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...
Tools and information for meeting criteria
There's a lot of information - and some tools - on our site. Have look below for more information about specific topics.
Acceptable visa photos
When you send us a visa photo for an application, we need to be able to identify you. We can only use your visa photo if it is recent (less than six months old) and meets 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's 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
Information about English language requirements. How English language background allows you to meet requirements. Pre-purchase English language lessons for your family.
General information
Information about applying for a visa, visa processing, and travelling to New Zealand.
Health information
Information to help show us you have an acceptable standard of health.
Support family
Information about visa requirements for family members.
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.
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.