Valid Reasons to Visit, Study, or Work in NZ

Under New Zealand's immigration laws, individuals applying for an NZ ETA or a visa for employment, study, or tourism must have genuine intentions that align with the specific purpose of their visit. These intentions are carefully evaluated to ensure they meet immigration requirements and benefit the country. Let's explore some valid justifications for seeking to visit, study, or work in Aotearoa.

What are genuine or true intentions?

To obtain a New Zealand visa or an ETA, your actual reasons for visiting must align with the information provided in your application. Immigration NZ checks these details carefully.

1. Temporary Stay: Your primary intention is to stay in New Zealand for a temporary period, as specified by the visa category you are applying for.
2. Declared Purpose: Your reason for coming to New Zealand must genuinely match what you state in your visa application or New Zealand Traveller Declaration. For instance, a visitor visa should be used for tourism, a student visa for academic study, and a work visa for employment in the offered role.
3. Visa Compliance: You are committed to adhering to all the conditions of your visa. This includes respecting the duration of your stay, any limitations on work or study, and other specific requirements associated with your visa type.
4. No Overstaying: You have no intention of remaining in New Zealand beyond the validity of your visa without obtaining a further valid visa.
5. Departure at the End of Stay: You have the means and intention to leave New Zealand upon the expiry of your visa.

Genuine Intentions for a Visitor Visa

So, whether you are planning a journey to New Zealand on a visiting visa or via a visa waiver, such as NZ ETA, what precisely is a ‘genuine intention’? The options are as varied as the landscapes of New Zealand, including the following:

• Holiday Exploration:Immersing yourself in New Zealand’s breathtaking scenery and unique culture for leisure and travel.
• Connecting with Loved Ones: Visiting and spending meaningful time with family and friends who live here.
• Amateur Sporting Engagement:Participating in non-professional sports events and activities.
• Marital Celebrations:Travelling to New Zealand with the primary intention of getting married.

Genuine Intentions for a Student Visa

Your application must clearly show several key elements for being granted this privilege for a programme lasting three months or longer, all of which indicate your sincere commitment to study.

• Confirmed Enrolment:You must have an official offer of place (or confirmation if returning) from a recognised NZ education provider, proving acceptance into a legitimate course.
• Tuition Funds: You need to show you can pay your tuition fees, unless you have a scholarship or exemption, ensuring your studies are not impacted by finances.
• Living Expenses: You must prove you have enough money to support yourself in New Zealand, allowing you to focus on your education without financial worry.
• Departure Plan: You need to demonstrate your intention to leave New Zealand after your studies, usually with a return ticket or sufficient funds to buy one.
• Health & Travel Insurance: Generally, you will need medical and travel insurance for your stay, showing responsible planning (unless you're a PhD student or have an MFAT scholarship).
• Under-18 Accommodation: If you are under 18, your offer must confirm your accommodation meets the 'Code of Pastoral Care' standards, highlighting New Zealand’s commitment to younger students' welfare.

Genuine Intentions for a Work Visa

Think of it this way: unless your visa explicitly states that you can work in any job (which is a less common scenario), your application must paint a clear picture of the role you intend to fill. This includes:

1. Specific Occupation:You must genuinely intend to do the job listed on your visa, possessing the necessary skills and experience for that role.
2. Designated Employer:Your intention must be to work for the specific employer named on your visa, reflecting a real job offer and their need for your skills.
3. Agreed Location: You must intend to work in the specific location stated on your visa.

Building Your Case: Essential Evidence for All Applications

No matter whether you are dreaming of a holiday, pursuing your academic goals, or seeking professional growth, some foundational documents are key:

Common Requirements

1. Your Travel Story: Passport and Visa History:Share copies of your current and recent passports. Include the photo page and all pages showcasing previous visas, entry, and exit stamps. This information provides a clear picture of your travel history.
2. Residence Outside Citizenship: If you are living in a country that is not your home country, include a copy of your visa allowing you to reside there.
3. Transparency About Past Applications:If you have ever had a visa application declined by another country, be upfront. Provide a copy of the refusal letter or a detailed explanation if the original letter isn't available. Honesty is always the best policy.

If You are Visiting Family or Friends

1. Name, Address, and Phone Number: Provide their full names, current contact addresses, and phone numbers in New Zealand, as well as proof of their New Zealand visa status or citizenship. This information helps establish the legitimacy of your connection.
2. Bringing Family on a Work Visa: If you hold a work visa and are applying for a visitor visa for family members, your cover letter should detail your travel plans together and the purpose of their visit.

Important Note: If you are visiting family or a partner in New Zealand who cannot sponsor a work or student visa for you, include a cover letter explaining your travel plans and the specific purpose of your visit. This step adds crucial context to your application.

If you are applying for a Visitor Visa

Every applicant needs to include copies of their confirmed bookings:

1. Accommodation: Hotel reservations, Airbnb confirmations, etc.
2. Activities:Tickets or confirmations for tours, attractions, or events.
3. Transportation:Flight tickets, bus or train bookings within New Zealand, and rental car confirmations.

This detailed itinerary helps the immigration authority envision your intended stay.

If you are applying for the NZ Student Visa

To demonstrate your genuine intention to study in New Zealand, ensure you include:

1. Your Academic Narrative:A cover letter or statement of purpose, written by you, explaining your study plans, reasons for choosing the course and institution in NZ, future goals, funding, and any relevant background. If you plan to apply for another visa after studying, mention it here. This letter showcases your genuine commitment to your education in New Zealand.
2. The section "Genuine Intentions for a Student Visa" above lists additional proof of intentions that are required.

Tying Back Home: Demonstrating Your Commitment to Return

To assess your likelihood of returning home after your time in New Zealand, provide evidence of your current circumstances. Include relevant documents like:

• Employment: Employer letter confirming leave and return; pay slips.
• Education: School/university letter confirming enrolment; student ID.
• Family Ties: Marriage/birth certificates, evidence of close family in your home country.
• Financial Assets: Property/business ownership documents.
• Retirement/Pension: Retirement certificate, pension statements.
• Presenting Your Evidence: Ensure documents are clear, genuine, and translated if not in English. Comprehensive evidence strengthens your application.

How Does the New Zealand Immigration Authority Assess the Applicant's Intentions?

The immigration authority evaluates your application based on:

1. The evidence submitted by the applicant.
2. The New Zealand Traveller Declaration filed by the applicant.
3. The applicant's personal ties and commitments in their home country and in New Zealand.
4. The applicant's previous immigration history.

Important: Honesty is Key

Providing false information can lead to visa refusal or denial of entry. Clear and truthful evidence of your ties to your home country is crucial.

Aotearoa Awaits: Highlighting Your True Purpose

Ultimately, a successful journey to Aotearoa hinges on clearly demonstrating the genuine purpose behind your application. By providing comprehensive and truthful evidence, you paint a clear picture for Immigration New Zealand, showcasing your sincere intentions to visit, study, or work within the bounds of their regulations. Embrace the opportunity to share your story authentically and pave the way for your New Zealand adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions on Demonstrating Valid Intentions

• Can I change the purpose of my visit after arriving in New Zealand on a temporary visa?

  Generally, no. You must apply for the correct visa for your intended activities before arrival.

• What are the financial requirements for different types of temporary visas?

  Requirements vary significantly based on the visa type and length of stay. Check the specific visa category on the Immigration NZ website.

• How long does it typically take to process a New Zealand visa or ETA application?

  Processing times vary greatly depending on the visa type, application complexity, and current processing volumes.

• Do I need to have a return ticket before applying for a visitor visa?

  While it is not always mandatory, providing evidence of your onward travel arrangements is strongly recommended to demonstrate your intention to leave.

• What happens if my visa application is declined due to a lack of genuine intentions?

  Your application will be refused, and you may face restrictions on future applications. It's crucial to be honest and provide accurate information.