Visas for New Zealand

Do you dream of emigrating to New Zealand? Do you know everything there is to know about the local living and working conditions? Then your next step is to find out if you qualify for a visa for New Zealand. In this article, we cover everything you need to know about your visa options for New Zealand.

If your occupation falls under Tier 1 of the Green List, you can qualify for the ‘Straight to Residence Visa’. This visa type is not bound by a points system. You can only apply if you have a job offer for a Green List roles Tier 1 job or if you already have a work visa for New Zealand. You also must be no older than 55. The Straight to Residence Visa also covers your partner and/or children 24 years of age or under.

Do you meet all the criteria to qualify for a ‘Straight to Residence Visa’? Do you have a job offer for a Tier 1 category job off the Green List? Then you will need the following documents for your visa application:  

• your passport
• a certificate of good conduct
• a job offer with details of your tasks, contract duration, number of work hours and salary
• proof of qualifications: certificates, diplomas, references, etc.
• certificates etc. of your family members if applicable (optional)
• your children’s birth certificates if applicable
• marriage certificate, tenancy agreement, etc. for your partner (you must prove that you are married or live together)
• language certificate for you and, if applicable, your partner and/or children over the age of 16 (please note that this document cannot be older than two years)
• medical examination records (if requested by your future employer, etc.)

Please note: You will also need to provide translations of these documents for your visa application.

Once you have all your documents translated into English and ready to go, you can fill in and submit your visa application online. You will also need to pay the required application fees at this stage. Once your visa application has been processed, you will receive an email letting you know if your application has been approved or rejected. You can also check your online profile status. If you are already in New Zealand and your visa is about to expire, you can apply for an ‘Interim Visa’.

Have you already gained some work experience in New Zealand? Then a ‘Work to Residence Visa’ might be the right option for you. You can apply if your job falls under the Green List roles Tier 2 category. You must be no older than 55. You will also need a full-time job offer for at least 12 months. Plus, you must have at least two years of work experience in this role in New Zealand. A ‘Work to Residence Visa’ also covers your partner and/or children under the age of 24. 

Do you qualify for this type of visa? Then you will need to get the following documents ready to apply:  

• your passport
• a certificate of good conduct
• a job offer with details of your tasks, contract duration, number of work hours and salary
• proof of qualifications: certificates, diplomas, references, etc.
• proof of work experience in New Zealand
• a valid work permit
• certificates etc. of your family members if applicable (optional)
• your children’s birth certificates if applicable
• marriage certificate, tenancy agreement, etc. for your partner (you must prove that you are married or live together)
• language certificate for you and, if applicable, your partner and/or children over the age of 16 (please note that this document cannot be older than two years)
• medical examination records (if requested by your future employer, etc.)

Please note: For this visa type, you will also need to provide translations of the above-mentioned documents.

Have you had all your relevant documents translated and certified? Then you can start your application process. Submit your application along with all documents required and pay the visa fees. Now you have to wait and see. Once your visa application has been processed, you will receive an email letting you know if your application has been accepted or rejected. You can also check your visa status in your online profile. If your application is approved, you will receive an electronic visa to enter the country. If you are already in New Zealand, you can apply for an ‘Interim Visa’ (valid for six months).