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Frequently Asked Questions

Important Notice

FAQ Disclaimer

The information provided in our FAQ section is intended as a general guide only and does not constitute immigration advice. The specific circumstances and details of each individual case can also impact the applicable fees, eligibility criteria, and overall process. For personalised immigration advice tailored to your unique situation, we recommend consulting our licensed immigration advisor, who will be able to assess your specific needs and provide comprehensive guidance throughout the visa application process. The information in our FAQs should not be relied upon as a substitute for seeking professional advice. We encourage you to contact us directly so we can review the details of your case and provide you with accurate, up-to-date guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

General

We assist with many New Zealand visa types, including visitor visas, student visas, work visas, resident visas, and more.

The visa application process is split into the time required to prepare and the processing time after the application is submitted.

The processing times after the application is lodged can be found on the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website here.

The time required to prepare the application correctly can vary significantly depending on the case’s complexity. We will work closely with you to ensure your application is thoroughly prepared with all necessary documentation before we lodge it. This preparation time can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, again depending on the specifics of your situation.

We aim to process all applications as efficiently as possible and lodge them with INZ as soon as the preparation is complete. By taking the time upfront to ensure a well-prepared application, we can maximise your chances of a successful outcome and minimise delays in the final processing stage. Feel free to let us know if you have any other questions about the timeline for your visa application.
Our standard visa application fees are listed on our Fees page. This provides an estimated pricing guide based on the most common visa types and services.

However, please remember that the actual costs may vary depending on each case or project’s specific circumstances and requirements. For the best pricing tailored to your situation, please get in touch with us directly with your details. We can then consider any unique factors impacting the fees and provide an optimised quote.

Please check our “Fees” page for the general pricing guidelines. Don’t hesitate to ask any other questions – we’re happy to provide a customised cost estimate based on your specific visa needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visitor Visas

New Zealand offers visitor visas for various purposes, including tourism, business, family visits, and short-term study. Eligible applicants include tourists and holidaymakers visiting New Zealand, people coming to see friends or family, business travellers attending meetings or events, and international students enrolling in short-term courses or programs. Visitors must demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support their stay, meet health and character requirements, and show they will leave New Zealand at the end of their visit. The visa application process can be done online or via paper application, though visitors from Pacific Forum countries (excluding Australia) must use the approved online form. As long as applicants come to New Zealand for a lawful purpose and do not intend to work or study long-term, they are generally eligible for a New Zealand visitor visa.

New Zealand visitor visas generally have a maximum duration of 9 months, though a few exceptions exist. Genuine tourists who require up to an additional 3 months to complete their itinerary can be granted a visitor visa for up to 12 months total. Visitors granted a visa under certain special visitor categories, as specified in the instructions, may also be allowed to stay for longer than 9 months. Additionally, visitors who cannot leave New Zealand due to circumstances beyond their control, as well as those who have lodged a first-time residence application that has been accepted for consideration, may be granted a visitor visa for up to 12 months if a decision is unlikely during the currency of their existing visa. However, suppose an applicant has previously spent 12 months in New Zealand on a visitor visa. In that case, they must remain outside of New Zealand for 12 months before they can apply for another visitor visa. Outside of these exceptions, the standard maximum duration for a New Zealand visitor visa is 9 months, with a total stay limited to no more than 9 months in an 18-month period.

New Zealand visitor visas can be extended in certain limited circumstances, such as when an applicant has lodged a first-time residence application that has been accepted for consideration, allowing for a maximum stay of 12 months. However, visitor visas cannot simply be “renewed” after a 12-month stay in New Zealand – in such cases. The applicant must remain outside of New Zealand for 12 months before they can apply for another visitor visa, regardless of whether the previous 12-month stay was approved under a special exception. The key restriction is that there are limits on the total time a visitor can spend in New Zealand, even if they are extending or reapplying for a new visitor visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Student Visas

To be granted a student visa, applicants must meet several key criteria. First, they must submit a complete student visa application form and the required fee. They must also demonstrate that they have sufficient funds, at least $1,250 per month, to support themselves financially during their intended stay in New Zealand.

Additionally, applicants must provide confirmation from their education provider that they have submitted all the necessary materials to assess their qualifications. If the education provider is unavailable, such as if it has ceased operations, the applicant can instead confirm to the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) that they have submitted the required assessment materials.

Applicants must also meet the general health and character requirements in the immigration instructions. This includes providing police certificates and undergoing medical examinations as needed.

The key requirements for a student visa are submitting a complete application, proving sufficient funds for living expenses, confirming qualification assessment materials have been provided, and meeting the standard health and character criteria. Meeting these core eligibility factors is crucial for being granted a student visa to study in New Zealand.

Individuals holding a student visa in New Zealand can generally work while studying, subject to certain conditions.

Under the standard student visa instructions, student visa holders are typically allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during scheduled course breaks.

However, the instructions being discussed here, U16 – Students affected by New Zealand Qualifications Authority Compliance notification, provide some additional flexibility regarding work rights for affected students.

A student visa holder granted a visa under U16.5 may be allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during the validity of the visa. This is an increase from the standard 15-hour per week limit.

In summary, student visa holders, including those granted visas under the U16 instructions for NZQA-affected students, are generally permitted to undertake part-time work of up to 20 hours per week while studying in New Zealand. This provides valuable income support for these students during their studies.
If a student’s studies are extended beyond the initial duration of their student visa, they can apply to extend their visa accordingly. To do this, the student must first obtain confirmation from their education provider that their studies are being extended and provide the new expected completion date. They can then submit a student visa extension application, including the completed form and required fee.

Along with the application, the student must provide evidence that they are still enrolled and progress in the extended study program and demonstrate that they have access to sufficient funds, at least $1,250 per month, to support the extended study period. The standard health and character requirements for the visa extension must also be met again.

Suppose the original student visa was granted under the special U16 instructions for students affected by NZQA interventions. In that case, the applicant should explain the ongoing NZQA situation and provide any relevant updates in their extension application. Immigration authorities will then assess the application based on the student’s continued eligibility and the extended study plans. If approved, the student visa can be extended to cover the new expected completion date of the studies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Work Visas

The types of work visas we can assist with include: 

 

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa: This visa is for people who have a job offer from an accredited employer for an occupation that is considered essential to New Zealand’s workforce.
  • Skilled Migrant Category Visa: This is a points-based residence visa for skilled workers with relevant qualifications, work experience, and an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand.
  • Other Temporary Work Visas: We assist with temporary work visas that allow people to work in New Zealand for a set period of time, such as the Work to Residence Visa.
  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: This visa is for people who want to establish a business and generate jobs in New Zealand.
  • Working Holiday Visa: We help with the Working Holiday Visa, which allows young people to holiday and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months.

The process of obtaining a work visa typically involves several steps. First, the applicant must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria for the specific visa they are applying for, which may include requirements related to their qualifications, work experience, job offer, or other factors. They will then need to gather the necessary supporting documentation and submit a complete application online or by mail. Immigration New Zealand will then assess the application and decide, which may involve requests for additional information or an interview. If the application is approved, the applicant will receive their work visa, with conditions attached, such as the duration of stay and the employer for which they are permitted to work.

Work visas are generally tied to a specific employer, and transferring a work visa to a new employer can be a complex process. However, some work visas, such as the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, allow for greater flexibility in changing employers. Applicants should carefully review the terms and conditions of their specific work visa to understand the options available to them if they wish to change jobs during the validity of their visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resident Visas

There are several pathways to obtaining a Resident Visa in New Zealand, each with its eligibility criteria. The most common routes include the Skilled Migrant Category, the Family Category, and the Investor Categories. Under the Skilled Migrant Category, individuals with relevant work experience, qualifications, and an offer of skilled employment in New Zealand may qualify. The Family Category provides a path to residence for those with close family members who are New Zealand citizens or residents. The Investor Categories are aimed at experienced business people and investors who can demonstrate a certain level of assets and business/investment experience. Detailed requirements vary across these different visa streams, so it’s best to consult with an immigration professional to understand which option may be most suitable for your particular circumstances.

The financial requirements for a Resident Visa in New Zealand can differ depending on the specific visa category. Under the Skilled Migrant Category, there are no direct financial thresholds, but applicants must demonstrate they have the necessary funds to maintain themselves and any accompanying family members. This is typically assessed through proof of income, assets, and/or an offer of skilled employment. The Investor Categories have more stringent financial criteria, such as minimum thresholds for cash, investment funds, and business/entrepreneurial experience. The Family Category also has some financial requirements, particularly if sponsoring parents or other family members. The specific details can vary, so I would suggest you meet all the financial criteria that are needed.

Yes, a Resident Visa in New Zealand can generally be renewed or extended, subject to certain conditions. Resident Visas are typically issued for 2-5 years, after which they can be renewed. The requirements for renewal may include continued compliance with the original visa conditions, maintenance of strong ties to New Zealand, and, in some cases, further evidence of financial stability or employment.

In addition to the standard Resident Visa, New Zealand also offers a Permanent Resident Visa. This visa provides the holder with permanent residency status, which is a more secure and long-term immigration pathway compared to the standard Resident Visa.

To qualify for a Permanent Resident Visa, applicants typically need to have held a Resident Visa for at least two years, demonstrate strong ties to New Zealand, and meet certain other requirements. Unlike the Resident Visa, which requires periodic renewal, the Permanent Resident Visa has no expiry date. It allows the holder to live, work, and study in New Zealand indefinitely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Other Visas and Complex Cases

Yes, we assist with family reunification visas. Many types of family-based visas are available in the New Zealand immigration system, including work visas for partners and dependent children, temporary visas for family members, resident visas through the Family Category, Parent Category visas, and various other options.

The specific requirements and application process can vary quite a bit depending on the type of visa and the family relationship. We recommend that you contact us to discuss the details of your situation so we can give you personalised guidance on the best visa pathway for you and your family.
A criminal record does not necessarily exclude you from being granted a visa in New Zealand. The immigration authorities will consider factors such as the severity of the crime, the type of offence, the time that has passed, and your overall character and conduct.

In some cases, it may be possible to apply for a character waiver, which allows the immigration officer to overlook certain criminal convictions. The application and supporting evidence required can be complex, so I would advise speaking with us directly about your criminal history and visa requirements. We can look at your situation and advise on the best approach.
If your visa application is denied, options may be available to you, depending on the specifics of your case. The appeals process can vary depending on the visa type and the reason for the denial.

Sometimes, you may request a review or reconsideration of the decision. There are also formal appeal pathways that can be pursued in certain circumstances. The best course of action depends on the details of your case.

Please feel free to contact us if your visa has been denied. We can review the decision, identify potential grounds for appeal, and guide you through the necessary next steps. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help ensure you have the best chance of a successful visa outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

Employers

I have in-depth knowledge of the various work visa options available, including temporary work visas and pathways to permanent residence. I can work with you to assess your staffing requirements and identify the most appropriate visa option for your foreign employee candidates.

By leveraging my expertise and services, your company can access the skilled global talent it needs while navigating the complexities of New Zealand’s work visa system. I can guide you through the documentation and evidence required to support visa applications, liaise with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf, and provide updates on the application status.
The process for sponsoring foreign employees typically involves several steps, starting with employer accreditation.

First, your company will need to become an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand. This involves demonstrating that you meet certain criteria, such as having a good compliance history, sound human resources practices, and the ability to support and retain sponsored employees.

Once your company is accredited, you can then proceed with sponsoring specific foreign employees. This will require ensuring the role you are hiring for meets the eligibility criteria for the relevant work visa, such as demonstrating that you have made genuine attempts to recruit local New Zealand workers or that the role requires specialist skills.

After submitting the visa application, I can then liaise with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf and provide updates on the application status. Importantly, I also offer ongoing support for your sponsored employees, including advising on visa extension requirements, assisting with changes in employment circumstances, and ensuring continued compliance with visa conditions.

The accreditation process is a critical first step, and I’m happy to guide you through that as well as the subsequent sponsorship procedures to ensure a smooth experience for both your company and your foreign hires.

We provide ongoing support for sponsored employees. This includes advising on visa extension requirements, assisting with changes in employment circumstances, and ensuring continued compliance with visa conditions. My goal is to make the visa process as smooth and hassle-free as possible, so you can focus on running your business while I handle the immigration-related matters.

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