New Zealand Visa – Visitor – Critical Purpose Visitor Visa

1. What is a critical purpose visitor visa for New Zealand?


A critical purpose visitor visa for New Zealand is a type of visa that allows individuals to travel to New Zealand for a specific, urgent purpose that is deemed critical by the government. This could include things like emergency medical treatment, business-related activities, or humanitarian reasons. These visas are granted on a case-by-case basis and require evidence of the critical purpose in order to be approved. They are typically temporary visas with limited validity periods.

2. Who is eligible to apply for a critical purpose visitor visa?


A critical purpose visitor visa is typically available to individuals who need to travel for essential reasons that cannot be postponed or carried out remotely. This can include:

1. Business visitors: Individuals who are traveling for urgent business matters, such as attending a meeting or conference, conducting negotiations, or signing contracts.

2. Medical treatment: Individuals who require urgent medical treatment that is not available in their home country.

3. Government officials and diplomats: Individuals involved in carrying out diplomatic duties or essential government work.

4. Humanitarian and compassionate purposes: Individuals who need to travel for compelling reasons such as caring for a sick loved one or attending a funeral.

5. Military personnel: Members of the armed forces who need to travel on official duty.

6. Emergency service personnel: Individuals working in emergency services, such as firefighters, paramedics, and police officers.

7. Essential workers: People who hold critical roles in essential industries, such as healthcare, transportation, food production and distribution, and public utilities.

It’s important to note that eligibility may vary depending on the country you are applying from and the current COVID-19 restrictions in place. It is best to check with the embassy or consulate of the country you wish to visit for specific guidelines and requirements before applying for a critical purpose visitor visa.

3. What constitutes a “critical purpose” for visiting New Zealand?


A “critical purpose” for visiting New Zealand refers to a specific reason that is deemed essential or urgent for the individual’s travel. This could include matters of national interest, emergency medical treatment, performing critical public services, fulfilling legal obligations, or compassionate reasons (such as attending a funeral). It is up to the discretion of New Zealand immigration officials to determine if an individual’s purpose of travel meets this criteria.

4. Is a critical purpose visitor visa different from a regular visitor visa?


Yes, a critical purpose visitor visa is different from a regular visitor visa because it is issued for specific and urgent reasons such as medical treatment, business meetings, or attending a funeral. Regular visitor visas are for general tourism or short-term visits to family and friends. The application process and requirements for each type of visa may also vary.

5. How long does it take to process a critical purpose visitor visa application?


The processing time for a critical purpose visitor visa varies depending on the country where you are applying, but it typically takes between 2-8 weeks to process. Factors such as your individual circumstances and the complexity of your application can also affect the processing time. It is recommended to apply well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for enough processing time.

6. Can I enter New Zealand with a critical purpose visitor visa during the COVID-19 pandemic?


Yes, you can enter New Zealand with a critical purpose visitor visa during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, you will need to apply for this visa and meet specific eligibility criteria. Critical purpose visitor visas are only granted for travel deemed necessary for critical purposes, such as humanitarian reasons or essential services. You will also be required to undergo managed isolation or quarantine upon arrival in New Zealand. It is recommended that you check the current travel restrictions in place and consult with immigration authorities before planning your trip. more information can be found on the New Zealand Immigration website.

7. Do I need to provide any additional documents for a critical purpose visitor visa?


It depends on your specific circumstances and the purpose of your visit. Some common additional documents that may be requested for a critical purpose visitor visa include:

1. Letter of invitation from a host in the destination country: If you are visiting someone in the country, they may need to provide a letter stating their relationship with you, the purpose of your visit, and details about your accommodation and support during your stay.

2. Proof of medical treatment: If you are traveling for medical treatment, you may need to provide proof of an appointment or admission at a medical facility in the destination country.

3. Evidence of financial support: You may be asked to provide proof that you have enough funds to cover your expenses during your visit, such as bank statements or sponsor letters.

4. Travel itinerary: You may need to provide a detailed travel itinerary including flights, accommodations, and activities planned during your stay.

5. Proof of ties to your home country: To show that you have strong ties to your home country and will return after your visit, you may be asked to provide documents such as employment contract, property ownership papers, or family ties.

It is important to carefully review the requirements for the critical purpose visitor visa and gather all necessary documents before applying to avoid any delays or denials. It is also recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer for guidance on specific document requirements for your situation.

8. Can I extend my stay in New Zealand on a critical purpose visitor visa?

It is not possible to extend a critical purpose visitor visa in New Zealand. Once the visa has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa if you wish to stay longer on a critical purpose.

9. Can I work while on a critical purpose visitor visa?

No, a critical purpose visitor visa does not allow the holder to work in New Zealand. If you want to work in New Zealand, you will need to apply for an appropriate work visa.

10. What happens if my plans change and I no longer need to travel on my critical purpose visitor visa?

If your plans change and you no longer need to travel on your critical purpose visitor visa, you should contact Immigration New Zealand as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, they may be able to cancel your visa and issue a refund of any application fees paid.

9. Is there an age limit for applying for a critical purpose visitor visa?


There is no specific age limit for applying for a critical purpose visitor visa. However, all applicants must meet the requirements set by the issuing country, including providing evidence of their intention to return to their home country and proof of financial support. The applicant’s age may be taken into consideration when assessing their overall eligibility for the visa. It is recommended to check with the issuing country’s embassy or consulate for any specific guidelines or restrictions related to age for critical purpose visas.

10. Do I need travel insurance for my trip to New Zealand on a critical purpose visitor visa?


Yes, it is strongly recommended to have travel insurance for your trip to New Zealand on a critical purpose visitor visa. The New Zealand government requires all visitors to have appropriate medical and travel insurance that covers the duration of their stay in case of unexpected emergencies or accidents.

11. What is the validity period of a critical purpose visitor visa?


The validity period of a critical purpose visitor visa may vary depending on the purpose of the visit and the country issuing the visa. Generally, it can range from a few weeks to several months. However, during times of emergency or crisis, special provisions may be made for longer validity periods. It is best to check with the issuing country’s embassy or consulate for more specific information.

12. If my visit to New Zealand no longer serves the critical purpose, can I still enter with the visa?

If your visit no longer serves the critical purpose, you may still be able to enter with the visa if you can demonstrate that there is a valid reason for your travel, such as emergency or compassionate grounds. However, the final decision will be made by the border officials upon your arrival in New Zealand. It is important to note that all travelers entering New Zealand during this time must go through mandatory quarantine and follow all other necessary health and safety measures. We recommend contacting Immigration New Zealand for specific guidance on your situation.

13. Can I work or study on a critical purpose visitor visa in New Zealand?


No, you cannot work or study on a critical purpose visitor visa in New Zealand. This type of visa only allows for short-term entry for specific essential business, health, or humanitarian reasons, not for employment or studying purposes. If you plan to work or study in New Zealand, you would need to apply for a work or student visa.

14. Do I need to have accommodations and return tickets booked before applying for the visa?


It is not necessary to have accommodations and return tickets booked before applying for a visa. However, you may be asked about your accommodation plans during the application process and it is important to have a clear plan in place for where you will be staying during your trip. Having return tickets booked may also show your intention to leave the country within the designated visa period, which can strengthen your visa application.

15. How much does it cost to apply for a critical purpose visitor visa?

The cost of a critical purpose visitor visa can vary depending on your country of residence and other factors. You can check the current fees for visitor visas on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be applying. In general, visitor visa fees range from $25 to $200. Additionally, there may be other costs involved such as application processing fees or biometric fees.

16. How do I apply for a critical purpose visitor visa for New Zealand?

To apply for a critical purpose visitor visa for New Zealand, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Determine if you are eligible for the critical purpose visitor visa. This visa is only available for individuals who have a specific and essential reason to travel to New Zealand during the current border restrictions, such as providing critical health services or supporting a critical infrastructure project.

2. Gather all required documents. This may include your passport, evidence of your critical purpose for traveling to New Zealand, proof of financial means to support yourself during your stay, and any other supporting documents required by Immigration New Zealand.

3. Complete the online application form on the Immigration New Zealand website.

4. Pay the application fee. The cost for a critical purpose visitor visa is NZD $378.

5. Submit your application and wait for a decision from Immigration New Zealand.

6. If your visa is approved, you will receive an approval letter with instructions on how to collect your visa.

7. If your visa is denied, you may be able to appeal the decision or reapply with additional information.

It is important to note that due to COVID-19, most foreign nationals are currently unable to enter New Zealand unless they fall under one of the exemptions listed by Immigration New Zealand. Make sure to carefully review the current entry requirements before applying for a critical purpose visitor visa.

17. Is there any specific medical test required for this type of visa?


Yes. The required medical test is an Immigration Health Examination conducted by an authorized panel physician designated by the Australian Government. This examination includes a physical examination, chest x-ray, and blood tests to check for any health conditions that may affect your visa application. The results of this medical examination must be submitted with your visa application.

18. Can I combine my visit with leisure activities while on a critical purpose visit?


No, you should not combine your visit with leisure activities if it is considered a critical purpose visit. The purpose of the visit should be your primary focus, and any leisure activities should only be incidental to your main purpose. Engaging in leisure activities may also raise questions about the veracity of your declared purpose for entering the country. It is best to stick to your approved itinerary and avoid any non-essential activities that may jeopardize the success of your critical purpose visit.

19. Will having family or friends in New Zealand increase my chances of getting the visa approved?


Having family or friends in New Zealand may not necessarily increase your chances of getting a visa approved. The visa application process is based on various factors such as the purpose of your trip, your financial stability, and your ties to your home country. However, having family or friends in New Zealand can be seen as a positive factor if they can provide evidence of their support for your trip and explain why you are traveling to New Zealand. Ultimately, the decision to approve or deny a visa application lies with the immigration authorities.

20. Can I apply online for the critical purpose visitor visa or do I have to submit physical documents?


It is possible to apply for a critical purpose visitor visa online in some countries. However, in some countries, you may still need to submit physical documents as part of the application process. It is best to check with your nearest consulate or embassy for specific application instructions.