Since we began offering our services to individuals interested in relocating to New Zealand, we have received numerous inquiries from people who are uncertain about the process. They often have questions about which visa to apply for, their options, the requirements for each visa, and how to complete the application process. As a result, we created a comprehensive guide to address these questions and help navigate the various steps involved in selecting the right visa, preparing for relocation, and completing the application.

The visa application process consists of five main steps: deciding which visa to apply for, checking the visa requirements, preparing your documents, submitting your application (either online or on paper), and processing your application [1]. Our guide, which includes worked examples, will be divided into three parts: Part 1 will focus on choosing the right visa and checking the requirements; Part 2 will cover document preparation; and Part 3 will discuss the application and processing stages.

Part 1: Choosing the Right Visa and Checking the Requirements

Each type of visa serves a specific purpose. For instance, work visas are designed to enhance New Zealand’s workforce capabilities. Visitor visas allow tourists to enter New Zealand, promoting tourism, trade, commerce, international understanding, cross-cultural connections, and educational and scientific pursuits. Additionally, family residence visas aim to strengthen families and communities, contributing to New Zealand’s economic growth and social development.

It is crucial for individuals intending to travel to New Zealand to identify their purpose for visiting and to apply for the appropriate visa. Each visa has specific eligibility criteria, and only those who plan to visit New Zealand for the intended purpose are eligible for that visa.

Step 1: Visit the Immigration New Zealand “Explore Your Visa Options” Website

To find out which visa is suitable for you, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website. This site serves as the primary source of information regarding various New Zealand visas and their requirements. From the homepage, click on “New Zealand visas” and then select “Explore and select a visa.” Alternatively, you can find the link to that page here [2].

Step 2: Define your purpose

Once you have opened the website mentioned above, the next step is to identify your purpose for coming to New Zealand. If you plan to study, you will need a student visa. If your intention is to work, then a work visa is required. If you have a partner who is a New Zealander and you wish to join them, you may want to explore partnership-based visa options. Generally, your purpose will fit into one of the following categories: visiting or extending your visit, working, studying, joining or bringing family, starting a business or investing, or living permanently.

There may be several reasons you want to come to New Zealand, so it is important to clarify your intentions honestly to avoid disappointment. For example, if your goal is to live permanently in New Zealand and you see studying as a way to achieve that, you might be setting yourself up for disappointment. While a student visa allows you to stay temporarily as a student, it does not guarantee a pathway to residency.

Although studying may eventually qualify you for other visa options, such as those under the Green List program, it is important to understand that there are associated risks and no guarantees of obtaining residency through a student visa. You may gain the necessary qualifications, but you will still need to meet the requirements for a direct pathway to residency. Be cautious of anyone who suggests otherwise.

From the dropdown menu, select your reason for applying for a visa. Answer any follow-up questions by choosing the appropriate option from the dropdown box. Once you have filled in all the questions, click “Display Options.”

Step 3: View and Compare your Options

You will be presented with various visa options recommended by the system based on your situation.

In this example, Lottie, who holds a Chinese passport, met her partner, Jim, a New Zealand resident, while they were studying in Hong Kong. They have been living together for six months. Now that both Lottie and Jim have graduated, they would like to return to New Zealand to start their life together. After answering the questions on the website, Lottie was presented with six different visa options:

1. Visitor visa
2. Partner of a New Zealander resident visa
3. Partner of a New Zealander visitor visa
4. Partner of a New Zealander work visa
5. Culturally arranged marriage visitor visa
6. Refugee family support resident visa

At first glance, it may not be immediately clear which options to choose. You can select the ones that best suit your needs; if you’re unsure, you may opt for a few to compare. In this example, Lottie is uncertain about which visa to choose. Since her partner is not a refugee and they are not in a culturally arranged marriage, those options can be ruled out. Lottie is hesitant about which of the remaining visas might be suitable for her. She may want to compare the Partner of a New Zealander resident visa, the Partner of a New Zealander visitor visa, and the Partner of a New Zealander work visa.

Looking at the eligibility criteria, she would not qualify for a Partner of a New Zealander resident visa, as she has only lived with Jim for six months. Therefore, she is only eligible for either the Partner of a New Zealander visitor visa or the Partner of a New Zealander work visa.

Once you understand your purpose and consider the two options available, it is crucial to evaluate your goals along with the various eligibility requirements, burden of proof, processing times, and costs for each visa. The services of an immigration professional can be invaluable in this situation, as they can help you assess your personal circumstances against the requirements and inform you about your eligibility and the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

In this example, Lottie has decided that she would like to work in New Zealand and prefers to apply for a Partner of a New Zealander work visa. She then scrolls to the bottom and clicks “view details and apply” to navigate to the Partner of a New Zealander work visa page.

Step 4: Checking the Requirements, Process and Cost and Details of the Chosen Visa

The top of the page provides general information about the visa, including details such as the length of stay, cost, and processing time. It also outlines the activities permitted in New Zealand under the visa and highlights important points to consider.

To proceed, scroll down and enter your country details. This will update the sections on “What You Need to Apply,” “Process and Costs,” “How to Submit,” and “Conditions” to reflect your specific situation.

The “What You Need to Apply” section outlines the eligibility requirements for obtaining a visa. It specifies the supporting documents and information you must provide. 

It is the applicant’s responsibility to gather sufficient evidence to meet these visa requirements. Applications may be denied if submitted with incomplete or inadequate evidence, making it difficult for the immigration officer to determine if the applicant fulfils the necessary criteria for the visa.

One advantage of collaborating with an immigration professional is their expertise, knowledge, and experience. They can assess your application against relevant guidelines and provide you with a comprehensive list of required documents to prove that you meet the visa criteria. Furthermore, they can advocate on your behalf, presenting your case to the immigration officer and backing their submissions with appropriate evidence.

The “Process and Costs” section provides details about the processes involved, timeframes, costs, and other relevant information concerning the visa. The “How to Submit” section explains how to submit your application and outlines the available payment methods. It also includes contact numbers for Immigration New Zealand, should you need assistance.

When you have your visa, it will come with a set of conditions that you must fulfill to keep the visa valid. These conditions can be found in the “Conditions” section. It is essential to review and understand the specific conditions you must adhere to once you receive your visa.

CONCLUSION

Once you have identified the visa you want to apply for and understand its specific requirements, you are ready to move forward with the application process. This preparation is essential for ensuring a smooth experience.

In Part 1 of this guide, we outlined the steps necessary to choose the appropriate visa for your journey to New Zealand. This includes defining your purpose, exploring your options, and checking the requirements.

In Part 2, we will focus on preparing your documents to ensure you have everything needed to effectively support your application. This preparation will help you present a strong case to immigration authorities. Stay tuned as we continue to navigate the visa application process together!

[1] https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-application/the-application-process/visa-process-overview

[2] https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/explore-visa-options