visa types in new zealand

 

New Zealand is an island country full of adventure and great experiences. From great tourist attractions like hot springs, gigantic mountains, sandy beaches, and varied wildlife, it also offers excellent business opportunities and a safe learning environment for students across the globe. So when you are planning a trip to New Zealand for your specific reason, it is very necessary to choose a suitable visa for your stay. New Zealand offers great choices in the types of visas for different people according to their needs. 

Factors To Consider While Choosing The Right Visa -

1. What is the duration of your stay? 

2. If you have the required documentation. 

3. When do you want to travel to New Zealand 

4. If you are traveling for a job opportunity in New Zealand. 

5. If you want to travel alone or with your family. 

Types of visas in New Zealand - 

1. Parent visa category in New Zealand - 

New Zealand offers a wide range of visa options to choose from for parents and partners. Here are some important points to look upon to help you choose visa for your family -

• According to the rules and regulations of New Zealand if the children are single, financially dependant, and of the right age, they can also be included in the parent's visa application. 

• Children can also apply for a visa based on the relationship with the parent. If in case, the parent has already applied for a visa to New Zealand or is a New Zealand citizen.

• However, dependant children are not eligible to apply for a work visa. 

Temporary visa option-

•  Dependent children can apply for a temporary stay in New Zealand to be with their parents. 

• Children who are school-aged need a student visa to be able to study in New Zealand for primary, intermediate, or secondary education. 

• However, children who are less than that of the school-age can apply for a visitor visa. 

• A student visa is not granted for children having less than school age or wanting to do preschool from New Zealand.

Permanent visa - 

If you are a resident of New Zealand, you can bring your dependant children to live with you in New Zealand. After they get the grant they can live, study as well as work in the country. If the children are over 16 years of age, they may be needed to meet the English language requirement. 

2. Family category visa in New Zealand - 

If you wish to apply visa to New Zealand based on your relationship with your partner, there are certain things to keep in mind -

• The relationship with your partner needs to be genuine. 

• You should be living with your partner. 

• You must meet certain health requirements. 

• You should have the support of your partner. 

• Your partner also must be eligible to support the visa application. 

3. Work visa in New Zealand - 

There are several categories of work visas to choose from in New Zealand. Though all of the work visas are temporary, some can also lead to residence. 

• Essential skills work visa - 

This type of visa is suitable for a temporary stay.

The duration of the visa will depend on the term of your job offer, salary, and labor market conditions. 

If you have a job offer in an occupation that is on the occupational skill shortage list, you can apply for an essential skill work visa. 

• Skilled migrant category - 

If you have certain skills, experience, or specific qualifications you may be eligible to apply for a resident visa in the skilled migrant category in New Zealand. It is based on some factors such as age, work experience, and qualifications. You must be aged 55 or under, know the English language, and meet health and character requirements.

Things to note -

• A point-based system is used to assess the expression of interest. 

• This type of visa is not designed for someone who wants to start a business in New Zealand. 

4. Resident visa in New Zealand - 

If you wish to work in New Zealand with a pathway to a residence you can apply for a Work to residence visa. This type of visa is best for people who wish to work in New Zealand, have a full-time job offer, and want to settle in New Zealand later. For applying this category of visa you must be 55 years of age or under. This visa is applicable for a stay of 30 months in the country. 

5. Visa to invest and innovate - 

There are some visa options for you if you wish to invest and have the relevant skills. 

The government in New Zealand has created some easy visa options for people who have the capital to invest and wish to stay there for the purpose of investments. 

• Investor visa - 

If you are planning to invest funds, you can apply for an investor visa to visit New Zealand. 

• Entrepreneur visa - 

If you are planning to start a business or purchase a business in New Zealand, you can apply for an entrepreneur visa. 

• Global impact visa - 

If you are a high impact entrepreneur, investor, or a changemaker looking to create a positive global impact then you can apply for a New Zealand's Global Impact Visa (GIVs).

FAQs - 

1. What is a transit visa?  

Transit visas are only for people who wish to stay in New Zealand for 24 hours or less.

If you plan your stay for more than 24 hours then you would need a visitor visa. 

2. What is a group visa? 

If you wish to visit New Zealand for the same purpose and at the same time with a group of people, you can apply for a group visa. There will be a common visa that would contain names of all the group members. 

3. What is the maximum duration of a visitor visa? 

The maximum allowed stay on a visitor visa is 9 months. Generally, the visa is valid for up to 3 months or in some cases for 6 months also. 

4. Is a return ticket required to apply for a visitor visa?  

There is no need for a return ticket while applying for a visitor visa. However, you will need the return ticket in case of applying for a transit visa.