New Zealand Temporary visa
Table of contents
Visiting New Zealand
With beautiful landscapes and a thriving economy, New Zealand is a top-rated destination for temporary stays, including short trips for business, study, and tourism.
Citizens of Australia do not require a temporary visa to enter New Zealand for these types of short-term visits. However, all other foreign nationalities are required to have a Temporary Visa or a travel authorization before arriving in New Zealand. For many passport holders, it is possible to visit New Zealand by obtaining New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) online as part of the country’s visa waiver program. The New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) is an easy way, for those who are eligible, to obtain travel authorization in advance of their trip.
For other nationalities, the NZeTA is not available. Fortunately, there are many types of New Zealand Temporary Visas that can be obtained for a wide variety of travel purposes. The category of New Zealand Temporary Visas includes short-term Student, Family, and Tourist Visas that do not fall under the category of Permanent or Resident Visas.
The Temporary class of visas is reserved for limited periods of stay, while the Permanent and Resident Visas are intended for permanent residency or immigration purposes. In some cases, a Temporary class visa can be the first step to obtaining a Permanent or Residency class visa if the applicant meets certain requirements. A New Zealand Temporary Visa can almost always be obtained online, with options to apply on paper available as well.
How to request an NZeTA
Applicants from visa waiver countries who are able to obtain an NZeTA can do so online through the official New Zealand Immigration website. The NZeTA is not technically a visa, but rather a travel authorization. It has a shorter processing time than most Temporary Visas which ranges from just 10 minutes to 72 hours.
The NZeTA is valid for two years, during which time the holder can make several trips to New Zealand and stay for three months at a time. Visitors from the UK can stay up to six months each time. Through the free New Zealand Immigration application, the fee is NZD $17, while online it costs NZD $23.
New Zealand Temporary visa types
The New Zealand Temporary Visas are intended for visitors looking to stay in New Zealand for shorter periods of stay to visit family, engage in tourism, take study courses of 3 months or less, or conduct short business trips.
There are many types of New Zealand Temporary Visas available. The most popular are Visitor Visas. However, they are many other types that applicants can select based on their situation. The type of Temporary Visa you select will depend on the purpose of your trip, the duration of your stay, and your nationality. Many types of Temporary Visas also have further sub-types.
The following are the main types of New Zealand Temporary Visas:
- Working Holiday Visa
- Work To Residence Visa
- Family Visa
- Partnership Visa
- Student Visa
- Visitor Visa (Tourist visa)
New Zealand Temporary visa requirements
Due to the wide variety of New Zealand Temporary Visa types, it’s very important that applicants meet the requirements for New Zealand Temporary Visa. You should assemble the right documents for your visa type before submitting your application. The required documents and materials will vary based on the visa type you select and your duration of stay, among other factors. However, there are some documents that will be required of all applicants.
The following are general documents required of all applicants for the New Zealand Temporary Visa:
Valid identity document
All applicants must be in possession of a valid identity document such as a passport. This document must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave New Zealand.
Complete application form
Whether submitting your application online or on paper, applications for a New Zealand Temporary Visa will not be processed without a completed application form.
Applicant photo(s)
Applicants must provide clear, acceptable photos with their application. Online applications require one, while on-paper applications need two.
Medical insurance
All applicants must show proof of medical insurance, valid for the entire duration of their stay.
Funds or sponsorship evidence
Applicants must show that they can support themselves during their stay. This proof of funds or sponsorship can be submitted as bank statements, traveler’s checks, pay slips, an employment agreement, or any other relevant financial document.
New Zealand Temporary visa application
Applying for a New Zealand Temporary Visa is a straightforward process that can be completed in a few simple steps. Applicants can apply for New Zealand Temporary Visas online through the official New Zealand Immigration website. They can also apply on paper by sending their application, passport, and any supporting documents to New Zealand Immigration officials by post. Depending on the type of Temporary Visa you select, there may be variations in the application process. However, most applicants will follow the same basic steps. Below you will find the general steps for applying for a New Zealand Temporary Visa.
- Verify your eligibility
Check the requirements on the official New Zealand Immigration website to be sure you are eligible for a Temporary Visa.
- Assemble the required documents
Assemble the required documents for your unique type of Temporary Visa. The required documents will vary depending on the purpose of your visit, the duration of your stay, and your nationality.
- Submit your application
Most Temporary Visas may be obtained online. Applicants can apply by creating an account through RealMe, the software for applying for New Zealand Visas, uploading their documents, and paying the application fees. If you decide to apply on paper, you will submit your application by post along with your passport.
- Wait for your application to be processed
After submitting your complete Temporary Visa application, it will be processed by officials from New Zealand Immigration. Incomplete applications will not be processed. Processing times will vary depending on your visa type and the duration of your visit.
- Follow any further instructions
Based on the results of your Temporary Visa application, you will be sent further instructions on how to proceed. If your New Zealand Temporary Visa application is successful, you will be sent steps on how to proceed with your travel plans. If the application is rejected, you may be given options to review or appeal your visa decision.
- Prepare to travel to New Zealand
Before arriving in New Zealand, make sure you have your visa and any other required documents in hand.
New Zealand Temporary visa application processing time
The processing times for New Zealand Temporary Visas are subject to vary. The length of time it takes for a New Zealand Temporary Visas application to process depends largely on the visa type and the duration of your stay. Visitor Visas, for example, can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of months. Other Temporary Visas might take up to 6 months to be processed. Applicants should plan their trip accordingly and know the processing times of their visa type well in advance of their departure date.
New Zealand Temporary visa fees
In order for your New Zealand Temporary Visa application to be processed, you will need to pay the application fee. The fees vary for each type of Temporary Visa. For example, a Temporary class Visitor Visa will cost NZD $246, while a Temporary Class Student Visa will be NZD $395. Other fees may apply depending on the visa type you select and how long you plan to stay in New Zealand.
New Zealand Temporary visa FAQ
A New Zealand Temporary Visa can be obtained online or on paper. Online applications can be submitted through the official New Zealand Immigration website. On paper, applications can be sent to official New Zealand Immigration officials by post.
Although New Zealand Temporary Visas are intended for shorter stays, their validity can still vary in length from a few months to several years. For example, Visitor Visas are usually issued for 9 months, in an 18-month periods, while a Fee Paying Student Visa may be valid for stays up to 4 years depending on the length of the study course.
A New Zealand Temporary Class Visa is a visa for travelers looking to visit New Zealand for shorter-term visits. In some cases, a Temporary Visa can be valid for several years. Temporary Visas allow holders to visit New Zealand for tourism, short study courses, business trips, and visiting family. Some types of Temporary Visas allow holders to work during their stay while others do not.
The New Zealand Temporary Visa application process is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps. In some cases, applicants may need to provide additional documents increasing the processing time. In general, however, acquiring a Temporary Visa can be done easily online or on paper.
