Licensed Immigration Adviser
DOREEN BENNETT
License # 200901588
Tel: NZ +64 9 479 2598 or +64 21 501 672
UK 020 7617 773
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VISAS
Often the term VISA is misunderstood with regards to New Zealand immigration. A visa is a document that is prepared by Immigration New Zealand as a screening of the individual before they arrive in New Zealand. An individual does not "stay" in New Zealand on a visa - this is the most common misunderstanding of NZ visas. The only way an individual is able to "stay" in New Zealand for any length of time if they are not Citizens is to be granted a PERMIT.Therefore visa's are granted after preparations and checks on the individual are completed which inform the immigration officer at the border of the following: "This visa confirms that we have had an application from this individual to check that they are of good health, good character and depending on the visa requested have skills or wish to study or should be given permanent residence etc. to be granted a PERMIT." IE based on what the visa recommends the immigration officer shall grant a corresponding PERMIT (A PERMIT grants you PERMISSION TO STAY IN NZ).
There are a number of different VISAS that can be obtained BEFORE entering NZ which normally entitles the individual to be granted the corresponding PERMIT related to the VISA. They are:
HOLIDAY VISAS
There are exceptions here where visas are not required as a prerequisite before traveling. This is known as VISA EXEMPTION and currently either 3 month holiday permits OR as is the case with UK passports, 6 month holiday permits are granted to individuals on arrival if they hold certain nationalities /passports. SEE http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/visit/visitors/ - for a full list and more details. These visas only allow TEMPORARY permits to stay.
TAX RESIDENCE or WORKING VISAS
These include a variety of visa types, from business migrant visas which involve starting a business in NZ to skilled migrant visas which allows a person to work in NZ. There are a number of variations to these types of visas but in most cases, individuals who use this method to immigrate to NZ, would find the services of an immigration consultant very helpful. Many migrants enter New Zealand this way and once they are working legally in NZ, they can decide to change their temporary status to a permanent status. SEE http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/live/ - for more details. These visas only allow TEMPORARY permits to stay.
STUDENT VISAS
These are visas issued to individuals who intend to study and are granted a PERMIT on arrival which restricts them to do just this. In certain cases a student permit will allow limited permission for the individual to carry out limited employment. This would also make them tax residents. See http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/study/ for more details. These visas only allow TEMPORARY permits to stay.
PERMANENT RESIDENCE VISAS
This visa allows the issuing of a permanent residence PERMIT on arrival in NZ. See http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/ for more details.
IMPORTANT
All permits are automatically canceled when you leave New Zealand. This includes PERMANENT RESIDENCE PERMITS. This is why it's important to insure that an individual has a VISA that allows the re-issuing of a PERMIT on returning to NZ preferably BEFORE leaving NZ in the first place.
