V2.1 Visitor visa requirements

To be granted a visitor visa applicants must:

1. meet the requirements under Generic Temporary Entry instructions for:
   1. lodging an application for a temporary entry class visa as set out at E4; and
   2. bona fide applicants as set out at E5; and
   3. health and character as set out at A4 and A5; and
2. meet the funds or sponsorship requirements (see V2.20); and
3. meet the onward travel requirements, if relevant (see V2.25); and
4. be coming to New Zealand for a lawful purpose.

V2.1.1 Definition of 'lawful purpose' for visitors

1. For the purposes of applying the 'lawful purpose' test in the provision relating to bona fide applicants (see E5.1), visitors are considered to be coming to New Zealand for a lawful purpose if: they are coming for such purposes as:
   • holidaying;
   • sightseeing;
   • family and social visits;
   • amateur sport;
   • business consultation (see V3.5);
   • medical treatment (see V3.40); or
2. guest of government visits (guest of government status is granted by the Visits and Ceremonial Office, Department of Internal Affairs); or they are staying in New Zealand for the purpose of arranging travel to depart, where the applicant is unable to leave because of COVID-19 (see V3.155); and
3. they are not intending to undertake employment (see W2.2.1) or a programme of study or training, with the exception of short-term study (see V2.35 and U2.5(b)).

Note:
- If the programme is offered by a private training establishment, the applicant must ensure that the primary requirements for satisfying sections 342, 343, 345 and 527 of the Education and Training Act 2020, in respect of programmes of study, are met (see U5.15).
- All education providers offering places to international students must be signatories to the Education (Pastoral Care of Tertiary and International Learners) Code of Practice 2021 (see U5.1(b)).

V2.1.5 Applying using the online system

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 Reg 23AA

Applications for a visitor visa from an applicant who is in, and applying from, a Pacific Forum country (excluding Australia) must be made using the approved online form provided on the Immigration New Zealand website.

Effective 31/07/2022