Frequently Asked Questions

Here you can find answers to common questions we get asked by migrants about getting a visa in New Zealand.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Green List and what does it mean for migrants and employers?

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Do you need a Permanent Resident Visa or Temporary Visa?

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The type of visa you will need for your stay in New Zealand depends on your plans. If you want to stay long term, you will need a residence visa. There are different permanent resident visa pathways, that will require you to either work to residence, join a partner/family member, own and run a business, or invest. If you are planning to stay in NZ short term, a temporary visa will be sufficient, and depending on the type, will allow you to work, join a partner/family member, visit, or study in New Zealand for a limited time.
Read more about:Do you need a Permanent Resident Visa or Temporary Visa?

Can I Own a Business in New Zealand?

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If you would like to apply for Permanent Residence in New Zealand, the Entrepreneur Work Visa provides a 2-step pathway to permanent residence in New Zealand:Once you have been granted an Entrepreneur Work Visa and have operated your business in New Zealand successfully for two years or more, you can apply for an Entrepreneur Residence Visa. If you meet the fast track requirements of this category, you can apply after six months.
Read more about:Can I Own a Business in New Zealand?

What is the Residence from Work Category?

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The objective of the Residence from Work Category is to enable the grant of residence class visas to people whose talents are needed by New Zealand employers, people with exceptional talent in a field of art, culture or sport and people working in areas of identified absolute occupational shortage in New Zealand.
Read more about:What is the Residence from Work Category?

Can I Work in New Zealand?

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If you want to work in New Zealand you will need a work or resident visa. All employers wishing to employ non-New Zealand citizens or resident visa holders have a duty to only employ people who are entitled to work in New Zealand.
Read more about: Can I Work in New Zealand?

How can you Apply for Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category?

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The application process under the Skilled Migrant Category is complex. It consists of two main stages, the first Expression of Interest (you will claim points for your case before submitting it to Immigration New Zealand, they are ranked from highest to lowest points and placed into a Pool. Every fortnight Immigration New Zealand selects the Expressions of Interest with the highest point scores from the Pool. This process is called selection). If selected, the actual Resident Visa application can begin.
Read more about:How can you Apply for Residence under the Skilled Migrant Category?

Are you Allowed to Volunteer During your Stay in New Zealand?

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Volunteering is a great way to meet Kiwis and to develop new skills and a good understanding of workplaces in New Zealand. However, you need to be fully aware of the relevant visa regulations! ‍If you want to earn money or receive any other gain or reward for your work, you are not considered to be a volunteer and need to apply for a work visa. On a visitor visa, you can do volunteer work while in New Zealand, provided you receive no gain or reward.
Read more about:Are you Allowed to Volunteer During your Stay in New Zealand?

What if my Visa Has Been Declined?

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If your visa application has been declined by Immigration New Zealand you are facing a complex visa situation, potentially even deportation. In order to have the decision to decline your visa application checked by another authority, you might want to lodge an Appeal. The Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) is the body in charge of appeals against visa and deportation decisions. Talk to our experienced Licensed Immigration Adviser Dr Carsten Hallwass about your options.
Read more about:What if my Visa Has Been Declined?

Do I have to apply for a Visitor Visa?

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If you want to visit New Zealand, you might not have to apply for a visitor visa if you are from a Visa Waiver Country. However, since the 1st October 2019, you need to hold an NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) to enter the country. If you are from one of the visa waiver countries listed on the page linked below, you will be granted an electronic three months Visitor Visa once you have landed, provided you hold an NZeTA. Australian citizens do not need a visa to enter New Zealand.
Read more about:Do I have to apply for a Visitor Visa?
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Question about visa types
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Read more about New Zealand visas:

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“In contrast to another Immigration consultancy that we contacted, your company offered a free webinar and an assessment, warm, approachable staff that communicates openly with potential customers. I found your website and it was very detailed and informative. I understand that your company is a fee for services provider, but that has not been conveyed as a prerequisite during the decision making process.”

CJ
USA
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At first, Maj kindly explained the whole process and what to expect. I was coached and introduced to New Zealand job market by their Job Search team, and getting assistance until I got a job in the country. The Visa team would also follow me up on my pending documents, so I never felt left out. Truly recommended for those seeking out an option to live in New Zealand. Big thanks from me and my whole family for things NZIC did for us..!

AF
Indonesia
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NZIC helped me in my way to get a Visa and job search. They were always available to talk to and were open to all sorts of questions. No matter how random they were. Very friendly staff. And even when they had changes in employee and advisors, they always stayed professional and up to date. I can only say good things and recommend them highly.

CK
Germany
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Very pleased and satisfied with the service we received from NZIC. They assisted me and my family from start to finish. Always willing to assist, and communicated our progress every step of the way. With their assistance we managed to obtain permanent resident visa status.

BV
South Africa