Navigating New Zealand VISA Portal and Policies with Travel Guidelines
New Zealand’s immigration policies are designed to balance economic growth, family reunification, and international obligations while protecting national security and interests. These regulations are governed by the Immigration Act 2009 and administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), a division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE).
The visa system categorizes applicants based on their purpose of visit, duration of stay, and eligibility criteria. All applicants must meet health, character, and bona fide requirements to be granted entry permission to New Zealand.
Important Notice: Immigration policies are subject to change. Always refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most current information before applying.
Visa Categories and Types
New Zealand offers various visa categories tailored to different purposes of visit and stay durations. Below are the primary visa classifications:
Visitor Visas
For individuals wishing to visit New Zealand temporarily for tourism, visiting family/friends, or short-term business activities.
- Visitor Visa: Standard tourist visa valid for up to 9 months
- Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa: Multiple-entry visa valid for up to 3 years
- Business Visitor Visa: For short-term business activities
Work Visas
For individuals with job offers or specific skills needed in New Zealand’s labor market.
- Accredited Employer Work Visa: For workers with job offers from accredited employers
- Essential Skills Work Visa: For occupations on skill shortage lists
- Working Holiday Visa: For young adults (18-30) from eligible countries
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa: For partners of work visa holders
Student Visas
For international students enrolled in approved education providers in New Zealand.
- Fee-Paying Student Visa: For full-time study at approved institutions
- Pathway Student Visa: Allows sequential study at multiple institutions
- Exchange Student Visa: For participants in approved exchange programs
Residence Visas
For individuals seeking to live permanently in New Zealand.
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: Points-based system for skilled workers
- Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: For partners of NZ citizens/residents
- Parent Resident Visa: For parents of NZ citizens/residents
- Resident Visa (2021): One-off pathway for certain temporary visa holders number.
Visa Application Fees
Below is the comprehensive fee structure for various New Zealand visa categories. All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and are subject to change. Please verify current fees on the official Immigration New Zealand website before applying.
| Visa Category | Visa Type | Application Fee (NZD) | Immigration Levy (NZD) | Total Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visitor Visas | Visitor Visa (standard) | $211 | $35 | $246 |
| Visitor Visa (partnership-based) | $211 | $35 | $246 | |
| Group Visitor Visa (3+ people) | $145 | $25 | $170 | |
| Work Visas | Essential Skills Work Visa | $440 | $55 | $495 |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa | $550 | $55 | $605 | |
| Working Holiday Visa | $245 | $35 | $280 | |
| Post-study Work Visa | $490 | $55 | $545 | |
| Student Visas | Student Visa (offshore) | $330 | $45 | $375 |
| Student Visa (onshore) | $330 | $45 | $375 | |
| Pathway Student Visa | $395 | $45 | $440 | |
| Residence Visas | Skilled Migrant Category | $3,090 | $580 | $3,670 |
| Resident Visa (2021) | $2,160 | $580 | $2,740 | |
| Parent Retirement Category | $4,750 | $580 | $5,330 | |
| Partnership-based Residence | $2,250 | $580 | $2,830 | |
| Business Visas | Entrepreneur Work Visa | $3,740 | $710 | $4,450 |
| Global Impact Visa | $3,020 | $710 | $3,730 |
Note: Fees are current as of October 2023 and are subject to change without notice. Some visa categories may have additional requirements or costs.
Additional Potential Costs
Beyond the standard application fees, applicants should budget for these potential additional costs:
- Medical Examinations: $200 – $500 depending on the examination requirements
- Chest X-rays: $150 – $250 if required
- Police Certificates: Varies by country (typically $20 – $100)
- English Language Tests: IELTS – $385, PTE Academic – $385, TOEFL iBT – $350
- Qualifications Assessment: $400 – $800 for some skilled migration categories
- Courier Fees: $30 – $80 for document return services
- Immigration Adviser Fees: $2,000 – $5,000+ if using professional services
Visa Application Process
The visa application process varies by visa type but generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Use the official Immigration New Zealand tools to check if you meet the basic requirements for your desired visa category.
Step 2: Gather Documentation
Collect all required supporting documents, which may include:
- Valid passport
- Passport-sized photographs
- Evidence of funds or financial support
- Medical and chest X-ray certificates (if required)
- Police certificates (if required)
- Offer of employment or proof of enrollment
- Evidence of relationship (for partnership visas)
Step 3: Submit Application
Applications can be submitted:
- Online: Through the Immigration New Zealand website
- Paper-based: By mail to the appropriate processing center
Step 4: Pay Application Fees
Payment must be made at the time of application submission. Fees vary by visa type and application method.
Step 5: Application Processing
Processing times vary depending on visa type, completeness of application, and applicant’s circumstances. Current processing times are published on the INZ website.
Step 6: Decision and Next Steps
If approved, you’ll receive your visa electronically or as a label in your passport. If declined, you may have rights to appeal or request reconsideration depending on the visa type.
General Visa Requirements
While specific requirements vary by visa category, all applicants must generally meet these fundamental criteria:
| Requirement | Description | Evidence Required |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Must provide proof of identity | Valid passport, birth certificate, identity photos |
| Health | Must be in good health | Medical certificates, chest X-rays (if required) |
| Character | Must be of good character | Police certificates from countries lived in |
| Bona Fide | Must be a genuine applicant | Evidence of purpose of visit, return tickets, ties to home country |
| Financial Support | Must have sufficient funds | Bank statements, sponsorship documents, employment evidence |
| Intent to Comply | Must agree to comply with visa conditions | Signed declaration in application form |
Health Requirements
Applicants generally need to meet health requirements if they:
- Are applying for a visa to stay in New Zealand for more than 6 months
- Are applying for a resident visa
- Have a medical condition that may pose health risks or impose significant costs
- Are pregnant and intend to give birth in New Zealand
Character Requirements
Applicants must be of good character. Factors that may affect character assessment include:
- Criminal convictions
- Association with criminal groups
- Providing false or misleading information
- Previous immigration issues in New Zealand or other countries
Visa Conditions and Compliance
All visa holders must comply with the conditions of their visa. Failure to do so may result in visa cancellation, deportation, or being banned from returning to New Zealand.
Common Visa Conditions
- Expiry Date: Must leave New Zealand before visa expiry or apply for another visa
- Work Rights: Can only work if visa conditions permit, and must comply with employment laws
- Study Rights: Can only study if visa conditions permit, and only at approved institutions
- Travel Conditions: Multiple entry or single entry restrictions may apply
- Special Conditions: Specific conditions related to the visa type (e.g., working for specific employer)
Maintaining Legal Status
To maintain legal status in New Zealand:
- Apply for a new visa before your current one expires if you wish to stay longer
- Notify Immigration New Zealand of any changes in circumstances
- Comply with all New Zealand laws
- Keep your contact details updated with Immigration New Zealand
Important: Overstaying your visa is a serious offense that can affect future visa applications and may result in deportation and bans from re-entering New Zealand.
For more detailed information and official application forms, refer to these resources:
Contact Information
For specific immigration inquiries:
- General Inquiries: Contact the Immigration Contact Centre
- Application Status: Check online or contact the processing office
- Complaints: Use the official complaints process
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
- Visitor Visa: Tourism, family visit, short business.
- Student Visa: For studying in New Zealand.
- Work Visa: Temporary employment and skilled work.
- Resident Visa: Permanent settlement options.
- Transit Visa: Passing through New Zealand en route to another country.
- Valid passport
- Completed online visa application
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Proof of sufficient funds
- Return or onward travel evidence
- Accommodation details
- Travel history (if applicable)
Visa fees depend on the visa category:
- Visitor Visa: Varies by nationality
- Student & Work Visas: Higher fees apply
- Visitor Visa: 15–30 working days
- Student/Work Visa: 30–60+ days
Most applications are submitted online. However, biometric appointments may be required at authorized visa centers.
Yes. Biometrics such as fingerprints and photographs may be required depending on nationality and visa type.
Most Visitor Visas allow stays of up to 6 or 9 months, depending on conditions and nationality.
No. Employment is not permitted on a Visitor Visa. A valid Work Visa is required.
Extensions may be possible in limited circumstances, subject to Immigration New Zealand approval.
- Insufficient financial proof
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Weak travel history
- Unclear purpose of visit
- Failure to meet health or character requirements
Note: Visa rules and fees may change. Always check official Immigration New Zealand sources before applying.