Apply for a visa
Use the filters to find a visa that matches your reasons for coming to New Zealand. You can also find information and tools to help you meet visa criteria.
Select the visa you'd like to apply for...
Preparing a visa application
We will ask you for a lot of supporting information in your visa application. Find out how to prepare the information we will ask for.
Your journey to New Zealand
Find out how to prepare for your travel to New Zealand — who needs an NZeTA, the identity documents and evidence you need, and what happens when you arrive.
Acceptable photos for a visa or NZeTA
Your photo must be less than 6 months old and clearly identify you. It must also meet all of our technical requirements.
Application forms, guides and checklists
Find and download all immigration forms including visa application forms. Use the guides and checklists to help you make a complete and correct application.
Business and investment
Information about investing and transferring funds for business and investment visas.
Character and identity
There is information here about identity, bona fide, and what good character means for temporary and resident visas.
Education, qualifications and study
Here's where you'll find extra information that may help you with your Student Visa application. You'll also find information about the qualifications you'll need to apply for some Work Visas that you need special qualifications to apply for.
English language
For some visas you need to speak and understand English. Find out which test results we accept, how to show your English-speaking background and who can buy language lessons.
General information
Information about applying for a visa, visa processing, and travelling to New Zealand.
Health
If you are applying for a New Zealand visa you may need to provide us with information to show you have an acceptable standard of health.
Sponsorship
Visa applications can be sponsored by New Zealand citizens and residents, and organisations like registered companies, incorporated societies, charitable trusts, and government agencies.
Support family
Information about visa requirements for family members.
Interactive tools
All our common searchable lists and tools such as panel physicians, Accredited Employers, police certificates and occupational registration.
Work and employment
Here's where you'll find extra information that may help you with your Work Visa application. You'll also find information for employers who want to employ overseas workers for some kind of specialised work.
Afghan national resettlement
Afghan nationals who assisted the New Zealand Defence Force or other government agencies during New Zealand’s deployment to Afghanistan may be considered for resettlement in New Zealand.
The application process
1 Gather documents
Preparing an application varies in complexity. For most visas you'll need to get all the evidence together before you submit your application.
2 Submit application
Many visas can be applied for online. Others need to be sent to us with the application forms, your passport and other supporting documents.
3 Wait for visa decision
We'll assess your application as soon as we can. We may ask you for more information if needed and will let you know about your visa as soon as it's decided.
4 Arrive in New Zealand
If you're not already in New Zealand you can now come to visit, invest, work, study or live permanently.