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Visas for New Zealand
Explore the different types of visa to decide which one would be right for you.
Everyone's journey to New Zealand is different.
There are many factors to consider when you decide which visa option is best for you, including:
- when you want to come and how long you want to stay
- your country of origin
- your age
- your health
- your work and study plans, and
- if you want to bring your partner or family with you to New Zealand.
Below is a brief explanation of our main visa categories.
NOTE
Like any other country, New Zealand’s visas can often change. Political, economic and social factors can influence the rules at any time.
You can learn more about the requirements for each visa and about which one is best for you on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Explore visa options | Immigration New Zealand
Visitor Visa and NZeTA
The default visa for short term casual travellers is a visitor visa usually valid for 3 or 6 months.
You can’t work – you’re here for a good time and to see the country.
The NZeTA (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority) is for visitors from visa-free countries and arrivals on cruise ships.
Visitor Visa | Immigration New Zealand
Information about NZeTA | Immigration New Zealand
Short term business visa
If you are visiting New Zealand for business reasons, you can apply for a Business Visitor Visa.
The visa is valid for up to 3 months.
Information about Business Visitor Visa | Immigration New Zealand
Working Holiday Visa
Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries.
They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months from most countries, 23 months if you are from Canada, and 36 months if you are from the UK.
Working Holiday Visas | Immigration New Zealand
Student visas
Mostly for tertiary students to come and attend a full-time course of study in New Zealand.
You need a student visa, if you plan to study in New Zealand for more than 3 months.
You can visit the NauMai NZ website to find more information about being an international student in New Zealand.
Explore visa options to study | Immigration New Zealand
Resident visas
We have a range of visas that may allow you live in New Zealand permanently.
One of these options is the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa.
This visa is considered through a points-based system. Potential migrants submit an Expression of Interest (EOI), if they are successful, Immigration New Zealand will send you an Invitation to Apply (ITA).
Residence visa qualifications, as with other visas, vary depending on the overall benefits to New Zealand at that time. For most new migrants successfully employed in qualifying professions through other temporary work visas, pathways to residence are clear.
There are also resident visa options for partners and family of New Zealand citizens and residents.
Visas that allow you to live permanently in New Zealand | Immigration New Zealand
Work visas
We have a range of visas that allow you to work in New Zealand.
Explore visa options to work | Immigration New Zealand
Accredited Employer Work Visa
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is designed to ensure only good employers can hire migrant workers and helps prevent migrant exploitation.
Information about Accredited Employer Work Visa | Immigration New Zealand
Accreditation process
Employers must get their businesses and jobs accredited before they can employ migrants.
To get accredited, they go through a financial and business background check.
Accredited employers can then offer their approved jobs to suitable migrants.
Applying for an AEWV
You can apply for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) if you have a job offer from an accredited employer, the skills and qualifications for the job, and a link to the application form.
Immigration New Zealand does the usual visa checks prior to final approval of the AEWV.
Accredited Employer Work Visa - information for migrant workers | Immigration New Zealand
Interested in coming to New Zealand?
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