I have been writing about my New Zealand visa application experiences in Singapore. Let’s discuss more about New Zealand immigration. As I mentioned in my previous post, I have divided my experiences in three broad parts-
- My first New Zealand visa application, and rejection
- Why my New Zealand Visa was rejected? A critical analysis
- My second New Zealand visa application, and visa approval
This post is the second part – why my visa was rejected, and how you can possibly avoid such a situation. Make sure you read the first part. As always, there are photos in this post to let you feel New Zealand better.
- Easiest Way to Start a Blog & Website?
- Manage your earnings: TransferWise.
Why my visa was officially rejected?
I had applied online on 17th April 2017 for a New Zealand tourist visa. On 26th April 2017, I received an email from the New Zealand immigration. The email contained a 3 pages word file as an attachment. All three pages were completely full of words. The file contained comprehensive details about my tourist visa rejection. Here are some of the excerpts from the word file (the reasons given for a visa rejection)-
- “We have declined your application for a visitor visa because you do not meet the requirements set out in visitor visa immigration instructions.”
- “You declared that you are residing in Singapore however you have provided no evidence to show your visa status in Singapore.”
- “Therefore we have concluded your personal circumstances may discourage you from your returning to your home country/country of residence when your requested visa expires.”
- “As such, we are not satisfied that your application demonstrates genuine intent to simply visit New Zealand. Moreover, there is insufficient evidence to demonstrate that your genuine intention to visit New Zealand is in fact for a temporary visitor to New Zealand.”
- “We are concerned that if permitted to travel, your personal circumstances in your home country/country of residence may prevent you from departing New Zealand by the expiry of your visa.
- “You do not therefore appear to be a bona fide applicant as defined by instruction E5.1, and do not appear to be eligible for a visa.”
- “We have considered if requiring a bond or granting a limited visa would lessen our concerns or if there are any special circumstances to justify an exception to immigration instructions, but can find no reason for any of these.”
Visa rejection takeaways
Here are a few important clues about my visa rejection-
- I didn’t upload my Singapore visa while applying online for a New Zealand tourist visa
- I didn’t upload my exact confirmed flight booking information.
- Somehow, the New Zealand immigration was not assured about me leaving the country. 🙂
Main concern of New Zealand immigration
The main concern of the New Zealand immigration is – whether you will leave New Zealand before expiry of your visa? If they are afraid of you overstaying in New Zealand, your visa application may be denied. You must give them as much information as possible. You need to convince them about your legal and legitimate departure from New Zealand to another country.
Why I didn’t upload Singapore Visa?
To put it simply – it was nowhere directly asked for. During my online visa application, I didn’t see any instance of the online application system (Real Me) suggesting me to upload my Singapore visa. Moreover, I also had valid Australian, USA, and Malaysian visas. Was I supposed to upload all my existing visas? The requirement of a visa upload was not at all explicitly clear.
An inefficient New Zealand immigration
Nevertheless, I agree that I should have uploaded my other visas. But given that I missed it out, why can’t the New Zealand immigration give me a phone call to provide it? Or just drop me an email? They simply didn’t do that. What they did was to outrightly reject my tourist visa. In fact, I had already booked all my flights and I had the receipts (pdf files) of the confirmed flight (in and out of New Zealand). But I didn’t upload them as it wasn’t asked for.
Can you appeal for reconsideration?
No, once your New Zealand visa application is rejected, you just can’t appeal for reconsideration of your previous application. The New Zealand immigration doesn’t allow an appeal. Here is the quote from the same email attachment:
“Under section 186 of the Immigration Act of 2009, there is no right of appeal or reconsideration against a decision on a temporary entry class visa application made outside of New Zealand (as per immigration instruction E7.35.1). If you have new information that has not been considered by INZ, you can submit a further application. This would be considered on its merits and would need to show that you meet all relevant New Zealand government immigration instructions.”
Where to contact for a rejected visa related query?
I will quote the same document – “If you have any questions, you can: call our Immigration Contact Centre on 0508 55 88 55 or 09 914 4100, or for those outside of New Zealand +64 9 914 4100.”
No email address was provided
There was not even one proper email address provided to clarify a rejected visa related queries. They only provided phone numbers – that too of New Zealand. Moreover, for the people living outside New Zealand, only one phone was provided.
Can VFS Global Help?
May be not! VFS GLOBAL is not responsible for a New Zealand visa decision. I did drop them an email, but they couldn’t help me with the rejected visa. Moreover, if you call them, do take a note that the VFS GLOBAL office closes at 3.00 pm. They strictly don’t entertain an incoming phone call beyond 3.00 pm.
What did I finally do?
I applied for a New Zealand tourist visa again (with additional documents). Finally, New Zealand immigration approved my tourist visa. Please check my next post about my second visa application and approval.
Dear New Zealand immigration, please improve your system. There can’t be an excuse for your system’s inefficiency. You’d better provide a mechanism for an applicant to submit a missing document before rejecting a visa application. Please put clearer visa application instructions on your website. We pay you a higher visa fee, and expect an efficient service. The business ought to be carried in a highly professional manner.
That’s all for this post.
I have also written an article about Australian visa application in Singapore. In future I will write separate posts for the Chinese visa, Malaysian visa, etc.!
You can also check out my posts about my New Zealand trip, or the other countries, or the complete navigation list. You can also find more about me.
Got queries? Cool. Feel free to post in our forum so that others could also contribute and learn. For regular updates like us on Facebook, or follow on Twitter!
If you find the write-ups useful, buy me a beer! 🙂
Hope it helps!
Last updated: Saturday, June 6, 2020
Does it mean, I have to upload all the copies of my documents (Working visa, Old Passport, Contracts, etc) in my first applications. (which I did in my UK, AU visa. Even not stated, i uploaded it all)
Hey Vince Wor, thanks for your comment. Please try to provide as much information possible to the New Zealand immigration. All you have to do is to scan the documents, and just upload the scanned files when you are lodging the online application. Make sure to upload the flight ticketS as well. If your visa is rejected for ‘whatever’ reason, you’d be forced to apply again, and pay the total fee again. Calling customer care is in NZ is equally frustrating. So better take the precaution. Hope it helps. If you have more queries, please feel free to post in the forum.
– SKMLifeStyle.
hi,my visa was rejected I applied visitor visa under partnership,pls.advice me what visa should I applied for as I engage to my kiwi fiancee.is it a mistake to apply this kind of visa?
Hello, thanks for the comment. You’ll need to start the visa application process again. NZ immigration doesn’t entertain appeals against the visa rejection decision. However, you can reapply anytime. I had applied almost immediately after the visa rejection. If you are concerned about the “engagement”, try for a tourist visa. Make sure you provide all the documents (including your flight tickets, hotel booking receipts, etc.). Hope it helps. Good luck!
All i can say that.these rich punk countries ,they are stupid white trash.they came to these countries as a tourist too and later they have control these countries with their power and by killing them.and they are treating bad to the natives of the countries.they call them abrigionals ,not humans.natives of these countries are living pathatic lives .natives of australia and newzealand they are begging on the streets.they call them homeless.
Well, you’re entitled to have an opinion.
Hi, my boyfriend re apply again for a visitors visa coz he was rejected on his 1st try. This time, he applied online shud he mention or declare that he was denied the 1st time or not?
Yes, you should make it clear in the application that your tourist visa was rejected. Well, as mentioned in the posts, you have to provide the client number from previous application when you lodge a new application (after visa rejection). From the client number, the New Zealand immigration would know that the visa was rejected earlier. You can also provide a cover letter with details that how you have addressed the shortcoming from the previous online application. Hope it helps! Do let me know if you have more queries or once you get the visa. Look forward to hear from you. Cheers!!
Hai,I’ve applied my nz visa thru travel agency…Is it mandatory to provide my flight tickets and hotel confirmations as well?
Hi there, it’s not mandatory to provide flight tickets and hotel confirmation details. However, including your flight tickets, hotel, Australian visa, etc. would add value to the overall NZ application outcome. I’d just say don’t risk the visa application outcome, its simply not worth it. Please double check with your travel agents regarding the same as I had applied online, not through any agent. Have a great trip. 🙂
Applied for a dependent visitor visa Nd got rejected and now I’m planning to reapply again so should I need to keep the rejection letter,is there any time restriction to reapply
You can lodge a fresh application anytime. Just make sure that you’ve addressed the issues raised by the New Zealand immigration regarding NZ visa rejection. All the best. 🙂
Hi. I have a lodged application for a NZ Work Visa. I’m still waiting for the results… then I found myself doing some research on cases where visa applications are rejected. I just want to be prepared :<
Anyway, I found your blog. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your experience with us. 😀 I'm not sure if it's stated anywhere but, after your first application got rejected, was there a waiting period before you can start a new application?
Hello Pauline,
Thanks for your query. There seems to be no official waiting period for lodging a fresh visa application after a New Zealand visa is declined. However, we should ensure that we have genuinely addressed all the concerns raised by the New Zealand immigration.
Good luck!
Hi, my tourist visa was rejected 2 days ago as same thing with the findings above. I applied for 3 mos.but now im planning to shorten it for a month for me to visit the country. Is it required to provide travel itinerary for a month?
Thanks
Hello Darwin, there seems to be no official compulsion about uploading the travel itinerary. But I’d recommend you to provide the NZ immigration as much details as possible. Every additional document would add an extra value to your NZ visa application outcome. That means, adding a traveling itinerary may help ensure that your New Zealand visa is not declined again.
Moreover, you can apply for a New Zealand visa of any particular duration you want, but it’s the job of the NZ immigration to decide how much should be the validity of a tourist visa. As such, the decision is based on the travel documents that we’d upload during an online application. For example, in my case, I just wanted a single entry visa valid only for two weeks, but I was eventually granted a multiple entry visa that was valid for a couple of months. 🙂
Overall, I think NZ immigration can be quite generous if they are satisfied with your application and the supporting documents.
Would love to hear more about your NZ visa outcome, and the trip.
Rock on!
I am applying for New Zealand tourist visa.In case ,I am providing my friends details in application,do I have to attach any supporting proof for that or I can just not mention his name.
Which would be better?
Well, your question is a bit unclear. Anyways, it’s up to you. If you include your friends name to travel with you to New Zealand (and hence visa), it’s better to provide some evidences in the form of documents (his/her passport, income, occupation, etc.). The New Zealand immigration needs to be convinced that an applicant is well-off to visit the country, and leaves New Zealand on time. If the immigration office is not convinced properly, they may decline a NZ tourist visa.
Alternatively, of course, each of you and your friend could lodge an independent NZ visa application and upload relevant documents to NZ immigration’s website.
Good luck!
Sir there is a clause in application, provide address of family members/friend living in New Zealand.
In case I fill that,what proof I have to attach in application.
I didn’t have anyone in New Zealand, so I didn’t put any address in the online application. You can check with immigration directly if a proof of a relative’s address is required.
Cheers!
Greetings, me and my parents want to visit new zealand for holiday, can we apply for the visa online or should we do it on paper as we are considered a family and not individuals?
Thanks in advance
Well, I’d recommend lodging an online New Zealand visa application.
The paper-based system is more tiresome- for example, if you make a mistake while filling a paper application, you may have to fill the whole page again on a new sheet.
Moreover, the process for lodging an online application is faster, you can save the application online for future records, the visa fee was also a bit less (when I applied), and legibility would be better to the NZ immigration officers.
Cheers!
Hello, i really need ur input/help on this. My brother applied for student visa in NZ and his visa got rejected due to some discrepancies in his work related experience. Is there a possibility that on justifying his reasons, NZ can approve his visa?
It seems that we can’t appeal against a NZ visa rejection decision. You can consider applying again for the NZ visa, and upload a word file explaining your stand (do add your previous client number). Make sure that you explain how you have addressed the issues raised in the visa rejection letter.
Good luck!
Okay, noted! Thanks a lot for ur reply, appreciate ur help 🙂
You are welcome.
Hi, thank you for your informative and helpful post. My tourist visa was rejected yesterday, with the same explanation as yours. May i know if you used your old realme account when you lodged a new application? Thanks again!
Yes, one account is enough! Just lodge a fresh NZ visa application and provide the previous client number.
Good luck!
Hi, My husband and I applied 6 months ago. We re-applied last week, i think it only takes 3days for the nz immigration to process our visit visa application. I am wondering if why is it to short for the immigration to process our application, is it granted or denied again.
I think the NZ immigration is trying their best to professionally assess suitability of each visa application. However, we usually can’t predict an NZ visa application outcome. As long as you address the concerns raised by the immigration officers in visa decision email/letter, your visa will be most likely approved.
All the best!
I breached the conditions on my work visa in my current country as I worked for a different employer while on a visa for another company. Would this constitute a decline for a NZ work visa with a job offer in place?
Well, if you tell the NZ immigration about it then may be yes. NZ immigration don’t want to risk anything. Btw, why you’d mention this to the immigration officer? Just provide visa info and bank balance. Even if you provide the company name, NZ officer can’t find the aforementioned issue.
Hi there, First of all thank you for earlier suggestions.
Is it mandatory to mention flight tickets and hotel confirmation?
Or is it an add on?
Thanks in advance.
You are welcome!
Although providing flight/hotel/itinerary information is not mandatory, it’s highly recommended. We’ll need to convince the NZ immigration officers about leaving NZ before a visa expiry.
Cheers!
Hi There,
Thanks for this great explanation.
On the application portal, there is a link to upload a document for BONAFIDE.
Please, what document do I upload there?
Thanks
You need to upload a bonafide certificate. For example, if you are a university student, you can upload a letter from the university certifying that you indeed study there. If you are working, may be a letter from your employer.
Cheers!
Hi! I applied for a visitor visa last week and received an email from the NZ immigration that I was declined. I decided to apply again so I would like to ask if you also used the same documents you uploaded on your 1st try to your 2nd application and just add additional requirements needed? Thank you so much.
Well, since it’s a fresh application after a New Zealand visa rejection, you’ll need to upload all the previous supporting documents. Additionally, you’ll also need to upload the documents that addresses all the concerns raised by the NZ immigration.
Good luck!
Hi all, I am getting married in dec and planning to move to NZ in Jan. My fiance has a resident visa. I am planning to take a visitor visa first and then apply for a work visa under partnership once I get there. Will that work?
Well, here is a simple rule – “In New Zealand, you can’t work on a visitor visa, but you can look for work.” That means, during your stay in New Zealand on a visitor visa, you can try to apply for jobs, attend interviews, etc. However, in order to start working in New Zealand, you’ll need to secure a work visa (after securing a job).
Wish you good luck!
Hi, i applied for new zealand visit visa for 6 months and it has been declined with following reasons
As you have a limited travel records, we are unable to satisfactorily establish your genuine intent.
While you have provided some evidence of employment it would not appear to be sufficient to demonstrate strong employment commitments to your resident country and home country.
While you have provided evidence of funds we are not satisfied the documents you have provided adequately demonstrate financial commitments to your resident country and home country.
Any suggestion what additional papers i need to submitt.
Hi there,
The documents you submitted to the New Zealand immigrations is not sufficient enough to convince the NZ officials that you’d indeed return from NZ. The immigration officers wish to make sure that you’ll indeed return back from New Zealand before visa expiry.
You can reapply for a NZ visa with the following additional documents:
1. Upload your full-time employment certificate
2. Your travel itinerary, confirmed returned flight ticket details
3. Provide some evidences for leave application and approval from your company
4. Upload your latest bank balance statement, around NZ 5,000 should be a good amount for a couple of weeks stay in NZ
Hope it helps.
Cheers!
Good day, I applied for a visitors visa but it was declined, how long can I will wait to re apply? or can I apply immediately again after declined?
You can reapply for the New Zealand visa whenever you’d like to — there are no official guidelines for the waiting period. Do ensure that you’ve addressed all the issues raised by the NZ immigration officers.
Cheers!
Hi, I am not sure whether this discussion is still live?
I have a relative trying to visit his parents in NZ. He has been there with them for a considerable time until finally they decided not to grant him residency for reasons based on the fact that he was not employed ( he is disabled, but not diagnosed) I believe some form of autism.)
Now his father is dying of cancer and he wants to return to say goodbye…….
Any advice?
In case you intend to stay only for a short period of time in New Zealand, you can consider applying for a tourist visa.
Good luck!
My visa was recently rejected with these reasons;
“ As you have limited previous international travel records and there is insufficient evidence on file to demonstrate your detailed intended travel arrangements in New Zealand, we are unable to
satisfactorily establish your genuine intent.”
“While you have provided evidence of funds we are not satisfied the documents you have provided adequately demonstrate financial commitments to your resident country and home country.”
“While you have provided some evidence of employment, we still have concerns over your overall
personal circumstances. We have tried to contact you on 23 November 2018 and 27 November 2018 to gather more information however we could not get in touch with you. Therefore we are unable to be satisfied that you have demonstrated strong commitments to your resident country and home country at this stage.”
1. Why or how should i provide detailed intended travel arrangements when i am unsure of the outcome of my application? What if i make irreversible bookings in order to convince them and then later on they reject my application or my circumstances change. Wont I be losing money?
2. I only travel when i am free from loans and have enough cash to travel. They ask for financial commitments, I have submitted them prove of personal finance which was recently settled (evident in bank statements uploaded). Is that not enough?
Im exempt from taxing my income to home country Pakistan and i have no remittances. Proof of residence ownership was provided.
3. They never contacted me via phone or email before closing my application. I work in UAE, have stable income, my parents and family reside with me in UAE (resident country) and that is my only personal commitment. All evidence uploaded.
Sorry about the NZ visa rejection. Here are some of the suggestions-
1. You can upload details such as travel itinerary, hotel booking, flight ticket details;
2. You can show your bank statement for the past couple of months. I guess around US 4K/month in your account would be a convincing amount;
3. NZ immigration is lazy. But I hope if you address all the concerns raised in the NZ visa rejection letter, your visa will be granted the visa when you apply the next time.
Good luck!
Hi
My passport came back today without a sticker/visa but with no email explaining why i was denied.
I hv been there last 2017 for xmas and wanted to try aouthern alps this winter.
Without an email like the one u posted, is it any possible that they are still.processing it?but they already mailed back our passports. Tjank you
Seems your visa is denied. Did you tried calling them?
Hi sir
I am from India
My tourist visa got cancelled today for not uploading documents like what job I am doing and why I have applied for tourist visa
Now when can I again apply for tourist visa
Tourism companies like Thomas cook are saying that I should wait for 3 months
Kindly guide me sir
Kindly guide me
You can reapply for the NZ visa right away. Just make sure to address the concerns raised by the NZ immigration officers. Good luck!
Applying for NZ visa’s is a truly harrowing process.
NZ immigration seems to be full of nit picking bureaucrats who have no interest in the end user of their visa processes, in short they don’t give a damn.
In short all you can do is follow their convoluted process and hope for a good outcome fraught as that maybe by the likely hood of failure.
Probably the best way to ensure success is to use an immigration consultant who specialises in NZ immigration procedures.
I have done about 10 or 12 NZ visa applications in the last 5 years for 6 different people, ranging from simple visitor visa’s to residency visa’s and work visa’s.
To say these are now routine for me to do is entirely incorrect, I hate with a passion every time I have to apply for visa’s from them. They really need an attitudinal change in their government department so that they can treat people with the respect any human being deserves.
Hi my new zealand student visa was rejected twice in 2005. Later on i got a uk student visa. Now i want to go to new zealand for my masters. And i will be applying online. I need some help on the statement of purpose. What would you recoein adding additional for a successful visa
Well, just be genuine. 🙂
Yesterday our vistor visa cancelled by immigration they say you not go back to your country nd gve deadline. What we do again apply for visa. My first visa apply by my brother-in-law.what we do nw.
You can apply again, whenever you want. No way around, just convince the immigration officers. 🙂