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New Zealand Visitor Visa
New Zealand is a popular destination for tourism, education, employment and long-term opportunities. Immigration New Zealand offers different visa categories depending on the purpose of travel, including visitor, student, work and residence pathways. The correct visa depends on your circumstances, nationality, purpose of travel and eligibility.
New Zealand Visitor Visa
If you are planning to visit New Zealand for tourism, holidays, or to meet family and friends, you may need a Visitor Visa, depending on your passport and circumstances.
A Visitor Visa can allow eligible travellers to stay for up to 6 or 9 months, depending on the visa granted. Visitors cannot normally work in New Zealand on this visa, although specific rules apply to remote work for an overseas business or client. Study of up to 3 months is permitted.
Applicants should demonstrate that they genuinely intend to visit New Zealand temporarily and have sufficient funds or an acceptable sponsor for their stay.
New Zealand Student Visa
New Zealand provides several options for international students. If you want to study for more than three months, you will generally need an appropriate student visa and an offer of place from a New Zealand education provider.
Depending on the course and visa conditions, eligible students may be allowed to work part-time for up to 25 hours per week. Students should always check the work conditions recorded on their individual visa.
New Zealand Work Visa
New Zealand has several work visa options for people who have employment opportunities or specific skills. One important pathway is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). Immigration New Zealand states that applicants for an AEWV need a job offer from an accredited employer, with the employer providing a link to the online application.
Work visa requirements can depend on the job, employer, qualifications, experience, occupational requirements and other eligibility criteria.
Applicants should carefully verify their employment offer and employer before making any payments or submitting sensitive documents.
Post-Study Work Visa
International students who successfully complete an eligible qualification in New Zealand may be able to apply for a Post Study Work Visa.
Depending on the qualification, this visa can allow eligible graduates to stay and work in New Zealand for up to 3 years. The type of work permitted depends on the qualification and applicable visa conditions.
Immigration New Zealand has also announced changes to post-study work pathways, including a new Short-term Graduate Work Visa and expanded eligibility planned for later in 2026.
Important Documents for a New Zealand Visa
Depending on your visa category, you may need documents such as:
- Valid passport
- Passport-size photograph
- Visa application forms
- Financial evidence
- Employment documents
- Educational certificates
- Admission or offer-of-place documents
- Employment offer and job-related documents
- Medical certificates, where required
- Police certificates, where required
- Accommodation and travel information
- Evidence of genuine intentions
The exact requirements depend on the visa category and individual circumstances.
New Zealand Visa Application Process
A typical application may involve the following steps:
- Identify the appropriate visa category.
- Check the current eligibility requirements.
- Prepare genuine supporting documents.
- Complete the relevant online application.
- Pay the applicable government visa fee.
- Provide medical or police documents if requested.
- Submit additional information if Immigration New Zealand asks for it.
- Wait for the visa decision.
- Check your visa conditions before travelling.
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