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Visa Types

An overview of the different visa options available for visitors, workers, students, and residents in New Zealand.

Sections

1. Visitor Visas

Visitor visas are for individuals who wish to travel to New Zealand for tourism, visiting family or friends, or short-term business activities.

Key Features:

  • Duration: Up to 9 months in an 18-month period.
  • Eligibility: Proof of sufficient funds (NZD $1,000 per month or $400 per month if accommodation is prepaid), a return ticket, and a valid passport.
  • Activities Allowed: Tourism, visiting family/friends, attending business meetings, or short-term study (up to 3 months).

Costs:

  • Application Fee: NZD $246 (online) or NZD $211 (paper-based, varies by country).
  • Additional Costs: Medical certificates or chest X-rays may be required for stays longer than 6 months.

Application Process:

  1. Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website.
  2. Complete the online application form.
  3. Upload required documents (passport, proof of funds, travel itinerary, etc.).
  4. Pay the application fee.
  5. Wait for processing (usually 20-30 days).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Citizens of visa-waiver countries (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, EU countries) can travel visa-free for up to 3 months but must apply for an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) before arrival.
  • NZeTA costs NZD $17 (online) or NZD $23 (via app) and includes an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of NZD $35.

2. Work Visas

Work visas allow individuals to work in New Zealand temporarily or as a pathway to residency.

Key Types of Work Visas:

  1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV):

    • For skilled workers with a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer.
    • Valid for up to 3 years.
    • Requires a job offer that meets the median wage threshold (NZD $29.66/hour as of 2023).

  2. Working Holiday Visa:

    • For young people (usually aged 18-30 or 18-35, depending on the country) from eligible countries.
    • Allows work and travel for up to 12 months (23 months for UK and Canadian citizens).
    • Limited to specific countries with bilateral agreements.

  3. Specific Purpose Work Visa:

    • For individuals coming to New Zealand for a specific project or event (e.g., sports, arts, or business).

Costs:

  • AEWV: NZD $750.
  • Working Holiday Visa: NZD $245.
  • Specific Purpose Visa: NZD $700 (varies by purpose).

Application Process:

  1. Secure a job offer (if required).
  2. Submit an online application with supporting documents (employment agreement, qualifications, etc.).
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Wait for processing (varies by visa type, typically 20-60 days).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Some work visas require labor market testing to ensure no New Zealanders are available for the role.
  • Working Holiday Visas have annual quotas for certain countries (e.g., 1,500 for Malaysia).

3. Student Visas

Student visas are for individuals who wish to study full-time in New Zealand.

Key Features:

  • Duration: Length of the study program.
  • Eligibility: Enrollment in an approved education provider, proof of funds (NZD $20,000/year for living expenses), and a return ticket.
  • Work Rights: Up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during holidays.

Costs:

  • Application Fee: NZD $375 (online) or NZD $530 (paper-based).
  • Additional Costs: Medical and police certificates may be required.

Application Process:

  1. Receive an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider.
  2. Submit an online application with supporting documents (offer letter, proof of funds, etc.).
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Wait for processing (usually 20-30 days).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Some countries may require additional health screening or English language proficiency tests (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL).

4. Resident Visas

Resident visas allow individuals to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Key Types of Resident Visas:

  1. Skilled Migrant Category (SMC):

    • Points-based system for skilled workers.
    • Requires a job offer or qualifications in a high-demand field.

  2. Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa:

    • For partners of New Zealand citizens or residents.

  3. Investor and Entrepreneur Visas:

    • For individuals investing significant funds (Investor Visa) or starting a business (Entrepreneur Visa).

Costs:

  • SMC: NZD $4,950.
  • Partner Visa: NZD $1,860.
  • Investor Visa: NZD $4,960.

Application Process:

  1. Submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for SMC or Investor Visas.
  2. Receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) if eligible.
  3. Submit a full application with supporting documents.
  4. Pay the application fee.
  5. Wait for processing (can take several months).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • SMC applicants must meet English language requirements and health standards.
  • Investor Visa applicants must demonstrate the source of investment funds.

5. Family Visas

Family visas allow individuals to join family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents.

Key Types of Family Visas:

  1. Partner Visa:
    • For spouses, civil union partners, or de facto partners of New Zealand citizens or residents.
  2. Parent Resident Visa:
    • For parents of New Zealand citizens or residents (subject to income thresholds).

Costs:

  • Partner Visa: NZD $1,860.
  • Parent Visa: NZD $5,120.

Application Process:

  1. Submit an online application with proof of relationship or sponsorship.
  2. Pay the application fee.
  3. Wait for processing (varies by visa type).

Country-Specific Considerations:

  • Parent Visa applications are capped annually, and there may be long waiting times.

6. Permanent Resident Visa

Permanent Resident Visas allow individuals to live in New Zealand indefinitely without travel restrictions.

Eligibility:

  • Must hold a Resident Visa for at least 2 years.
  • Meet character and travel requirements.

Costs:

  • Application Fee: NZD $210.

Application Process:

  1. Apply online or via paper form.
  2. Submit supporting documents (e.g., proof of residence in New Zealand).
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Wait for processing (usually 20-30 days).

General Tips for Applicants:

  1. Health and Character Requirements: Most visas require applicants to meet health and character standards. This may involve medical exams and police certificates.
  2. Processing Times: Processing times vary by visa type and workload at Immigration New Zealand.
  3. Translations: All documents not in English must be translated by a certified translator.
  4. Immigration Advisers: Consider consulting a licensed immigration adviser for complex applications.

This guide provides an overview of the main visa types in New Zealand. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website: www.immigration.govt.nz.