Immigration and visas

  • COVID-19, travel to NZ and visas

    Information about travelling to New Zealand, vouchers and booking into managed isolation, and visas during COVID-19.

  • Visitor visas and the NZeTA

    • Check if you need a visitor visa or an NZeTA

      If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you’ll need to get either an NZeTA or a visitor visa — unless you’re an Australian citizen.

    • How to apply for a visitor visa

      If you come to New Zealand on holiday, you might need to apply for a visitor visa before you arrive. Work out what you need to do to apply.

    • How to request an NZeTA

      Find out how to request an NZeTA (New Zealand electronic Travel Authority) and how much it costs. Allow 72 hours for your request to be processed.

    • How to pay the International Visitor Levy

      Most people visiting NZ must pay the NZD$35 International Visitor Levy. You'll pay the IVL at the same time you pay for your NZeTA or visitor visa.

  • Get a New Zealand student visa

    • When you need an NZ student visa

      You need a student visa if you want to study full time in New Zealand for more than 3 months.

    • Before you apply for a student visa

      Before you start your application, you need to plan your study, work out how you’ll support yourself in NZ and check which documents you need to provide with your application.

    • Applying for a student visa

      You can apply online or use a printed form. Make sure you apply at least 8 weeks before you plan to come to New Zealand.

    • Renewing your student visa

      Most students must renew their student visas each year. You can do this yourself online or, with some education providers, on campus.

    • Working while on a student visa

      You can usually work up to 20 hours a week during term time, and full time over the holidays.

    • Changing your study plans

      If you want to change what or where you're studying, you'll need to apply for a variation of conditions to your current visa or get a new visa.

  • Get a visa to work in NZ

    • Applying for a work visa

      If you're planning to work in New Zealand and you're not a citizen or permanent resident of NZ or Australia, you'll need a visa that lets you work.

    • Working in NZ if you’re aged 18 to 35

      Some work visas are only for people aged 18 to 35. You can also apply for other work visas if you have the right skills and experience.

    • Working in NZ after you study

      After you’ve finished studying in New Zealand, you can apply for a visa that lets you stay here to work. Some students can work in NZ because of what they’re studying in another country.

    • Working in NZ for up to 3 months

      If you’re coming to NZ for less than 3 months to work you may only need a visitor visa rather than a visa to work.

    • Working in NZ for more than 3 months

      Depending on your skills, where you come from, your age and other factors you may be able to work in New Zealand temporarily for more than 3 months.

    • Visas for workers from specific countries

      NZ has special arrangements with some countries to let their citizens work here. Some visas recognise your skills and experience, while others let you find out about our lifestyle and culture.

    • Working if your partner is in NZ

      Depending on your partner’s situation, you can apply for a visa to work in New Zealand while they’re here working or studying, or if they’re a New Zealand citizen or resident.

    • Work that leads to residence

      If you’re 55 or younger and want to live in NZ permanently, you can apply for a resident visa, or a work visa that leads to residence after working here for 2 years.

  • Bringing things into New Zealand

  • Refugees coming to New Zealand

    Over 1000 people come to New Zealand every year as refugees. Find out who can come here as a refugee and how the New Zealand government helps them resettle here.

  • Get NZ residence

    To live in NZ permanently, you need a resident visa.