1. What is a visitor visa for New Zealand?
A visitor visa for New Zealand is a temporary visa that allows a person to travel to and enter New Zealand for tourism, family visits, or business purposes. It allows for a stay of up to nine months within an 18-month period.2. Who needs a visitor visa for New Zealand?
Anyone who is not a citizen or resident of New Zealand will need a visitor visa to enter the country.
3. How long can I stay in New Zealand with a visitor visa?
A visitor visa allows for a stay of up to nine months within an 18-month period. The exact length of stay will depend on the validity of your visa and the purpose of your visit.
4. Can I work on a visitor visa in New Zealand?
No, you are not allowed to work on a visitor visa in New Zealand. If you wish to work during your stay, you will need to apply for a different type of visa, such as a work or study visa.
5. How do I apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand?
You can apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website or through paper application forms which can be obtained from an Immigration New Zealand office. You will need to provide personal information, such as your passport details and reason for visiting, as well as any supporting documents required for your specific circumstances.
6. How long does it take to process a visitor visa application?
The processing time for a visitor visa application can vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances. It is recommended to apply at least three weeks before your intended travel date.
7. How much does it cost to get a visitor visa for New Zealand?
The cost of a visitor visa varies depending on your nationality and where you are applying from. As of 2021, the fees range from NZD $211-258.
8.The main requirements for obtaining this type of tourist permit include:
– A valid passport
– Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in New Zealand
– A return or onward ticket
– Proof of accommodation arrangements
– Medical and travel insurance
– A clean criminal record
– A letter explaining the purpose and duration of your visit.
2. Who is eligible to apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand?
Anyone who is not a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident can apply for a visitor visa for New Zealand. This includes people from any country who wish to visit New Zealand for tourism, visiting friends and family, attending conferences or events, or engaging in short-term study. There may be certain age restrictions and health requirements for some applicants.
3. How long can I stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa?
The duration of stay on a visitor visa depends on the type of visitor visa you have been granted.
1) Visitor Visa (up to 9 months): The maximum duration of stay for this visa is 9 months. This visa is typically used for tourism, visiting friends and family or participating in short-term courses or activities.
2) Visitor Visa (more than 9 months): For longer visits exceeding 9 months, a specific reason must be provided along with supporting documents. The decision to grant a longer stay is at the discretion of the New Zealand immigration department.
3) Australian citizen Family Relationship Visa: This visa allows partners and dependent children of Australian citizens to apply for a visitor visa valid for up to 18 months.
4) Group Visitor Visas: If traveling as part of an organized tour group, you can apply for a group visitor visa which allows stays of up to 30 days.
Please note that all visitors to New Zealand must have a valid passport with at least 3 months remaining before expiration and may also need to meet health and character requirements. It is always best to consult with your nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for specific details based on your nationality and travel plans.
4. Do I need to have a return ticket when applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand?
Yes, you will need to have a return ticket or proof of onward travel when applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand. This is because the immigration authorities want to ensure that you have a valid reason for entering the country and that you do not plan to overstay your visa. Showing a return ticket or proof of onward travel helps to demonstrate that you have enough funds and intention to leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
5. Is it possible to extend my stay on a New Zealand visitor visa?
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay on a New Zealand visitor visa. You can apply for an extension of your visa before it expires, as long as you still meet the requirements for the visa and have a valid reason for the extension. You can apply for an extension online through Immigration New Zealand’s website. If your visa has already expired, you may be able to apply for a new visitor visa. However, if you have been in New Zealand for more than 9 months in an 18-month period, you will have to wait at least 12 months from the date of your departure before applying for a new visitor visa. It is important to note that staying on a visitor visa for an extended period of time does not give you permission to work or study in New Zealand. If you wish to do so, you will need to apply for the appropriate work or study visa.
6. Can I work on a visitor visa in New Zealand?
No, you cannot work on a visitor visa in New Zealand. Visitor visas are for the purpose of tourism, visiting friends and family, or attending short-term courses or conferences. They do not allow you to work in New Zealand. If you would like to work in New Zealand, you will need to obtain a work visa before starting any employment.
7. Do I need health insurance for my visit to New Zealand?
Yes, it is strongly recommended that you have health insurance for your visit to New Zealand. While the country has a high-quality and accessible healthcare system, medical treatment can be expensive for non-residents. Having health insurance will ensure that you are covered in case of any medical emergencies or unexpected illness during your stay in New Zealand.
8. Are there any restrictions on the activities I can do while on a visitor visa in New Zealand?
Yes, there are some restrictions on the activities you can do while on a visitor visa in New Zealand. You are not allowed to work or study on a visitor visa, and engaging in any business activities or self-employment is also prohibited. Additionally, you are not allowed to participate in any criminal or unauthorized activities while in the country. It’s important to check the specific conditions of your visa to ensure that you comply with all restrictions.
9. What documents do I need to provide when applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand?
When applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand, you will need to provide the following documents:
1. A completed and signed visitor visa application form (INZ 1017).
2. A valid passport that is valid for at least three months beyond your intended stay in New Zealand.
3. Two recent passport-sized photographs.
4. Proof of sufficient funds to support your stay in New Zealand, such as bank statements or employment letters.
5. Evidence of ties to your home country, such as property ownership, family, or job commitments, which show that you have reasons to return after your visit.
6. Confirmed travel bookings, including flights and accommodation reservations.
7. A detailed itinerary of your trip, outlining the places you plan to visit and activities you will engage in.
8. Medical certificates if required (depending on your country of residence and length of stay).
9. Police clearance certificate from all countries you have lived in for more than 12 months since turning 17 years old.
10. If visiting friends or family in New Zealand, a letter from them stating their relationship with you, their address and contact details, along with an invitation for you to come and visit.
11. If sponsored by someone else or participating in an event or conference in New Zealand, provide relevant documentation such as sponsorship letters or proof of event registration.
It is essential to check the specific requirements for a visitor visa from your country before applying as they may vary slightly. Additionally, make sure all documents are current and translated into English if necessary.
10. How much does a visitor visa application cost and how do I pay for it?
The cost of a visitor visa application varies depending on the country you are applying from and the type of visa you are seeking. Generally, the fee can range from $50 to $200. You can find specific information about fees for your country on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will be applying.
Payment methods also vary depending on the country. Some embassies accept cash, credit/debit cards, or bank transfers, while others may only accept one or two forms of payment. It is best to check with the embassy before submitting your application to ensure you have the correct method of payment ready.
11. How long does it take to process a visitor visa application for New Zealand?
The processing time for a New Zealand visitor visa may vary depending on your country of residence and the complexity of your application. Generally, it can take anywhere from 15 to 30 days for a decision to be made. However, some applications may take longer if additional documents or information are required, or if there is a high volume of applications being processed at the time. It is recommended to submit your application well in advance of your intended travel date to allow for any potential delays.
12. Can I apply online for a visitor visa to New Zealand?
Yes, you can apply for a visitor visa to New Zealand online. Online applications are now the preferred method of applying for a visitor visa as it is faster and more convenient. You will need to fill out an application form online, provide all necessary documents and pay the visa fee online in order to submit your application.
13. Will my criminal record affect my chances of getting a visitor visa to New Zealand?
It is possible that your criminal record may affect your chances of getting a visitor visa to New Zealand. New Zealand immigration officials consider all aspects of an individual’s background when making decisions on visa applications, including criminal history. Depending on the severity and type of crime committed, it is possible that your application may be denied.
However, if you have completed all penalties and rehabilitation for your crime and can demonstrate that you are a reformed individual with no intention to engage in criminal activities while in New Zealand, it is possible that your application could be approved. It is recommended that you disclose any past convictions and provide evidence of rehabilitation to improve your chances of being granted a visitor visa.
Additionally, certain types of crimes, such as serious offenses or offenses involving moral turpitude, may result in an automatic refusal of a visitor visa. It is best to consult with an immigration lawyer or the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for further guidance on how your specific criminal record may impact your visa application.
14. Do I need to show proof of funds when applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand?
It is not always necessary to show proof of funds when applying for a visitor visa to New Zealand, but it is recommended to have sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay. This may include cash, traveler’s checks, credit cards, or a letter from your sponsor if someone else will be covering your expenses. Providing proof of funds can strengthen your application and show that you have the means to support yourself while in New Zealand.
15. Is there an age limit for obtaining a visitor visa in New Zealand?
There is no age limit for obtaining a visitor visa in New Zealand. Anyone can apply as long as they meet the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documents. Minors under the age of 18 will need written consent from their parent or guardian to travel to New Zealand and may also need to provide additional documents such as a birth certificate or proof of guardianship.
16. Can I visit friends and family while on a tourist visa in New Zealand?
Yes, you can visit friends and family while on a tourist visa in New Zealand. However, keep in mind that the primary purpose of a tourist visa is for holiday or recreational activities and not for visiting friends or relatives. You should be able to provide evidence of your travel plans and sufficient funds to cover your trip during your stay in New Zealand. Also, make sure to inform immigration officers about your plans to visit friends or family during your application process.
17, How many times can I enter and exit the country with my tourist visa?
The specific number of times you can enter and exit a country with a tourist visa will depend on the regulations and limitations set by that particular country. Some countries may allow multiple entries, while others may only allow a single entry. It is important to check the visa requirements for the specific country you are visiting in order to determine how many times you can enter and exit with your tourist visa.
18, Will I be interviewed as part of the application process?
It is possible that you may be interviewed as part of the application process, but it ultimately depends on the specific company or organization that you are applying to. Some companies may require interviews for all applicants, while others may only conduct interviews for certain positions or after an initial screening of applications. It is best to research the company’s hiring process or reach out to their HR department for more information on their interview practices.
19, Can I enroll in short-term courses or attend conferences on a tourist visa in New Zealand?
Yes, you may enroll in short-term courses or attend conferences on a tourist visa in New Zealand. However, there are certain requirements that you must fulfill before doing so.
Firstly, you must ensure that your tourist visa allows for study and attending conferences. Most tourist visas have this flexibility, but it is best to check with the New Zealand immigration authorities or the embassy/consulate where you obtained your visa.
Secondly, you must not exceed the maximum duration of stay allowed on your tourist visa. In most cases, this is 9 months within an 18-month period. If you plan on staying longer in New Zealand for your course or conference, you will need to apply for a different type of visa.
Thirdly, you will need to provide evidence of enrolment in the course or registration for the conference when entering New Zealand. This may include a letter from the educational institution or conference organizer confirming your participation.
It is important to note that studying on a tourist visa is only allowed if it is for a short-term course or conference and does not lead to formal qualifications or credits. If you plan on pursuing long-term studies in New Zealand, you will need to apply for a student visa.
Lastly, it is advisable to check with the relevant educational institution or conference organizer about any additional requirements they may have for international participants. They may also be able to assist you with obtaining necessary documents such as letters of invitation and proof of accommodation during your stay.
Overall, it is possible to enroll in short-term courses or attend conferences while on a tourist visa in New Zealand as long as all necessary requirements are met.
20, What should I do if my application for a tourist or visitor visa is denied?
1. Understand the reason for the denial: The first step is to carefully read the denial letter from the visa office and understand why your application was rejected. Common reasons for visa denials include insufficient funds, lack of strong ties to your home country, and concerns about immigration intent.
2. Gather more evidence: If you believe that your application was denied due to insufficient evidence, you can gather additional documents and information to support your case. This could include proof of employment, property ownership, family ties, or any other ties that demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after your visit.
3. Appeal the decision: In some cases, you may have the option to appeal the decision if you believe it was made in error. Check with the visa office for their appeal process and follow their instructions carefully.
4. Reapply if circumstances change: If you were denied due to lack of sufficient funds or strong ties to your home country, you can reapply once your circumstances have changed. For example, if you have started a new job or purchased property since your last application, this could strengthen your case for approval.
5. Consider applying for a different type of visa: If you were denied a tourist or visitor visa, consider applying for a different type of visa that may better suit your purpose of travel. For example, if you are visiting friends or family in another country, consider applying for a family visit visa instead.
6. Seek legal assistance: If you believe there was an error in the processing of your application or have exhausted all options and still cannot obtain a visa, it may be helpful to seek legal advice from an immigration lawyer who can guide you through the appeals process or explore alternative options.
7. Plan ahead for future applications: If your current travel plans are not urgent, it may be beneficial to wait before reapplying so that you can address any issues that led to the initial denial and improve your chances of approval. This could include saving more money, building stronger ties to your home country, or providing additional documentation.