New Zealand does not require a visa for passport-holding citizens from about 50 nations. This includes those from all of North America, Australia and virtually all of Eastern and Western Europe.
The remaining nations that afford entry without a visa are spread over the remaining continents and can be identified on the Internet, within a New Zealand government website (see Resources).
Visitors from these nations must still be prepared upon arrival to show a departing plane ticket, dated within three months of arrival, and may be asked to establish that they have sufficient funds for their visit. There may occasionally be questions to establish the visitor is in good health.
Those with passports from all other nations must apply for a visitor's visa. This may be granted for up to 24 months and primarily is granted to those who have:
*Good health
*Good character
*A lawful purpose for visiting
"Health" primarily relates to a visitor's potential to burden the state with costs of significant health care within New Zealand's universal national health care system. Those who are likely to become patients of the state, either for major treatment or expensive pharmaceuticals, may be declined entry.
The government takes this provision seriously. Pregnant visitors must establish their intent to depart New Zealand before giving birth.
"Character" largely refers to criminal behavior and imprisonment elsewhere. Those who have been imprisoned for 5-10 years and/or cannot produce acceptable police reports from their home authorities will be barred entry.
The "lawful purposes" for a visitor on a basic visa are limited to tourism, visiting family or social contacts, amateur sport, business consultation or private medical treatment. A visitor on such a visa may not work or hold any regular job in New Zealand.
As always, visa applicants must demonstrate they have financial resources for their visit. This can be done with through credit cards, bank statements, cash, traveler's checks, etc. The government guideline is proof of access to about $750 (US) for each month of the intended stay, or about $300 per month if accommodation has already been pre-paid.
Finally the visa applicant must hold a passport from their home country that will remain valid at least three months beyond their expected departure date from New Zealand.
As visa-free conditions only last for three months (or six for UK citizens), any visitor staying longer will require a visa. The maximum stay under a visitor visa is nine months.
Visitors looking to study in New Zealand have options.
Those taking a short course (or courses) of up to three months can simply enter under a visitor's visa.
Those participating in the Working Holiday Schemes from Canada, Germany, Japan, Taiwan or the United Kingdom may extend their course study to six months.
Vacationers who become part of the nation's Working Holiday program, primarily helping short term in agriculture or viticulture, are also eligible for short course study (up to three months) without a student visa. Visitors can apply for this program on line within the New Zealand government tourist website (see Resources).
Go to the Study section of the site and find "Application for a Work Permit (under Supplementary Seasonal Employer or Working Holidaymaker Extension Policies)" for this program.
To obtain a conventional student visa or permit, you must first be offered a place at a government-qualified New Zealand education institution. This may involve primary or secondary education for children and tertiary-level education for older students.
Beyond the formal offer of a place at school, the other basic visa requirements of good health, good character and adequate finances also apply.
Student visas are for courses of study significantly longer than three months.
The main avenue for long term immigration or residence is the employment-based Skilled Migrant Category.
New Zealand's objective is to attract working adults from overseas with skills that may be in short supply in the country. Applicants apply through a points-based system. Points are awarded based on the candidate's qualifications, age, education, work experience and current job, or offer in New Zealand.
As in several other nations, those seeking long-term residence in New Zealand may also apply if sponsored by other family members already living in the country, by starting a business and/or by investing a sizable sum in the country. Various business and investment programs each require more than $500,000 (US).
New Zealand does not have a dedicated emigration program for those without family links in the country who may be looking for a permanent retirement base.
