My visitor’s visa is about to expire. Is there a way I can get it extended?
How do I apply for a work visa?
What’s the difference between a work visa and a work permit?
Can I start a business in New Zealand?
How do I get a business visa?
The employer stated on my work visa is closing down. What happens to my visa?
My visitor’s visa is about to expire. Is there a way I can get it extended?
You can apply to have your visitor’s visa extended before it expires. You do this through the same process as applying for a visa the first time round. You can find the process on the Immigration New Zealand website.
People in New Zealand on visitor permits are only allowed to stay in New Zealand for nine months in an 18-month time period. If you have already spent nine months here you may apply to stay for a further three months. If you get the extension, you would need to leave the country at the end of that period and not come back for at least 12 months.
You will usually only be allowed an extended visitor permit if:
- You are a genuine tourist who needs no more than an extra three months to complete your itinerary, or
- You’re applying for a visitor’s visa or permit under a special category of visitor’s visa and permit policy which allows you to stay longer in New Zealand, or
- You can’t leave New Zealand because of circumstances out of your control
- You have lodged a first-time application for residence that has been accepted for consideration, and a decision is unlikely during the time period of the existing permit
Immigration New Zealand has a 
visitors visa/permit guide to help you complete your application form.
How do I apply for a work visa?
There are a few work categories, and you need to pick one depending on your needs:
Working holiday programme – to apply, you have to be a citizen in a selected country that has a reciprocal agreement with New Zealand under the Working Holiday Scheme. You have to be between 18 and 30 to apply, and there could be extra requirements depending on your country. You don’t have to have a job offer for this category.
Partnership work visa or permit – you could qualify for this visa or permit if you’re living with a New Zealand citizen or resident in a stable and genuine relationship. You don’t need a job offer for this category.
Essential skills policy visa – you need a job offer from a New Zealand employer for this policy. The process depends on the nature of your job, your work experience, qualifications and the supporting information from your New Zealand employer.
Specific purpose or event work visa – you need a job offer from a New Zealand employer for this. This visa is most suited to specialised work, for example entertainers, performing artists, film crew, sports coaches and players, pastors and missionaries etc.
Work to residence programme – if you’re exceptionally talented in the arts, cultural or sports fields, or are qualified in a specialised or in-demand occupation, this could be the option for you. You need a job offer from a New Zealand employer.
If none of these categories suit your situation, you can look at Study to work, student and trainee, seasonal work and work exchanges.
What’s the difference between a work visa and a work permit?
Prior to November 2010 you could apply for a work visa , which allowed you to come to New Zealand, and a work permit which allowed you to work here. Your work visa could be for a longer period of time than your work permit, so you could apply for a new work permit when the old one expired.
Since 29 November 2010 when the Immigration Act 2009 took effect, there are no longer any work permits.
So now, if you want to visit New Zealand and work you only have to apply for a work visa. The work visa allows you to come to New Zealand and work here. For further information see How do I apply for a work visa?
Can I start a business in New Zealand?
You might need a work visa under the Long Term Business category to start a business in New Zealand.
You won’t need one if you are:
- A New Zealand citizen
- A New Zealand resident
- The holder of a valid Australian passport
- The holder of a current Australian Permanent Visa
- The holder of a current Australian Resident Return Visa
You'll need to send in a business plan and be able to show that you have enough knowledge and experience about the local business environment, and show how your business venture will benefit New Zealand.
You'll also need to show you have enough funds to support yourself (and your family, if applicable) during your time here.
You can be refused entry to New Zealand in some cases.
The work visa will give you nine months to get your business up and running, and before that time expires you can apply for a further work visa for the balance of three years.
For more information about establishing a business look at the Immigration New Zealand website.
How do I get a business visa?
A long-term business visa or permit lets you stay in New Zealand for up to three years as a self-employed person. To apply, you'll need to complete a Long Term Business Visa application.
If your application under the Long Term Business Category is approved, you’ll get a work visa that expires after nine months. This time lets you set up your business, and then you can apply for a further work visa just before the nine months are up.
To get this second extended work visa, you have to show you’re making reasonable progress in setting up your business, which could include:
- A certificate of incorporation or other documents that show evidence of the business’ constitution
- Audited accounts
- GST records
- Other tax records
- Documents showing property lease or purchase by the business
- Invoices for business equipment and supplies
- Other documents such as employment agreements, bank statements, invoices from phone and power companies
More information about apply for a Long Term Business Visa is on the Immigration New Zealand website.
You can also find information about applying for residence for employees of a business relocating to New Zealand, or for people wishing to invest in a New Zealand business at the Immigration New Zealand website.
The employer stated on my work visa is closing down. What happens to my visa?
If your visa was granted specifically for this job, and you aren’t employed there any more, your work visa becomes invalid. You need to change your status by making a new application as soon as you can. If you’ve got a new job, you can apply for a new work visa.
If you can’t do this and want to stay in New Zealand, you could try applying for a visitor visa or a student visa if you fit the criteria. If you can’t use any of these options, you can contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau for help.