Visitor Visas
A visitor visa allows entry to New Zealand for a limited period, without the right to study, work, or live permanently in New Zealand. This visa is good for those wanting to travel to New Zealand for a holiday, social or family visitors, or to attend a special event. Visitors will need enough money to support themselves during their stay or be sponsored by a New Zealand resident or citizen.
If you wish to visit New Zealand to decide whether it is an ideal destination for you in the future, this would be the best avenue by which to enter New Zealand. However, care needs to be taken. Visitor visa applicants must prove that they have strong reasons to return to their home country, and sufficient funds during their stay, and their genuine intention is just to visit.
You can include your partner and any dependent children up to the age of 19 in your application.
You can usually stay for up to 9 months. There are some special categories allowing visitors to stay for more or less than this time. Ask us about this.
People from visa free countries only need to apply for a travel authority which is a much quicker and easier process.
We can assist you with a checklist regarding the evidence you will need to provide!
You should avoid coming to New Zealand on a short-term visitor visa if your real intention is to do something else like getting work, getting married, or staying longer. It is tempting to think; “I’ll come on a visitor’s visa and sort the issues out when I get there” but the risk is that Immigration New Zealand thinks you are trying to “trick them” and the consequences of that can be very severe. If you intend to work or study in New Zealand you need to apply for a work or student visa.
Main concerns
- You need to show you have genuine intentions to return through your ties to your home country.
- Funds to support your stay which includes your or your sponsor having at least NZD 1000 per month, or NZD 400 per month if you already have paid accommodation arranged.
- You must be of acceptable health and confirm you will pay for your health care costs in New Zealand.
- You cannot work in New Zealand on this visa. For details about working remotely see our recent blog.
- You must be able to show you have enough money to buy you a ticket out of New Zealand.
- All visa applicants must be of good character For short visits a police certificate may not be needed but all character issues must be declared. Past overstaying and other breaches are also character issues.
- If you apply from offshore there is limited warnings of adverse information and no right to apply to reconsider a refused visa.
Higher risk applicants
Higher risk applicants coming for a specific purpose (a funeral, wedding, other milestone or with a compelling need to visit) may be able to apply for a non-renewable limited visa. You must leave at the end of such a visa. Contact our office for details if this applies to you.
Can I apply to extend my visa?
If you have been in New Zealand for less than 9 months and if you have a genuine reason to extend your visa, you can apply for an extension.
Who can’t apply
There following (among others) are ineligible to apply:
People on interim visas- a visa issued while your application is processed.
Unlawful people. They must make a request under section 61.
We can help!
We are here to help you meet all the requirements. Contact our friendly team for more information.
