New Zealand Visa – 2 Simple Ways to Apply for New Zealand Visitor and Tourist Visa

New Zealand may be far away for some, but it’s worth the effort of traveling there. The North and South Islands that make up the country is full of wondrous things to see and do. There’s hiking in any of its spectacular mountain ranges – good at any time of the year. Nature is fantastic there and you can get up close and personal with seals and penguins. There’s also stunning fjords, horse-riding, black water rafting and much more. There is nothing you can’t do in New Zealand! In this article learn more about how to apply for New Zealand Visa online or through a visa application center, Processing time at the New Zealand visa application centers, New Zealand visa application form, apply from USA for US citizens, India, China, Philippines, Russia, New Zealand visa application requirements, onward travel arrangement with ticket out of New Zealand or flight itinerary or round trip ticket or return flight booking or flight reservation, New Zealand visa types. 

Applying for New Zealand visa

The following countries are classed as visa-waiver countries and, as such, citizens of these countries can enter New Zealand without a visa for a maximum of 90 days:

Please refer to the notes for the aforementioned countries. These regulations must be adhered to in order to enjoy visa-free status:

1. British citizens and other British passport holders who can prove their right to reside permanently in the UK can travel to New Zealand without a visa for 180 days
2. A visa waiver does not apply to people traveling on non-citizen passports issued by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania

1. The visa-waiver applies only to those Greek passport holders whose passports were issued after 1 January 2006
2. Portuguese passport holders must have the right to permanently live in Portugal
3. Residents of Hong Kong must be in possession of a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport or a British national overseas passport
4. Residents of Macau must be in possession of a Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) passport
5. Permanent residents of Taiwan in possession of a Taiwan passport must also have a personal identity number
6. Including nationals of the USA

In addition, citizens and permanent residents of Australia covered under the Trans-Tasman Travel Arrangement and holders of the United Nations laissez-pazzer or those who come under other categories, such as visiting force, cruise ship passengers and crew, aircraft crew etc., do not require a visa to enter New Zealand.

All other nationalities must be in possession of a valid visa to be able to enter New Zealand. This can be arranged at any of the New Zealand Embassies or Consulate Generals around the world.

Types of visas for New Zealand

There are several types of visas for New Zealand and the one you will need to apply for will depend on why you wish to travel to New Zealand:

1. Visit – this visa is for the purposes of tourism, visit family or friends, or short-term study
2. Study – you’ll need this type of visa if you’re planning on studying in New Zealand
3. Work – if you have a job in New Zealand or wish to explore other working options in New Zealand
4. Working holiday – available for people aged 18-30 (35 if you are from the UK)
5. Live permanently – if you are planning on living in New Zealand permanently for a specific reason
6. Join family – you need this type of visa if you wish to join your partner, dependent child, parent, or other relatives who are citizens of New Zealand
7. Start a business or invest – if you want to start your own business and/or invest in New Zealand

The New Zealand Immigration website has more information on these types of visas, you should check this before you do anything else. It’s up to you to apply for the correct one. If you don’t it could lead to your visa application being rejected.

If you are planning on visiting New Zealand, you are permitted to stay for a specific number of days, but this depends on the type of visa you are applying for:

1. Visit – up to 9 months
2. Business – up to 3 months
3. Study – up to 3 months or 4 years depending on the type of visa you apply for
4. Live – up to 2 years or indefinitely depending on the category of this type of visa
5. Start a business or invest – up to 3 years or indefinitely depending on the category of this type of visa

Visas for New Zealand can be issued as single, double, or multiple entry which means that you can enter the country once, twice, or unlimited times respectively during the validity of your visa.

Where to apply for New Zealand visitor visa

There are 2 ways of applying for your New Zealand visa:

1. Apply online at immigration.govt.nz (INZ)
2. Apply at your local New Zealand Visa Application Center. There are two visa application centers and the one you use will depend on your location: ttsnzvisa.com or www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand

The New Zealand Visa Application Process and Requirements

When you apply for your New Zealand visa, you must apply within plenty of time. If you leave it too late there may not be enough time for your application to be processed before your intended departure date.

Timescales will depend on what type of visa you are applying for, so you should check the INZ website for information on how long your particular visa will take to be processed. The turnaround times may be longer from November to March when applications received are at their highest, so bear that in mind when you are applying.

Applying for New Zealand visa online

The easiest way to apply for your New Zealand visa is online. You can do this by going to www.immigration.govt.nz (INZ) and clicking on: Apply for a visa”:

On the next page, select the visa you’d like to apply for and click on: “View visa details and apply”:

Also, this page gives information on handy tools for meeting the requirements of the visa application, so it’s a good idea to look this over before you start the application:

In addition, if you scroll down, you’ll find 4 steps to the application process:

1. Gather documents
2. Submit application
3. Wait for the visa decision
4. Arrive in New Zealand

The next page will give you an overview of the type of visa you wish to apply for. Scroll down and click on: “Check criteria”:

Next, key in your nationality, location, and whether you are including any others on your application and hit: “View”

The next page will give you a list of criteria and evidence which will give you the information you need to meet the requirements of the visa you are applying for. Once you know what evidence you need to prepare, click on: “Check process and fees”:

In this section, you’ll need to choose: “Online submission” and your location and click: “View”:

The next page will give you information about fees, processing times…:

… and the process of applying for your New Zealand visa:

Then, you can apply online, but first, you’ll need to log in or create an account:

Applying for New Zealand visa through a visa application center

The second way to apply for your New Zealand visa is through your local New Zealand visa application center. Go to: www.ttsnzvisa.com and click on your country of residence:

Next, click on: “How to apply (Paper applications)”:

There are 5 steps that you need to follow:

1. Select the right visa – you’ll need to choose the correct category for why you are traveling to New Zealand. Check the website of New Zealand immigration for further information. Once you know the correct category you can download the correct application form here.
2. Gather supporting documents – you’ll need to gather supporting documents for your New Zealand visa. Check the list below or see the country-specific checklists on the immigration website. You need to make sure you have all the necessary documents before you arrive at the visa application center. You also need to arrange to pay the fee and the service fee. In addition, you also need to attach a photograph to the application.
3. Submit application – you can apply in person or via courier at the New Zealand visa application center, but you must ensure that you submit everything that is required and that the fee has been paid. If your application has anything missing, it will be returned to you (if you have sent it via courier.)
4. Receive acknowledgement/receipt – when you have submitted or sent your application for processing you will receive a receipt saying that it has been received
5. Check your status online – if you have submitted your application to a visa application center, you can track it at ttsnzvisa.com/in-en/track-document. If you have submitted an online application you can visit the INZ website or contact the ICC contact center on +64 9 914 4100.

If you are from a country that deals with www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand, go to their website and choose the country where you live:

Click on: “How to apply”:

You have the choice of submitting your application over the counter. In which case you need to go to the visa application center in person during opening hours:

You can also post your application to the visa application center:

Or, if you have already applied for your visa on the website of New Zealand immigration there may be a reason why they want you to submit your passport. If this is the case, you should submit this document to the visa application center:

Completing your application form

You can find all forms along with instructions and guidelines on the INZ website.

Visitor’s visa

Work visa

Residence

Business

Student

All you need to do is either download the form if you are submitting your application in person or by mail OR complete it online.

Getting your documents ready

Whether you are applying online or submitting your application in person or by mail, it is your responsibility to collect all the required documents for your application. If you fail to comply with the prerequisites this could lead to your application being refused.

The INZ website has more than enough information regarding what is required, so you should take the time to peruse this even before you start the application process.

When submitting your application in person or by mail, you need to prepare original documents as well as photocopies of everything – this is really important to do, so don’t forget.

Documents you need to get ready are:

1) Completed and signed application form

2) 2 passport-sized color photos – taken within the last 6 months and your full name must be written on the back of both photos. See the website of INZ for specifications for acceptable photographs

3) Passport or other travel documents with 3 months remaining after the trip to New Zealand

4) Medical or chest X-ray certificates if required and full information regarding health should be given in section E of the application form

5) Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself OR a completed sponsorship form for temporary entry

6) Evidence that you have the means to leave New Zealand – pre-purchased travel booking out of New Zealand, or evidence showing you have sufficient funds in your name to purchase travel out of New Zealand

7) Evidence of family ties – if partner and/or dependent children are included in the visa application

8) Evidence that you will be returning to your home country

9) Evidence that you are genuinely visiting New Zealand for holidaying, sightseeing or visiting family or friends

10) Evidence of onward travel arrangements out of New Zealand

11) Proof of employment and/or business

12) Police certificates – refer to section D of the application form to see if this is required

13) Proof of enrolment in an educational facility

14) Evidence that fees have been paid

15) Job offer

16) Evidence of qualifications and/or experience relating to the work in New Zealand

17) Any other work-related documents required for your personal circumstances 

If you’re planning to obtain your flight reservation for visa without paying for the return ticket, all you have to do is follow the 3 simple steps below:

1. Visit the Visa Reservation website to choose the right package
2. Submit the travel details and make the payment online
3. Receive flight itinerary in email

Submitting your file

Read the instructions as mentioned above as to how to submit your file. This will depend on whether you are making an online application through INZ, TT Services, or VFS Global.

If you are applying online, there is no need to submit your passport unless they request it. If you need to provide your passport, you would have been advised of this when you submitted your application. If you are not sure, login to your Immigration ONLINE account, open the application PDF and look at the advice on the last page.

If you are submitting your file in person, arrive at the visa application center and submit your file during their opening hours which are usually:

VFS Global – Monday to Friday, 8.00 am to 3.00 pm

TT Services – Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 3.00 pm

It’s always best to check with the application centers in case these times differ.

The most important thing to remember is – don’t forget any of the required documents, including photocopies, because incomplete applications will not be accepted.

The staff will examine your application and supporting documents. They may ask you extra questions if they wish to clarify anything. Questions like:

1. Why did you choose to study in New Zealand?
2. Have you visited New Zealand previously?
3. Where you do live in your country?
4. Are you planning to work in New Zealand?

If this happens to you, simply answer the questions honestly and with confidence.

The relevant fee will also have to be paid when you submit your application. The fees are different depending on your nationality and the type of visa you are applying for. You should check the INZ website for further information. There is a handy tool for working out the fee. All you need to do is to key in the type of visa, your nationality and location, and what type of application you are making.

This tool will also give you information on how you can pay the fee – usually by cash, credit card, bank transfer etc., but you should always check to see if there are other methods available in your location.

You can also look at the fee guide on the INZ website too for more information on fees for each type of visa.

In addition, the visa application center will have a service fee that you will need to pay as well as the fee for your New Zealand visa.

These fees are non-refundable even if your application is refused.

Receive New Zealand visa

Once your application has been submitted, you can track the status of it.

For applications submitted through TT Services go to their website and click on: “Track application” and you’ll be able to key in the requested information to find out about your application:

Applications submitted through VFS Global, go to their website and click on: “After submission” and then click on the link and enter your reference number and date of birth:

If you have applied online via the INZ website, you can log onto your account to find out the status of your application. The system will tell you what stage your application is at. There are different stages that may apply to your application:

1. Submitted/Pending – your application is ready to be processed
2. Contact us – you need to contact INZ to find out what extra information they need
3. Approved – your visa application was successful

When a decision has been made, your passport will be returned via courier from TT Services and VFS Global or if you have applied online you will receive confirmation via email.

If there are any problems with your application it could be refused for any number of reasons:

1. You do not meet the character and identity requirements
2. You have failed to comply with the document requirements
3. The information you have provided does not appear genuine to the visa official
4. The purpose of your trip is unclear

The immigration authority for New Zealand are very particular who they grant visas to, so you should look into their specifications for character and identity. Whether you are applying online or in person, you must provide all the required documents in order for your application to be processed. If you don’t then this can lead to your application being denied. You must make your reason for traveling clear to the visa official or through the information you provide. You must make every effort to provide honest information.

Contact details of the immigration authority and visa application centers:

1. www.immigration.govt.nz/contact
2. www.ttsnzvisa.com
3. www.vfsglobal.com/newzealand

FAQs

1) What visa do I need and what else do I need to submit?

You need to follow these steps:

1. Choose the visa which is right for you: Which Visa?
2. View Or download applicable forms and checklist: Forms and Guides
3. Complete the application forms and arrange all required supporting documents
4. Find out where, and how, to submit your application and associated fees: Office and Fees Finder

2) Who are TT Services and VFS Global?

TT Services and VFS Global are Visa Application Centres (VAC) that operate on behalf of Immigration New Zealand (INZ). They deal with:

1. Accepting visa applications and checking that all requirements are met
2. Accepting payment on behalf of INZ
3. Secure transfer of applications to INZ
4. Returning passports and documents to applicants following a decision on the application

3) How long will my application take to process?

It depends on the nature of your application. You should check the INZ’s website for further information

4) How can I contact Immigration New Zealand?

Information on how to contact INZ can be found here: Contact INZ. You may also search INZ’s website for answers to many general queries: www.immigration.govt.nz

5) How can I pay for the visa fee?

You need to visit the websites of TT Services, VFS Global or INZ for information about how much the fee will cost. It’s different for each nationality.

6) How can I ensure my application is processed as quickly as possible?

You should check the respective websites for the requirements for your type of visa. Applications are dealt with on a case-by-case basis, so processing times vary

7) Do I need to submit a medical certificate with my application?

This may be necessary. You should check the guidelines on the INZ website for clarification

8) How can I be sponsored if the person sponsoring me is outside of New Zealand?

There may be a way around it, but you need to check the sponsorship guidelines on the INZ website

Conclusion

You need to decide how you wish to apply. You can:

Apply through a visa application center:

1. TT Services
2. VFS Global
3. Apply online through Immigration New Zealand

Once you have decided, all you need to do is follow the aforementioned instructions and submit your application. Hopefully, before long you’ll have your New Zealand visa and you can start to prepare for your trip.

At Visa Reservation, we strive to simplify the visa process by providing free visa consultations, cover letter templates and no objection letter templates for our clients from US, UK, Canada, Philippines, India, China, UAE, Europe, Nigeria and globally. We also offer flight itinerary for visa, travel medical insurance, hotel reservations for visa , Book Visa Appointment, Travel Guides, Visa Interview Guides and many more. To learn more about how we can help you with our visa services, please feel free to contact us today.

See Also

Worldwide Visa Requirements