Visa process overview
An overview of the steps to choosing a New Zealand visa, preparing an application and visa processing. If you need a visa, use the online tool to compare visa options and requirements to help you decide.
The application process
- Visa process overview
- Applying for your visa online
- Immigration advice for your visa application
- Applying on behalf of someone else
- Application forms, guides and checklists
- Fees, decision times and where to apply
- Checking your visa application status
- How to get a temporary visa decision reviewed
- About eVisas
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.
Check the visa requirements
Check the visa you are applying for to see the specific requirements you need to meet.
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 supporting evidence 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.
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.
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.
You can search for and download paper application forms available in a PDF format.
We process your application
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.
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.