New Zealand is the ideal place to stay if you want to travel to a beautiful country with a serene environment.
New Zealand, an area renowned for its tranquility and greenery, may open one’s eyes to how effortlessly nature and wildlife coexist in the contemporary world.
However, it would be best if you had a visa before traveling to New Zealand. To get this visa, you need to fulfill some visa requirements.
Although the visa process can be confusing, this article will show you all you need to know.
Let me know in the comment box if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to hear from you.
Table of contents
New Zealand Visa
A Nigerian seeking to travel to New Zealand needs a visa. There are different types of New Zealand visas depending on what you plan to do in the country.
A visitor visa is suitable for people who want to come to New Zealand as a visitor.
There is also a work visa for those seeking a job in New Zealand.
The student visa is for those seeking to study in the country, while the resident visa allows you to stay in New Zealand indefinitely.
Each ticket has specific requirements the applicant must meet, but the general conditions will be discussed in this post.
New Zealand Visa Requirements
The following are the requirements for a New Zealand visa;
- Visa Application Form
- Passport Photographs
- Valid Passport
- Return Flight Ticket
- Proof of Financial Stability
- Health Reports
- Proof of Good Character
Visa Application Form
One of the essential requirements for a New Zealand visa is submitting a visa application form.
You can create an online RealMe account and fill out the form online under the “Application” portion of the portal.
Ensure you fill out the form with the correct details, as failure to provide accurate information may result in your visa being refused.
Passport Photographs
At least two passport-sized pictures in color are required to be submitted with your application.
These photos must meet the New Zealand photo requirements to be acceptable.
Make sure your image is taken by a qualified professional with experience taking passport-sized photos.
The photo file size for online applications should be between 500 KB and 3 MB. They must be recent and be 35 x 45 mm in size.
It must be taken in front of a simple, light background. Your face should be distinct and sharp and maintain a neutral expression.
Valid Passport
A valid international passport is a prerequisite for obtaining a New Zealand visa.
Your passport should be valid for at least six months after the anticipated date of your return from New Zealand.
It should also have at least two blank spaces where the New Zealand visa stamps would be placed.
When applying for a visa, you must submit your passport, which you may pick up after completing the application.
Return Flight Ticket
When visiting New Zealand, you need to present a guarantee to the immigration officer to show that you intend to leave the country once the purpose of your visit has been fulfilled.
I advise making a flight reservation for your visa application rather than buying a ticket if you’re unsure of your return dates.
Peradventure, you change your return dates, and changing your flight schedule saves you a ton of money.
It eliminates the possibility of losing money if your visa application is rejected.
Proof of Financial Stability
This is just a statement that you have sufficient money to cover all your travel expenses.
This assures the embassy that you won’t need any financial help throughout your stay in the country.
To protect your stay in New Zealand, you must have at least NZD 1000 per month or at least NZD 400 monthly if you have made a hotel reservation.
Additionally, you must complete a Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry if a New Zealand sponsor has committed to take care of your financial needs (Form – INZ 1025).
Such a sponsor must provide their house receipt, employment contract, and bank statements.
Health Reports
A chest X-ray or medical certificate is a prerequisite for applying for a New Zealand visa.
This is evidence that you are fit enough to travel to the country.
Proof of Good Character
You need to provide a police clearance certificate to show the authorities that you are law-abiding and have no criminal record.
New Zealand Visa Application Guide
You can get the New Zealand visa physically. However, there is no new Zealand embassy in Nigeria.
Hence, it is better to apply online as the process is more convenient.
To apply online, you should follow these steps:
A description of how to apply for a New Zealand visa.
- Start your Application Online
The first thing to do to apply for a new Zealand visa is to create an online RealMe account and log in.
Afterward, you must choose a display name and verify your email address. Fill out the application form in the Application area of the portal.
You will also see updates on your application in this area. - Upload your Documents
You need to upload the relevant documents which have already been listed above.
Note that all the documents must be in PDF format to be acceptable.
The papers must also be less than 10MB except otherwise stated. Also, your passport photo should be uploaded as. JPG.
Remember that your financial documents should be uploaded under “Sufficient funds.”
If you need a certificate of employment, you should upload it under “Letter of Employer.” - Pay the fees
You can pay the visa fees with your debit card online. Mastercard, Visa, or Unionpay card is acceptable.
Note that there is no specific fee for the New Zealand visa, as it is subject to change.
However, as they may apply, you can pay NZD 246, including other charges. - Send your Application
As earlier noted, there is no New Zealand embassy in Nigeria.
Hence, you must print out your application and courier it to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) in South Africa.
Also, you will receive a notification through the email address you provided that your passport is ready for collection.
You may also be required to attend an interview to evaluate your application.
New Zealand Processing Time
There is no specific time for processing your New Zealand visa application, but it may take some weeks on average.
However, it may take longer, for instance, two months or more, depending on several factors.
New Zealand Visa Refusal
- Lack of sufficient funds.
- Incorrect details.
- Application form errors.
- Poor visa interview.
Conclusion
New Zealand is an excellent choice for anyone seeking to go abroad.
However, you may find the entire process challenging and confusing, especially if you do not know how to proceed.
Fortunately, we have discussed all you need to know, and following these steps in this article will help you in your application process.
Let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification. I would love to assist you.
You can watch my videos on the Studentship YouTube Channel by clicking here.
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Thank you for the information. Can I use my Nigerian debit card to pay and how do I convert the NZD rate to Naira?
Hello,
At the moment, you cannot use your Nigerian debit card for international payments.
Would want to have further communication will you
Alright,
You can drop a comment here or scroll to the bottom of this page to get my contact details.
Can I study and work with a student/study visa?
Yes, you can study and work with a New Zealand student visa. You are allowed to work up to 20 hours per week during term time and full-time during scheduled holidays and the Christmas and New Year holiday period.
To be eligible to work on a student visa, you must:
1. Be enrolled as a full-time student at an approved New Zealand education provider.
2. Have a valid student visa.
3. Meet the minimum English language requirements.
Please, how do I gain admission in one of the cheapest university in New Zealand for my Master degree program for this 2023 intake?
Secondly, as a student can I still get work?
Sure, here are some tips on how to gain admission in one of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for your Master degree program for this 2023 intake:
1. Research the universities: The first step is to research the universities in New Zealand that offer Master’s programs. You can find a list of universities on the New Zealand government’s website.
2. Choose a university: Once you have a list of universities, you need to choose one that is a good fit for you. Consider the university’s location, size, and reputation.
3. Check the admission requirements: Each university has its own admission requirements, so you need to check the requirements for the university you are interested in. These requirements may include your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose.
4. Apply online: Once you have met the admission requirements, you can apply online. The application process may vary from university to university, so be sure to check the instructions carefully.
5. Pay the application fee: Most universities require you to pay an application fee. This fee may be waived if you are applying for financial aid.
Here are some of the cheapest universities in New Zealand for Master’s programs:
1. Massey University: Massey University is a public university located in Palmerston North, New Zealand. The tuition fees for Master’s programs at Massey University start at NZD $22,000 per year.
2. Lincoln University: Lincoln University is a public university located in Lincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand. The tuition fees for Master’s programs at Lincoln University start at NZD $22,500 per year.
3. University of Waikato: The University of Waikato is a public university located in Hamilton, New Zealand. The tuition fees for Master’s programs at the University of Waikato start at NZD $23,000 per year.
4. Auckland University of Technology (AUT): AUT is a public university located in Auckland, New Zealand. The tuition fees for Master’s programs at AUT start at NZD $25,000 per year.
Secondly, as a student can I still get work?
Yes, you can still get work as a student in New Zealand. There are a number of different ways to find work as a student, including:
1. Part-time jobs: There are a number of part-time jobs available for students in New Zealand. These jobs can be found in a variety of industries, including retail, hospitality, and customer service.
2. Internships: Internships are a great way to gain work experience and to network with professionals in your field. There are a number of different internship programs available for students in New Zealand.
3. Research assistantships: Research assistantships are a great way to get involved in research and to gain experience working with academics. There are a number of different research assistantships available for students in New Zealand.
The amount of work you can do as a student will depend on your visa status. If you are on a student visa, you are only allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week during term time. However, you can work full-time during the semester breaks.
I hope this helps!
Good day
My name is kemi i want to apply for a work visa do i need to get a job first or i can apply for the work visa here in nigeria and look for a job when i get there,pls how do i go about it
Hi Kemi,
To work in New Zealand, you will need to obtain a work visa. There are a number of different work visas available, and the requirements for each visa vary.
In general, you will need to have a job offer from a New Zealand employer before you can apply for a work visa. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, you may be able to apply for a work visa if you are self-employed or if you are working in a seasonal job.
Thank you for doing a good job, pls am sponsoring my sister to newzealand on tourist visa, can she apply for ETA visa or normal visa and also is newzealand issueing visa to Nigeria at the moment? Thanks
You’re welcome! I’m glad to assist you.
For tourism purposes, New Zealand offers two types of visitor visas: the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) and the Visitor Visa.
The ETA is an electronic visa waiver available for citizens of certain countries, allowing them to visit New Zealand for up to 3 months.
The Visitor Visa is a more traditional visa option for those not eligible for the ETA.
Thanks for your response.
Please, is it compulsory for the fund should be in the account for 6 months?what f I sell my house and put the fund in the account with the house document and deed of agreement attached as evidence of where the money come from
That may be okay.
But nothing suspicious.
Thanks for your swift response.
Please, how do I calculate the fund to put in my bank account for visa processing for my partner and daughter?
Secondly, is it compulsory for the funds to be in the account for months before presenting it for embassy?
Yes, the funds must be in your account for about three (3) months before presenting your statement of account at the embassy.
You must show you have NZ$15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month.
Thanks for your swift response.
Please, how do I calculate the amount of funds to be in my account since I want to travel with my daughter and spouse?
Secondly, is it necessary for the fund to be there for months before presenting it to the embassy for visa processing ?
Yes, the funds must be in your account for about three (3) months before presenting your statement of account at the embassy.
You must show you have NZ$15,000 for a full year of study or NZ$1,250 per month.
Good day,
My name is T. G. Wale-Fadairo.
I have been offered a PhD admission at the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand
Kindly assist with information on documentation and the visa application process. especially how to calculate Proof of Fund for My Partner, daughter and I.
Regards.
Congratulations on your PhD admission at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand!
Here is some information to help you with the documentation and visa application process:
1. Acceptance Letter: Ensure you have the official acceptance letter from Victoria University of Wellington, which confirms your admission as a PhD student. This letter will be required for your visa application.
2. Visa Application: New Zealand offers different types of visas for study purposes. As a PhD student, you may be eligible for a student visa or a work visa if you have a scholarship or assistantship. Visit the official website of Immigration New Zealand (https://www.immigration.govt.nz/).
3. Proof of Funds: For visa purposes, you will need to show proof of sufficient funds to cover your living expenses and those of your partner and daughter. Generally, you will need to provide bank statements or other financial documents that demonstrate you have enough funds to support your family during your stay in New Zealand.
4. Health Insurance: New Zealand requires international students to have appropriate health insurance coverage. You will need to obtain health insurance that meets the country’s requirements before applying for a visa.
5. Accommodation: It’s advisable to arrange accommodation in New Zealand before you arrive. This can be done either through the university’s housing services or by exploring private rental options. Having a confirmed accommodation arrangement will be important for your visa application.