Please read the following update if you intend to apply for a New Zealand visa in 2025: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has officially clarified which visa categories necessitate an online application and which ones necessitate a paper submission.
This clarification from June 2025 is crucial for all visa applicants, regardless of whether they are applying for work, residence, investment, or humanitarian visas. Processing delays or rejection may result from submitting your application through an incorrect method. Therefore, we will provide you with the most recent information to assist you in submitting your application in the most effective manner possible.
Benefits of New Zealand Visa:
- Access to a Lifestyle of Superior Quality: Take advantage of a robust healthcare and education system, a natural attractiveness, low crime rates, and pure air.
- Employment Opportunities in Careers with High Demand: A variety of occupations, including construction, healthcare, IT, and agriculture, are available to skilled migrants, frequently resulting in permanent residency.
- Route to Permanent Residency and Citizenship: Numerous visa categories, including “Skilled Migrant” and “Work to Residence,” provide opportunities to establish permanent residence in New Zealand.
- Options for Family Sponsorship: Under a variety of family or dependent visas, it is permissible to transport eligible spouses, children, or parents.
- Education of the highest quality: Student visas provide access to prestigious universities and colleges, as well as employment privileges during and after the study period.
- Work Rights for Students and Partners: Spouses of skilled laborers or international students may be eligible for full-time employment.
- Friendlier Immigration Regime: The process is transparent and points-based, which facilitates comprehension of pathways and eligibility.
- A Society that is Safe and Multicultural: Known for its safe, inclusive, and diverse living environment for newcomers.
- Subsidized or Free Healthcare for Residents: Public healthcare services are accessible to permanent residents and certain employment visa holders.
- Opportunities for Business and Investors: Entrepreneur and investor visas enable the establishment of businesses, investment, and residency options.
Check Also: Online Visa Policy Updated by New Zealand Immigration
New Zealand Visa Applications That Must Be Submitted Online:
The majority of visa categories are now required to be applied for through the online portal of INZ, which enables the digital payment of application fees, the uploading of documents, and the submission of passport-style images. A broad spectrum of prevalent visa categories are subject to this online-only policy.
Here is the list of visa categories that necessitate online submission:
- Residence Visa Plus Active Investor
- Employer Work Visa Accreditation
- Second or Subsequent Resident Visa
- Work-to-Residence Visa
- Permanent Resident Visa (with certain exceptions; see below)
- Work-to-Residence Visa for the Care Workforce
- Residence Visa to Transportation Work
- Resident Visa for the Skilled Migrant Category
- Immediately obtain a resident visa.
- Working Holiday Visa (exclusively for new applicants; renewals are subject to change)
- Visitor Visa (for Pacific Islands Forum countries, excluding Australia).
Additional visa-related applications that necessitate online submission include:
- Variation of Travel Conditions on a Resident Visa
This online submission rule is derived from Regulation 23AA(2) of the Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 of New Zealand. Your application may not be executed if you fail to adhere to the necessary format.
Visa Applications That Must Be Made on Paper for New Zealand:
Although the online system is applicable to the majority of visa types, there are specific categories for which a paper application is the sole accepted method, primarily humanitarian, refugee, or special residence visas.
Paper-Only Exceptions for Permanent Resident Visas: If you are applying under the Global Impact Visa category, you must submit your application using paper forms.
Refugee and humanitarian categories are permitted exclusively on paper:
If you are being referred by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) or an approved sponsor, you are required to submit your application on paper. The following visa categories are included:
- UNHCR Legal and Physical Protection Needs
- Refugee Emergency
- CORS Refugee and Protection
- Refugee Quota Family Reunification
- UNHCR Medical/Disabled
- UNHCR Family Reunification
- UNHCR Women at Risk.
These cases frequently necessitate unique documentation and are processed through various channels for humanitarian protection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I submit my visa application?
The majority of visa groups can be applied for online through RealMe. You do not need to mail your passport; it is all processed electronically. You simply establish an account, submit your documents, and pay the fee.
How much does it cost?
The cost of a visa is dependent upon its classification. Expect to pay approximately NZD 256 for visitor visas, in addition to an International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) of roughly NZD 100.
How long does processing take?
Visas for visitors are valid for approximately 20–25 days.
Essential Skills Work visas are usually issued for a period of up to 84 days.
