Welcome to New Zealand Immigration Guide
This article is about the correct way of approaching immigration to New Zealand in a way that is the most cost effective and at the same time reducing mistakes and minimizing stress.
It is a very daunting exercise as one starts to delve into the steps needed to take to get this process underway. Essentially you are confronted with 2 main questions when you start out.
- Am I going to use an Immigration Consultant?
- Am I going to do this on my own?
The Migration Agent facilitates the entire application process with the New Zealand Immigration Department. You are solely responsible for providing all the relevant supporting documentation to the agent and they will decide which category you will apply under. This is one option you can use and can take a lot of stress out of immigration to New Zealand.
Immigration to New Zealand began with Polynesian settlement to New Zealand, then uninhabited, in the thirteenth century. European colonisation took place following the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi of 1840. Subsequently there have been waves of immigration chiefly from the British Isles, but also from continental Europe, East Asia and the Pacific.
Within a relatively short time, New Zealand has developed a sophisticated, unrestrictive business environment that competes aggressively in world markets. It joins our predominantly agriculture-based economy which continues to deliver the bulk of our export earnings. The success of this has seen decreasing unemployment, a strengthening dollar, soaring stock values and business confidence at an all-time high.
The dynamic growth in the business market has boosted real incomes, broadened and deepened the technological capabilities of industries and given businesses the impetus to invest in new plant, machinery and staff. Some of the industries really surging ahead are in niche sectors of manufacturing, information and communications technology, tourism, film production, editing and special effects, bio-tech, wood processing, construction, call centres and retail trade.
How to apply for a New Zealand visa?
The visa process varies depending on the type of visa you’re applying for. You can download forms and guides about documentation for each application type from the Immigration New Zealand website. Once you have gathered your documentation, submit the application to your local Immigration New Zealand office.
Please be sure to include:
- A completed application form.
- The application fee.
- Your passport.
- passport sized photograph; and
- All the required additional documentation.
Once you have submitted an application, Immigration New Zealand will assess your application according to the policy for your application type.
What should I do first – apply for a job or try to obtain a visa?
For most types of work visa you need to secure a job offer before you submit your application.
However, there are some types of work visas that do not require you to have an offer of employment. These include working holiday visas, or work visas for partners of New Zealand citizens or residents.