The New Zealand Visitor visa allows people to enter New Zealand for several different purposes, including travel, tourism, to receive medical treatment, and for some business purposes; such as attending meetings, conferences, and negotiations. This visa usually grants entry for a period of 3 months, but can be extended for a period of 9 months in some circumstances.
Visitor visa holders cannot work in any capacity while in New Zealand.
Visa waiver countries
Citizens of countries which have a visa waiver agreement with New Zealand may enter as a visitor for up to 3 months without applying for a visa. A full list of New Zealand visa waiver countries can be found here.
Entitlements
New Zealand Visitor visas can be granted for the following purposes:
Tourism, such as visiting family and friends
Studying on a course lasting less than 3 months
Business activities, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations; there are no special requirements for business people applying for this visa
Taking part in a sporting or cultural event (must be unpaid)
Receiving medical treatment
Length of stay
The new Zealand Visitor visa is usually granted for a period of 3 months, or 6 months if the applicant is a citizen of the United Kingdom. In rare cases this visa can be granted for a 9 month period, at the discretion of New Zealand's Immigration department.
Eligibility requirements
Applicants for this visa must meet several eligibility conditions for their visa to be granted. Applicants must:
Have a valid passport that will remain valid for at least 3 months after the expected end date of their visit
Provide 2 colour passport photos
Prove that they have a travel ticket for their journey out of New Zealand, or sufficient funds to buy one
Prove that they have sufficient maintenance funds for their time in New Zealand, this means one of the following:
NZ $1000 per month,
NZ $400 per month if their accommodation is already paid for, or
A completed sponsorship form if they have a financial sponsor for their visit
A chest X-ray certificate if the applicant is NOT from a country on Immigration New Zealand's list of low TB risk countries.
Further Information, help, and advice
Workpermit.com has over twenty years of experience helping people immigrate to countries all over the World. Whether you wish to visit, work, or study in New Zealand our specialist team of immigration experts can help you with one to one advice, information, and representation when applying for your New Zealand visa or work permit.
For more information and advice on New Zealand immigration law and visa applications please contact us on 0344 991 9222 or at london@workpermit.com
