Standard Visitor Visa: Most visitors can stay up to 9 months in an 18-month period, or up to 6 months in a 12-month period depending on your circumstances. INZ will assess your purpose of travel, funds, onward travel, and time already spent in New Zealand.
Parent Boost Visitor Visa: Parents of New Zealand citizens or residents can stay for up to 5 years on a multiple-entry basis. A second visa can be applied for, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years, provided eligibility requirements are still met (including health checks).
Common requirements include:
Valid passport.
Proof of funds to cover your stay.
Return or onward travel evidence.
Proof of accommodation or support from family in New Zealand.
Health and character documents if required.
At Arch Immigration, we provide a tailored checklist and check every document before lodgement.
A visitor visa is designed for travel, tourism, and family visits — it does not grant you the right to work in New Zealand. However, there are limited exceptions:
Yes. If your visitor visa application is declined, we can:
Yes. Your partner and dependent children can usually apply for their own visitor visas to travel with you or join you later. Each family member must meet health, character, and financial requirements.
We can help lodge family applications together to make the process smoother.
A previous visa refusal does not automatically disqualify you, but it will be considered. INZ will want to see that the issues leading to your past refusal have been addressed.
Our team specialises in re-applications and can help you overcome previous refusals by strengthening your case.
Yes, in many cases, you can apply for a different visa (e.g. student visa, work visa, or partnership visa) while you’re in New Zealand, provided you meet eligibility criteria and apply before your current visa expires.
Processing times vary depending on your nationality, application type, and how complete your documentation is.
Submitting a complete application and applying early — at least 3 months before travel — helps avoid delays.
Applications open online via the Immigration New Zealand (INZ) website from 29 September 2025.
NZD $3,000 for most applicants.
NZD $2,450 for applicants eligible for the Pacific fee band.
Plus NZD $100 International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL).
Ongoing health insurance is required while in New Zealand.
Most applications are processed within 4 months. Timeframes depend on:
The quality of documents submitted.
Health assessments.
Demand for the visa.
The Parent Boost Visa allows parents to stay in New Zealand for up to 5 years on a multiple-entry basis. A second visa can be applied for, allowing a total stay of up to 10 years, provided eligibility continues to be met (including a medical reassessment in the third year).
Applicants must show financial support through one of the following:
Sponsor’s income (median wage or higher).
Parent’s income.
Parent’s assets (e.g., savings or investments).
Joint sponsorship by adult siblings or a partner is allowed. Funds must be genuine, traceable, and sufficient to cover costs during the stay.