Summary of the steps to apply for a visa

Steps to apply for a visa

1. 1

   Step 1: Decide which visa to apply for

   Visa options include those that allow you to work, study, visit, bring or join family, stay longer or live permanently in New Zealand.

   Find and choose a visa

2. 2

   Step 2: Check the visa requirements

   Check the visa information for the specific visa you want to apply for.

   You may need to meet specific requirements for your:

   • health
   • character and identity 
   • financial situation
   • skills and qualifications
   • length of time you have lived in New Zealand.

    

   We will ask you to provide proof that you meet the visa's requirements in your application. 

   Some visas require you to first submit an expression of interest (EOI) before you apply for a visa.

3. 3

   Step 3: Prepare your documents

   Allow enough time for you to get any official documents we ask for, and to get them translated into English if they are not already.

   Translating supporting documents into English

4. 4

   Step 4: Apply online or on paper

   You must pay all visa fees.

   The application process depends on the type of visa you apply for and if you are applying online or on paper. For some visa types, you can only apply online. 

   Process for applying online

   You can search for and download paper application forms available in a PDF format.

   Application forms, guides and checklists

5. 5

   Step 5: Wait for our decision

   How long you wait for a decision about your visa depends on a number of factors, including:

   • which visa you applied for
   • where you apply from
   • how many other visa applications we have received.

   
   Waiting for a visa

   Note

   We receive high numbers of applications between November and March. This means it may take us longer to process your visa application during this time.