People whose family members are staying, working or studying in New Zealand can visit them on a New Zealand Visitor Visa. It is a great opportunity for Family members to spend time with their loved ones and enjoy living in New Zealand. It is a great opportunity for Indian families as the weather of New Zealand is similar to that of India which provides a sense of comfort, making the transition even smoother. Additionally, the country is beautiful and peaceful, which makes spending time here even more valuable. Residents, employees, or students in New Zealand have the opportunity to bring their immediate and extended family members to the country. Additionally, on a Visitor Visa in New Zealand, family members can engage in studies for a duration of up to three months during their stay.
If you are planning to apply for a visitor visa to New Zealand, it is important to seek the assistance of a licensed immigration adviser (LIA). LIAs are authorized and knowledgeable about New Zealand visa requirements and are well-informed about Immigration New Zealand policies. If you need help with your New Zealand visitor visa application, you can contact West Highlander. Ms Parwinder Kaur, the Director, is an LIA and a skilled New Zealand visa consultant.
This article has been crafted under her guidance. It contains all the information on New Zealand Visitor visa for family members, Processing time, requirements and document checklist from India in 2024.
New Zealand visitor visa processing time from India in 2024
Planning a trip to New Zealand can be an exciting adventure, but it’s essential to consider the processing time for your visitor visa. Whether you’re applying for a standard visitor visa or a partnership-based one, it’s crucial to be aware of the timelines involved. For a New Zealand Visitor Visa, the processing time typically ranges from 6 weeks to 4 months. If your application is based on a partnership, you can expect a processing time of around 3 months. On the other hand, if you’re applying for a child visitor visa, the processing time is usually quicker, typically taking between 6 to 9 weeks. Understanding these timelines can help you plan your travel arrangements effectively and ensure a smooth and stress-free visa application process.
Here are the New Zealand Visitor Visa types that the family member can apply for and visit people studying, working or residing in New Zealand.
| S. No. | Visitor Visa Type | Processing Time |
| 1 | Child of a Worker | 9 Weeks |
| 2 | Parent and Grandparent of Resident | 4 Months |
| 3 | Child of Student | 9 Weeks |
| 4 | Guardian of Student | 8 Weeks |
| 5 | Partner of Resident | 3 Months |
| 6 | Partner of Student | 3 Months |
| 7 | Culturally Arranged Marriage | 7 Weeks |
| 8 | Child of Resident | 6 Weeks |
| 9 | Partner of Worker | 3 Months |
To ensure faster New Zealand visitor visa processing time from India in 2024, make sure to fulfil all the requirements and prepare the documents carefully.
New Zealand visitor visa requirements for Indian in 2024
There are numerous requirements that people wanting to visit their family members in New Zealand need to fulfil. The New Zealand visitor visa requirements for Indian in 2024 depend on the type of visa the family member in New Zealand holds as well as the applicant’s relationship with them. The three important requirements that all visitor visa applicants need to fulfil are:
- A genuine New Zealand visitor
The applicant must be a genuine visitor, with a clear purpose to visit New Zealand. This may include visiting a child or spouse studying or working in New Zealand, settled children or a parent, or any friend, family member, or relative residing in New Zealand. Your circumstances should reflect the intent of your visit. The requirements typically involve providing proof of your relationship with your family member, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates.
- Having enough funds for their trip and stay in New Zealand
The second most important requirement that every applicant needs to fulfil is having enough funds for their stay in New Zealand as well as the return ticket for their home country. It’s important to carefully review the specific visa requirements and provide all necessary documentation to increase your chances of a successful application. Here you can submit your income proofs, bank statements, etc.
- Having convincing reasons to return to their home country after the visit
Additionally, applicants will need to demonstrate their intention to return to their home country after they visit New Zealand. To prove that they intend to return, the applicants can submit proof of their ties in their home country. These ties can be financial, occupational or family ties. For example: Occupation ties could be a job or business back in their home country. Planning ahead and ensuring you meet all the criteria will help make your visit to your family member in New Zealand a smooth and enjoyable experience.
New Zealand visitor visa documents checklist in 2024
There are numerous documents that applicants need to attach to their visa file to ensure a high success rate of their application. The document checklist comprises of identity, health certificate, character certificate, proof of funds, a letter of invitation from a sponsor in New Zealand, proof of relationship, ties in the home country, details of family member in New Zealand, etc. Here is a detailed New Zealand visitor visa documents checklist in 2024:
Passport copies: The applicants need to submit copies of their valid passports and also all the passports they have held till date.
Funds: Applicants are required to have sufficient funds to support their living expenses and provide a return ticket to their home country. The funds should be in the applicant’s family name or they can have an approved sponsor. The minimum cost of living in New Zealand is NZ $1,000 per month. It is essential that these funds are easily accessible, and applicants can submit copies of their bank statements, drafts, and proof of income.
Letter of invitation from the sponsor in New Zealand: If you are visiting a family member in New Zealand then it is crucial to have a letter of invitation from them.
Proof of your relationship with the sponsorship: it is important to submit proof of your relationship with the family member you are going to meet in New Zealand. The applicants can attach copies of any official document or pictures showcasing the bond with each other.
Accommodation proofs in New Zealand: another major requirement is submitting the proofs of your accommodation in New Zealand. If you are planning to stay with your family member in New Zealand then you can submit their residence details, and their invitation, or if you are planning to stay in a hotel then you need to attach copies of your pre-booked room and its details.
Ties in your home country: To ensure your return to your home country, Immigration New Zealand requires evidence of strong ties there. These ties can include financial, occupational, or family connections. This requirement confirms your intention to return home after you visit New Zealand.
Good health: the applicant needs to have a health certificate stating that they are in good health.
Good character: a Police Clearance Certificate, also called PCC is a must while travelling to another nation to ensure that you are of good character.
Details of the Family Member in New Zealand: Immigration New Zealand also require details of the family member you are visiting in New Zealand. The documents for it include their visa, identity, character, eligibility, etc.
New Zealand Visitor Visa Types and Eligibility and Duration of Stay
The different types of visitor visas depend on the relation of the applicant with a family member in New Zealand and also the type of visa the family member in New Zealand has. The duration of a New Zealand Visitor visa is of the same length if the family member is on a student visa or work visa. Here are the eligibility criteria on which the visitor visa depends:
Child of a Worker: The child of a Worker Visa holder can remain in New Zealand for the same period as the parent’s work visa. However, on this visa, the child is only allowed to study for 3 months. To continue studies beyond this duration, the child must apply for a student visa. Additionally, the dependent child must be 19 years old or younger.
Parent and Grandparent of Resident: Parents and grandparents can visit their children in New Zealand on a Visitor visa while holding a resident visa. This allows applicants to stay for up to 18 months within a 3-year period, permitting multiple entries into and exits from New Zealand. Additionally, the applicant has the option to include their partner in the visa application. To stay for a longer period the parents can also apply for a Parent Resident Visa.
Child of Student: The child of a student Visa holder can stay in New Zealand for the same duration as the parent’s visa. However, the child is limited to a 3-month study period on this visa. Moreover, the dependent child should be 19 years old or younger. To extend studies beyond this, the child needs to apply for a student visa, which depends on the course level of the parent. If the parent is studying level 10 or level 9 masters by research then the child can apply for a dependent student visa.
Guardian of Student: The legal guardian or parent of a student visa holder can accompany and look after them in New Zealand for the entire duration of their student visa. The student must be 17 years old or younger.
Partner of Resident: the partner of a resident visa holder or citizen of New Zealand can stay in New Zealand for up to 24 months on a visitor visa. If the applicant wishes to stay for a longer period and study or work in New Zealand then they can also apply for Spouse Resident Visa.
Partner of Student: The partner of the student visa holder can visit them in New Zealand on a visitor visa, the duration of which is equivalent to the student visa. If the applicant wishes to work in New Zealand then they can apply for a work visa which depends on the course level of the student. If the applicant is studying a level 9 or 10 course then they can support a spouse work visa application.
Culturally Arranged Marriage: If a New Zealand resident or citizen is partaking in a culturally arranged marriage within New Zealand or had one outside the country, their spouse can accompany them and stay in New Zealand for a period of up to 3 months.
Child of Resident: The child of a New Zealand resident visa holder can travel to New Zealand to visit their parent on a Visitor visa for up to 9 months. If they plan to stay for longer than 9 months, they can apply for a dependent student or resident visa in New Zealand.
Partner of Worker: In New Zealand, the partner of a work visa holder can visit on a visitor visa and stay for the same period as the work visa. If they want to work in New Zealand, they can apply for a work visa. The type of work visa granted, whether open or with conditions, depends on the partner’s job role and salary in New Zealand.
The New Zealand visitor visa requirements, processing time, duration of stay, and document checklist were outlined. For those seeking longer stays, studying, or working in New Zealand with family members, other visa options are available such as partnership-based work visa, dependent child visa, spouse resident visa, child resident visa, parent resident visa, and more.