New Zealand Business Visitor Visa Requirements, Documents, Application Steps

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Under the Business Visitor visa, you have the opportunity to travel to New Zealand for business purposes for a duration of up to three months. Additionally, with this visa, you can engage in study activities for a maximum of three months. You must leave New Zealand before your Business Visitor visa expires.

New Zealand Business Visitor Visa Requirements

To qualify for a New Zealand Business Visitor visa, you must fulfill the listed requirements:

Be of good character and in good health.
Have sufficient financial means to support yourself while you stay in New Zealand unless your sponsor will financially support you.
Be a genuine business visitor who will leave New Zealand at the end of your stay.

What is Considered a Lawful Reason for Business Visa?

Your lawful reasons for coming to New Zealand with a Business Visitor visa include the following:

Carrying out an official trade mission recognized by the New Zealand government.
Carrying out any business with the authorized representatives of an overseas company, body, or person.
Selling goods and services in New Zealand.
Buying goods and services in New Zealand.
Negotiating or discussing the set-up, expansion, or wind-up of a business in New Zealand.

Supporting Documents for a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa

To apply for a New Zealand Business Visitor visa, you must prepare the listed documents:

Your passport. You must submit a passport or a certificate of identity to prove your identity.
A visa photo. If you apply online, you must upload only one photo. If you complete a paper application form, you must submit two photos. The photo must meet the visa photo requirements of New Zealand.
Letter from your employer. You must submit a letter from your employer or the company in New Zealand with whom you will be doing business.
Proof of your genuine intentions. You must submit the following:
- Proof of your travel history. You must provide the following documents:
  - A copy of your current and recent passports, including the page with the photo and those with visa records, entry stamps, and exit stamps.
  - A copy of your visa that allows you to live in a country that is not your home country, if applicable.
  - A copy of the letter from the specific country’s immigration authority declining your application or a letter where they state why they have rejected your application, if applicable.
- Proof of your work and living arrangements. To prove that you will return to your home country when your visit ends, you must provide the documents that apply to you:
  - A letter from your employer where they approve your leave and confirm that you will get back to work.
  - A letter explaining your family relationships in your home country.
Financial proof. You must have a minimum of NZD $1,000 per month or NZD $400 if you have paid for your accommodation. To prove that you meet the financial requirement, you must provide the following:
- Proof of paid accommodation, such as hotel pre-paid vouchers or receipts.
- Bank statements.
- Credit card statements.
- Bank drafts.
- Travelers’ cheques.
- A ‘Sponsorship Form for Temporary Entry‘ completed by an acceptable sponsor.
A ticket to leave New Zealand.
A medical declaration. You must declare in your visa application that you will pay the costs of any health care or medical assistance you receive in New Zealand.
Proof of your family relationships. If you bring your partner or your children with you, you must provide proof of your relationship with them:
- Marriage or civil union certificates.
- Birth certificates for any children you share.
- A joint rental agreement or home loan.
- Joint bank accounts.
- Proof you own assets together.
- Joint credit cards or hire purchase agreements.
- Joint utilities accounts, like power or phone bills.
- Birth certificates.

Note: Depending on the country you are applying from, you may be required to submit additional documents for a New Zealand visa. You must check the specific requirements for your nationality on New Zealand Immigration’s website.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

You can apply for a New Zealand business visitor visa in two ways:

In person.
Online.

How to Complete a Paper Application For the New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

To apply for a New Zealand Business Visitor visa in person, you must complete a paper application that you must submit at a visa application center. The application process for the New Zealand Business Visitor visa is as follows:

Step 1: Complete the Visitor Visa Application Form

You must print the application form and fill it out using capital letters. Ensure all required fields are completed, leaving no blanks. Provide only correct information in English.

Step 2: Find the Nearest Visa Application Center

Locate your nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your documents via the New Zealand Immigration website. Note that your home country may not have a VAC, so you may need to travel to another country for submission.

Step 3: Schedule an Appointment at a Visa Application Center

Book an appointment with VFS Global at the nearest VAC. After submitting your booking application, you will receive a confirmation email with the appointment details. Print the attached confirmation email and include the booking details and payment methods when visiting the VAC.

Step 4: Attend the Appointment to Submit the Application

When you attend the appointment, you must:

Submit the completed application form and all required documents for the Business Visitor visa.
Pay the application fee, which includes the Immigration Cost, VAC Service Fee, and (if applicable) courier fee. Combine these into one payment.
Complete section L of the application form, providing your credit card details.

Payments can be made in cash or by credit card (Visa or MasterCard) during the appointment.

How to Complete an Online Application For the New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

Applying online for a Business Visitor visa is much easier and cheaper than applying in person. To apply online, you must follow the steps below:

Step 1: Complete the Online Application

You must complete the online application available on the Business Visitor Visa website. To start, create or log in to your RealMe account. Ensure that all information provided is accurate.

Step2: Upload Your Documents and Photo

Upload scanned documents as PDF files, ensuring each file is under 10MB. Submit your photo in jpeg or jpg format. Avoid missing any documents, as incomplete submissions may result in visa application rejection.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee

Make the required payment during the online application process using Visa, MasterCard, or UnionPay. Combine the Immigration Cost, VAC Service Fee, and any applicable courier fee into one payment.

Step 4: Submit the Application

After completing the online application, submit it. You will receive a notification once your eVisa is issued, which will allow you to enter and stay in New Zealand for the duration permitted by your visa.

What Are the Fees For a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

You must pay the required fees to apply for a business visitor visa:

	Online application	Paper application
Application fee	NZD $120 — $210	NZD $220 — $330
Passport fee	NZD $40 — $58	NZD $47 — $83
Courier fee	NZD $48 — $100	NZD $13 –- $100

What Is the Processing Time?

A New Zealand Business Visitor is usually processed within 11 days. However, it may take longer if you are required to send additional documents for further verification.

How to Apply for Entry Permission in New Zealand?

When you cross the border into New Zealand, you must apply for entry permission. You have to complete a Passenger Arrival Card on your way to New Zealand. The immigration officers will check your visa details. If they ask you extra questions, you must answer them honestly. To apply for entry permission, you must have the following:

Completed arrival card
Passport or travel document
Proof that you can support yourself while in the UK
Return flight ticket to New Zealand

What Is the Duration of a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

The Business Visitor visa is valid for 18 months. You can stay for up to three months within any year. However, British citizens can stay for six months within a year. Most applicants for visitor visas will be granted a multiple-entry visa to enter and re-enter New Zealand.

Can I Work With a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

You cannot work in New Zealand while on a Business Visitor visa. You can only conduct business that is permitted by the New Zealand Business Visitor visa. However, if you want to work in New Zealand, you must meet the requirements & eligibility standards in order to obtain a work visa.

Can I Study With a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

You can study for only three months in any 12-month period. If you want to study longer, you must apply for a Student visa.

Can I Bring My Family Members With a New Zealand Business Visitor Visa?

You can include your partner and dependent children in your visa application. A partner that you can bring is your partner by:

Legal marriage
Civil union
De facto relationship

Dependent children are considered:

Children 19 years and younger
Children that are not married
Children that depend on you financially
Children that do not have children of their own

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