What documents do I need to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
7. How much does it cost to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
8. How long does it take to get a New Zealand Visitor Visa?
9. Can I extend my stay in New Zealand on a Visitor Visa?
10. What should I do if my visa application is rejected?

1. A New Zealand Visitor Visa is an official document issued by Immigration New Zealand that allows you to enter and stay in the country for touristic purposes, such as vacationing, visiting friends and family, or attending events and conferences.

2. Anyone who is not a citizen of Australia or a visa-waiver country needs to apply for a New Zealand Visitor Visa before entering the country as a tourist.

3. The length of validity of the visa depends on your circumstances and reason for travel, but generally they are valid for up to nine months or multiple short visits within three years.

4. No, working in any capacity while on a visitor visa (including paid employment or unpaid internships) is strictly prohibited.

5. Yes, you can undertake short-term courses or programs lasting 3 months or less with a visitor visa, as long as they are not the main purpose of your visit.

6. The specific documents required may vary depending on your country of citizenship and reason for travel, but generally you will need to provide:
– A completed application form
– Your passport (valid for at least three months after your planned departure from NZ)
– Proof of sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay
– Evidence of return or onward travel plans
– Any required medical certificates or vaccinations
– A letter stating the purpose of your trip
– Any other documents specified by Immigration New Zealand.

7. The cost of a New Zealand Visitor Visa varies depending on where you apply and your country of citizenship. As of October 2021, the fee ranges from NZD $211 to NZD $365.

8. The processing time for a Visitor Visa application can vary, but it is generally between 15-30 days.

9. If you wish to stay longer than your initial visa allows, you must apply for an extension at least two weeks before the expiry date. Depending on your reason for extending, you may need to provide additional documentation and pay an additional fee. It is important to note that extensions are not guaranteed and will only be granted in certain circumstances.

10. If your visa application is rejected, you can seek advice from Immigration New Zealand or consider reapplying with updated or additional information that may strengthen your case. You also have the option to appeal the decision through the Immigration & Protection Tribunal (IPT). However, if your application was rejected based on character concerns, there may not be any further avenues available to you.

3. How long can I stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa?

The length of time you can stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa depends on the type of visitor visa you have been granted. In most cases, you will be allowed to stay for a maximum of 9 months in any 18-month period. However, if you are from a visa-waiver country, you can stay for up to three months. It is important to check the specific conditions and validity period of your visitor visa before traveling to New Zealand. If you wish to stay longer, you may need to apply for an extension of your visa or transition to another visa category that allows for longer stays.

4. Can I work or study on a visitor visa in New Zealand?

No, you cannot work or study on a visitor visa in New Zealand. Visitor visas are meant for tourism and visiting friends and family. If you want to work or study in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a visa specifically for those purposes.

5. Do I need to have travel insurance for my visit to New Zealand?

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for any trip to New Zealand. It can help protect you against unexpected events such as flight cancellations or delays, lost luggage, and medical emergencies. It is also a requirement for some types of visas. It is important to carefully review your policy to ensure it covers all the activities and destinations you plan to engage in during your visit.

6. What documents do I need to provide when applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand?

When applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand, you will need to provide the following documents:

1. Visa application form: You can download this form from the Immigration New Zealand website or fill it out online.

2. Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the end of your intended stay in New Zealand.

3. Photo: A recent passport-sized photo of yourself. The photo must meet specific requirements outlined by Immigration New Zealand.

4. Proof of funds: You must provide evidence that you have enough money to support yourself during your stay in New Zealand, such as bank statements or a letter from your employer.

5. Travel itinerary: This includes details of your flight bookings and accommodation arrangements while in New Zealand.

6. Proof of ties to your home country: You may be required to provide evidence that you have ties, such as family or employment, that will ensure you return to your home country after your visit to New Zealand is over.

7. Medical and travel insurance: It is highly recommended that you have medical and travel insurance for the duration of your trip to cover any unexpected medical expenses or trip cancellations.

8. Character requirements: Depending on your country of citizenship, you may need to provide police certificates from any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the last 10 years.

9. Purpose of visit: You will need to explain the purpose of your visit and provide any relevant supporting documents, such as an invitation from a friend or family member or a detailed travel itinerary if you are visiting as a tourist.

10. Additional documents: Depending on the purpose of your visit, additional documents may be required, such as proof of enrollment for student visitors or employment letters for business visitors.

It is always best to check with Immigration New Zealand before submitting your application to ensure you have all the necessary documentation.

7. How long does it take to process a visitor visa application for New Zealand?

The processing time for a visitor visa application for New Zealand can vary and it typically takes about 15-20 working days. However, the processing time may also depend on factors such as the volume of applications, completeness of the application, and how easily you can be contacted for any additional information or documents. It is recommended to apply for your visitor visa well in advance of your intended travel dates to allow enough time for processing.

8. Can I apply for a visitor visa online or do I need to submit a physical application?

It depends on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. Some countries have access to electronic travel authorization or e-visa systems which allow visitors to apply online. However, if you do not have this option available, you will need to submit a physical application at a visa application center or embassy/consulate. It is important to check the visa requirements for your specific situation before applying.

9. How much does it cost to apply for a visitor visa in New Zealand?

The cost of a visitor visa in New Zealand varies depending on the type and duration of the visa. As of 2021, the fees are as follows:

– Visitor Visa (up to 9 months): NZD $211
– Visitor Visa (more than 9 months): NZD $250
– Transit Visa: NZD $55

It is important to note that there may be additional costs such as visa application center fees, medical examination fees, and immigration levy. These vary depending on the country you are applying from.

For a more accurate estimate of fees, it is recommended to check the official website of Immigration New Zealand or consult with a licensed immigration advisor.

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

Yes, it is possible to extend your stay on a visitor visa in New Zealand. However, you must meet certain criteria in order to do so and the decision ultimately lies with the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) officer assessing your application.

To be eligible for a visa extension, you must prove that you have a valid reason for staying longer, such as medical treatment or attending a family emergency. You will also need to show that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your extended stay and that you intend to leave New Zealand at the end of your extended visa period.

To apply for an extension, you will need to complete the appropriate application form and provide any required documents, such as proof of your reason for staying longer and evidence of financial support. There may also be additional fees involved.

It is recommended that you apply for an extension at least 4 weeks before your current visa expires. If granted, your new visa will have its own expiry date and may come with conditions such as not being able to work or study while on the extended visa.

For more information on how to extend a visitor visa in New Zealand, it is best to consult with INZ or seek guidance from a licensed immigration adviser.

11. Is there any age limit for applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand?

There is no specific age limit for applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand. However, minors under 18 years of age may need a consent form from their parents or legal guardians and must be traveling with a responsible adult. Those over 70 years of age may need to provide evidence of travel insurance.

12. Do I need to have a return ticket when applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand?

Yes, you will need to have a return ticket when applying for a visitor visa in New Zealand. This is to show proof of your intention to leave the country and return to your home country after your visit. The immigration officials need to be satisfied that you have no intention of staying in New Zealand permanently, and a return ticket is one way to demonstrate this.

13. Can I visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with one Visitor Visa?

Yes, you can visit both the North and South Islands of New Zealand with one Visitor Visa. The Visitor Visa allows you to travel to and enter any part of New Zealand, including the North and South Islands. This means you can explore all the stunning landscapes, attractions, and experiences that both islands have to offer during your trip.

14.Married/married-equivalent partners of NZ citizens/permanent residents, what are the requirements and eligibility criteria necessary under the Partnership Based Temporary Entry Category?

The Partnership Based Temporary Entry Category allows the spouse or de facto partner of a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident to apply for a temporary visa to enter and live in New Zealand. The requirements and eligibility criteria for this category include the following:

1. Relationship: The applicant must be legally married or in a genuine and stable de facto relationship with their partner, who is a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.

2. Sponsorship: The New Zealand citizen or permanent resident partner must act as the sponsor and provide evidence of their financial ability to support the applicant during their stay in New Zealand.

3. Health and character: Both the applicant and their sponsor must meet health and character requirements set by Immigration New Zealand.

4. Intention to live together: The couple must provide evidence that they intend to live together in New Zealand for the duration of the applicant’s stay.

5. Proof of genuine relationship: The couple must provide sufficient proof of their genuine relationship, including shared assets, joint bank accounts, travel documents, photographs, etc.

6. Language requirements: If the sponsor is a non-English speaker, they may need to demonstrate English language proficiency by providing evidence of an acceptable English language test result.

7. Partnership support form: The partner of the applicant (excluding sponsor) may be required to complete a partnership support form, which outlines their intention to support them while they are in New Zealand.

8. Length of relationship: For de facto relationships, the couple must have been living together for at least 12 months before applying for a temporary visa.

9. Dependent children: If any dependent children are included in the application, they must also meet health and character requirements and be financially supported by either parent during their stay in New Zealand.

It’s important to note that each individual case is unique and Immigration New Zealand will assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. Meeting all eligibility criteria does not guarantee approval of the visa application.

15.Can you enter and leave NZ multiple times on one Visitor Visa within its validity period?

Yes, you can enter and leave New Zealand multiple times on one Visitor Visa within its validity period as long as the visa conditions allow for multiple entries. However, each time you enter New Zealand, your stay must not exceed the maximum length of stay allowed by your visa. It is important to check your visa conditions carefully before traveling to ensure that you comply with them.

16.What types of activities are allowed on a Business Visitor Visa?

A Business Visitor Visa typically allows for the following types of activities:

1. Attending business meetings and conferences
2. Negotiating and signing business contracts
3. Conducting market research
4. Attending trade shows and events
5. Attending training or seminars related to work or business
6. Participating in short-term courses or workshops (not exceeding 3 months)
7. Meeting with potential clients, suppliers, or partners
8. Supervising or inspecting UK-based company facilities
9. Delivering lectures or speeches (non-recurring)
10. Setting up a new UK-based branch of an overseas company
11. Gathering information on investment opportunities in the UK
12. Engaging in intra-company activities (e.g., meetings with colleagues from a UK branch)
13. Recruiting staff for a foreign-based organization
14. Installing, dismantling, repairing, or upgrading foreign-made machinery.
15.Sharing expertise or knowledge gained by your foreign employer with other individuals at their UK branch.
16.Attending job interviews (paid employment not allowed).
17.Participating in advertising shoots, location filming, or fashion shoots.
18.Conducting site visits and inspections for overseas based companies.
19.Attending board of directors’ meetings held in the UK by non-UK based companies.
20.Exploring options to set up a new business venture in the UK without engaging in any income-generating activities.

Please note that this is not an exhaustive list and certain restrictions may apply depending on individual circumstances and the specific conditions outlined on the visa. It is important to check with the British Consulate/Embassy for more detailed information about allowed activities for a Business Visitor Visa before traveling to the UK.

17.Is there an income requirement for obtaining a Business Visitor Visa?

No, there is no specific income requirement for obtaining a Business Visitor Visa. However, applicants must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover their stay in the country and any expenses related to their business activities. Additionally, they must also provide proof of ties to their home country and a clear purpose for their visit.

18.I am attending business meetings, conferences and conducting business negotiations in NZ, which type of visa should I apply for?

You should apply for a business visa, specifically a Visitor Visa (Business Visitor Stream). This visa allows you to attend business meetings and conduct negotiations in New Zealand. You will need to provide evidence of the business meetings or events you are attending, such as an invitation letter, conference agenda or appointment schedule. You may also be required to provide proof of your business ties to your home country, such as a letter from your employer or evidence of self-employment. It is important to check the specific requirements and application process for the Visitor Visa at the New Zealand Immigration website.

19.Can I use my Business Visitor Visa to establish or manage my own business in NZ?

No, a Business Visitor Visa does not allow you to establish or manage your own business in New Zealand. This type of visa is intended for people who need to engage in short-term business activities such as attending conferences, negotiations, or meetings. If you wish to establish or manage your own business in New Zealand, you will need to apply for the appropriate visa, such as an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

20.Does having criminal convictions prevent me from obtaining a Business Visitor Visa?

It depends on the severity and nature of the criminal convictions. Immigration authorities will consider various factors, such as the type and frequency of offenses, any rehabilitation efforts or evidence of reformation, and the purpose and length of your visit to determine if you are admissible for a Business Visitor Visa. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer for specific guidance regarding your situation.