Visitor Visas
General Visitor Visa
New Zealand is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Lakes, snow-covered mountains, cliffs, dunes, waterfalls, sun-kissed beaches, river valleys, underground caves, geothermal springs, national parks and so much more. New Zealand is home to these magnificent natural landscapes. Every year millions of tourists are attracted to this country. Tourism is also one of the biggest industries for the New Zealand economy.
General Visitor Visas are normally for people who come to New Zealand for holidays, sightseeing, and visiting friends and family. With the Visitor Visa, you can travel freely in New Zealand and you are to leave New Zealand before the visa expiry date. General Visitor Visa allows you to study in New Zealand for no more than three months. You cannot work while holding a Visitor Visa.
Travelers from one of the visa waiver countries are not required to apply for a General Visitor Visa beforehand. They however will need to obtain a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) before they travel. Travelers from other countries will have to apply for this visa via Immigration New Zealand.
Parent and Grandparent Visitor Visa
The Parent & Grandparent Multiple Entry Visitor Visa is designed for New Zealanders to connect with their family overseas. This visa requires a sponsor who is a New Zealand resident or citizen to provide support and accommodation guarantee to the visitor. There are also health and character check requirements. Once approved, this visa allows the New Zealanders’ parent or grandparent to visit New Zealand unlimited times within 3 years. For each visit, the visa holder can stay for no more than six months, they can stay for a maximum of up to 18 months within the 3 years.
Guardian Visitor Visa
If your young children are studying in New Zealand as fee-paying international students, then one of the parents or legal guardians can apply for a Guardian Visitor Visa. The child must be 17 years old or under. This visa will give you the same duration as your child’s student visa. Note, the Guardian Visitor Visa has strict conditions which will require you to physically be in New Zealand when your child is here. There are also strict conditions on work rights. Contact us for more advice.
Business Visitor, Temporary Retirement, Cultural Marriage Visitor Visa
There are other visas under the Visitor Visa category, to name a few: Business Visitor Visa, Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, and Cultural Marriage Visitor Visa. Each of these visas has its specific requirements, conditions, and restrictions. We strongly recommend you take advice first before applying for one of these visas.
Bona Fide Applicant
In assessing your Visitor Visa application, Immigration New Zealand must be satisfied that you are a bona fide applicant before a visa can be issued to you. For example, Immigration New Zealand will assess the below factors to determine whether you are a bona fide applicant:
- Do you have a genuine reason to come to New Zealand.
- You only intend to stay in New Zealand temporarily.
- How likely you are to comply with your visa conditions after you arrive.
- You will not stay in New Zealand without a valid visa.
- You can leave New Zealand at the end of your proposed stay.
The above factors are just examples. There are more criteria Immigration New Zealand will assess to determine your application. Of course, every person’s circumstances are different, we strongly recommend you take advice if you want assurance for your visa. Tell us about your situation and let us help you.
