Citizens of many regions need a New Zealand visa to enter the country. If the purpose of the trip is tourism or to visit family or friends, an entry visa is required. Holders of this visa cannot work or do business in the country.
The following documents must be submitted to the embassy or consular office of the country to obtain an New Zealand tourist visa:
The visa is valid for 30 days.
In case New Zealand is a transit country for someone else there are also certain rules. Transit through the country without a visa is allowed only if the destination is Australia and a valid Australian visa is available. Even in this case, the period of stay is limited to one day.
To obtain a New Zealand transit visa you need to provide a list of documents:
Every year more and more international students from all over the world go to study in New Zealand. Do I need a New Zealand Visa? All international students, with the exception of Australians, are required to obtain a student visa before studying in New Zealand.
The only country whose citizens do not need a visa to New Zealand is Australia. Students from all other countries need a special visa to study in the country.
You can study in New Zealand on two types of visas: Visitor visa and Student visa. The specific visa type depends on the length and type of study programme.
The application process for getting a New Zealand Visa is almost identical; the difference is in the list of documents and visa requirements.
Visitor visa is required for international students in study programmes lasting up to 3 months. For example, language courses, professional development programs, preparatory programs, etc.
The main document to apply for a visitor/tourist visa to New Zealand is the completed INZ 1017 form. You can download it here.
To complete the form, the student must have the following information in front of them:
During the application process you will have the option to pay the visa fee ($35), otherwise you will need to pay the fee at the visa centre in your home country.
Student Visa
Student visa is a full scale student visa to New Zealand, which is required for all foreigners who intend to study in the country for longer than 3 months. These visas cover secondary, post-secondary, undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral programmes.
First of all, you need a completed INZ 1012 form to apply for a study visa to New Zealand. You can download it here.
To complete the form, the student must have the following information in front of them:
All documents submitted must be in the original or notarised photocopies and be in English or have an English translation made by a registered translation agency.
List of documents to be submitted to apply for New Zealand visa:
Original valid passport or travel document for each applicant included in the application The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the scheduled date of departure from NZ.
Fully completed application form INZ 1015 for a work visa with the signature of the main applicant and the date of completion, as well as the enclosed form with additional information.
Two colour photographs (recent) 3.5x4.5cm for each applicant. The applicant's first and last name must be written on the back.
Fees for New Zealand visa
An invitation to work from a New Zealand employer. The job offer must comply with the requirements of the New Zealand labour market, except in special circumstances (see Immediate or Long Term Occupational Shortage lists). It must also include information on the worker's pay, working hours, accommodation and repatriation. Additional documents may be required from your prospective employer.
Additional form INZ1113 filled out by a New Zealand employer with additional information.
Evidence of qualifications and experience: You must provide evidence that you have sufficient qualifications and experience to perform the work offered to you by a New Zealand employer, including professional registration if your position requires it and evidence of your English language skills to demonstrate your ability to work effectively in an English-speaking country and that you meet the certification or professional registration requirements if these are required for your job. Please note that all documents are subject to verification;
Qualifications must be checked against the New Zealand Qualifications Board (qes@nzqa.govt.nz , WV Checklist last updated Aug 2012 2 www.nzqa.govt.nz , PH 4 802 3000.
Qualifications must meet the standard specified in the ANZSCO Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations handbook. www.immigration.govt.nz/ANZSCO.
Confirmation of your return ticket booking or employer's guarantee of repatriation. Please note that the ticket purchased is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued. It is not advisable to buy the ticket before obtaining an in-principle visa approval.
Medical form: Forms must be completed no earlier than 3 months before you apply for a visa and must be completed, signed and stamped on an approved form by a doctor appointed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
If you plan to be in New Zealand for more than 6 months, each applicant (11 years and over) is required to submit a completed INZ1096 form.
If planning to be in NZ for more than 12 months - each applicant is required to submit completed forms INZ1007 and INZ1096.
Each applicant who is aged 17 years or over and who intends to remain in New Zealand for more than 24 months is required to provide a certificate of no criminal record from the police in the country of residence, or in any other country in which he or she has resided within 5 years of the applicant's 17th birthday. The certificates must be issued no earlier than 6 months before you apply for the visa.
The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an electronic visa waiver program that was launched in July 2019. Eligible citizens can apply for New Zealand visa online through the countrie’s eTA system. More information about New Zealand e-visa and the process is available here.