New Zealand Visa

Visas and passport requirements

If you are entering New Zealand and are from another country, you will need a passport, and may need a visa, before you are accepted into the country.
Visitors must produce a current passport that is valid for at least three months following their departure date. They will also be required to provide evidence of their ability to support themself while in the country (this is as simple as giving a bank statement or travellers cheques) and a return ticket, or evidence of funds to purchase one. 

Depending on the length of their stay, visitors may also need to provide a doctors certificate to prove good health and a police recommendation to prove good character.

Most travellers may stay in the country for up to three months without a visa, if that have citizenship or permanent residency from an approved country.  For a complete list of approved countries, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.  British citizens may visit for up to six months without a visa, while Australian citizen do not require a visa at all.  

If you wish to stay longer, or plan to study or work, you will require the appropriate visa.  You can apply for a visa online or at the Immigration New Zealand branch in your home country.  You may also do this while you are in the country.

Types of Visa’s

Any visitor who is enrolled in full time study (this generally means that you are studying four or more subjects a semester) at a school, polytechnic or university is eligible for a student visa.  This grants you the right to live and study in New Zealand.  Students with a variation of conditions on their may work under limited conditions.

Part time students may also be eligible for a visa.
If you are offered a job in New Zealand or wish to gain work experience in the country, you may be eligible for a temporary work visa.  Temporary work visa holders are often offered permanent residency.

Working holiday and seasonal work permits are for travellers who wish to experience life in New Zealand whilst working in the horticulture and viticulture industries.  A New Zealand working holiday can be a great chance to develop new skills and learning, as well as to discover a new country.

Finally, the potential entrants who possess skills and qualifications in the countries more in demand industries may be able to enter New Zealand under the Skilled Migrant Category.