The New Zealand tourism can be a fascinating experience. But in order to enter New Zealand, you may require a visa. For me, obtaining a visa turned out to be a tough nut to crack, and I am going to share with my complete story. As I mentioned before, you can read my New Zealand visa fiasco in three 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 is the 3rd and final part of my New Zealand visa adventure – my second NZ visa application and its approval. Please note that the quoted (italic) lines are directly copied from the official documents that I received from the New Zealand immigration.
New Zealand tourism became a dream
I had already booked all my flights and accommodations for the upcoming New Zealand trip. A comprehensive trip plan was almost ready. Suddenly my NZ visa was unexpectedly rejected. Even the VFS GLOAB office in Singapore couldn’t help out. I was unable to find a proper email address to contact the New Zealand immigration directly. I didn’t know how I should modify my already planned trip. New Zealand tourism was supposed to be great, but then Australia also looked to be promising.
I decided to change my trip plan
Yes, I decided to change my trip plan. Instead of going to New Zealand, how about spending more time in Australia? I kept working out an alternate plan. The ideas of traveling by the bus routes, and possibly visit a few cities between Canberra and Melbourne (Albury, Wodonga, Wangaratta, etc.) looked quite okay. Meanwhile, I also repeatedly called the New Zealand immigration every once in a while.
Why did I book flights before a visa approval?
I, in fact, wanted to book the flight tickets only after obtaining the tourist visa. However, the flight fares for the New Zealand routes were increasing very fast. The changing flight fares motivated me to confirm flights in advance. After my NZ visa rejection, it all looked like being wasted.
I called the New Zealand Immigration
I needed certain information about NZ visa reapplication. Now the only option was to contact the New Zealand immigration by phone as they didn’t provide an email (or Singapore contact number). There wasn’t any other way out than to call them in New Zealand (from Singapore).
Obviously, I called the New Zealand immigration in New Zealand several times. The ISD call rates were very high (Singapore to New Zealand). It used to ring a couple of times before the calls actually started. Moreover, I heard only the pre-recorded voice message. I was suggested to hold-on the line, or call later as the waiting queue was long. Quite a few times, I was in 21st position in the waiting queue. Despite the call being ISD, I indeed waited, holding the call for up to 15 minutes to talk to the NZ immigration. The calls were mostly still stuck with the pre-recorded messages. I kept trying again and again. My prepaid phone’s balance was over, and I even topped up my phone a few times.
There was a query link with New Zealand immigration
Meanwhile, I found an online query link, and submitted my queries. However, the response was expected to take around 3 working days. It was already 26th April’s night – 9.33 PM, and I was running out of time. Here is the screenshot displayed after my query submission.
I was able to talk to the New Zealand immigration
Finally, I was able to speak to an immigration officer in New Zealand. The immigration representative was very informative and professional with my queries. He suggested me to apply afresh with additional documents. I wanted to know if uploading my Australian visa would help. He replied –“that will add value to your application”. I mentioned to him that submitting my passport (via VFS GLOBAL) was just not possible as I was about to fly to Sydney within a few days’ time. I was suggested to upload a cover later explaining my situation (since I had already submitted my passport during first NZ visa application).
Then, I applied again for a tourist visa
I applied for the New Zealand tourist visa second time on 27th April 2017. This time I uploaded following additional documents (copies and pdf files)
- Singapore visa
- Australian visa
- Confirmed flight tickets
- Confirmed accommodation receipts
- City travel plans (places to visit, etc.) for Auckland, Queenstown, etc.
- A cover letter explaining that I wouldn’t be able to submit my passport
- My client number (basically a customer ID number) from previous application (to help them use my passport information from the previous application).
I had to pay the visa fee again
Yes, it was a fresh application, and not an appeal for my previous application. So I paid NZ $165 again. Oops!
I didn’t submit my passport
I didn’t visit the VFS GLOBAL office since I had requested not to submit my passport. That means, I didn’t pay the SG$ 32 of processing fee. So the overall monetary expense for the second visa application was NZ $165. In the online application form I provided my previous client number. I also uploaded a document (cover letter) for requesting the same. Be assured that the NZ immigration goes through all the uploaded documents carefully.
I flew to Australia without New Zealand visa
Yes, when I landed in Sydney, I was still not sure if I was going to New Zealand. I still didn’t have my New Zealand visa approved. I kept working on an alternate travel plan.
Then, I got the visa approved
I was exploring Sydney when I received an email update from the NZ immigration. YESSS! My visa was approved (5th May). I posted a status update on Facebook
“Just got my New Zealand visa approved- got email! It was actually rejected once, but I applied again (with more information), Had to pay visa fee again. And visa was approved in 2nd attempt. Feeling relieved as i had already booked return flights AUS- NZ, and intra NZ flights -worth US $1000. Will write a detailed blog later. Message is clear – Never ever give up.”
The visa was basically in the form of a pdf file, and I didn’t have a computer to print the visa. 🙂 Finally, in Canberra I managed to print my visa in the National Library of Australia. I was indeed relieved.
Visa details
Here is some of the information that I received from the immigration New Zealand (in the pdf file)-
- “Application number XXXXXXXX for a New Zealand Visitor Visa – General has been approved.”
- “The start date of your visa is: 05 May 2017 -You must arrive in New Zealand before”
- “The number of times you may enter New Zealand using this visa is: Multiple”
- “The last date you may travel to New Zealand is: 05 August 2017 -Your visa expires and you must leave New Zealand on or before”
How long a New Zealand tourist visa is valid?
I got a multiple entry visa that was valid for 3 months. I am not very sure why only three months. May be 3 months from 5th May? I can’t confirm the reason. However, you can get a better clue here as the visa condition stated-
“This visa expires 1 month(s) after each arrival. Stay subject to grant of entry permission. You must leave before visa expiry or face deportation. The holder shall not undertake employment in NZ. The holder shall not study for more than 3 months in every 12 month period in NZ.”
My Singapore visa was expiring on 6th of August. So maybe the New Zealand immigration wanted me to leave their country before my SG Visa expired. It seems that if my Singapore visa would have been valid for 1 more year, I might have got a one year long multiple entry visa. I am not very sure though. Anyways, a three month long visa is good enough to explore the New Zealand tourism.
New Zealand visa is not attached your passport
Well, I just got a pdf file that gave visa details. Obviously, NZ visa is not attached to an individual’s passport.
How can you prove your visa details without a visa label in your passport?
Here is the official information-
“With your consent, other people or organisations such as health care providers or travel agents can verify the details of your visa using the Visa Verification Service.”
Do you have a new passport?
Again, here is the official information-
“If you get a new passport while this visa is still valid, you must request INZ to update your visa details so that they match your new passport. INZ’s website has information on how to do this.”
You must not remain in New Zealand after your visa expires
“You must hold a valid visa at all times while you are in New Zealand. If you do not hold a valid visa you will be in New Zealand unlawfully and you will be liable for deportation. If you do not leave voluntarily before you are served with a deportation order you will face a prohibition period preventing your return to New Zealand in the future.”
Do you need more information about eVisas, the conditions of your visa, or how to extend your time in New Zealand?
“For information about eVisas (label-less visas) – check the link. To understand your visa conditions, apply to change those conditions, or find out if you may extend your time in New Zealand. See answers to frequently asked questions or to send an enquiry to INZ, or call our Immigration Contact Centre on +64 9 914 4100 from outside New Zealand, 09 914 4100 from Auckland, or 0508 55 88 55 from the rest of New Zealand.”
In summary, the whole visa application process looked like a satellite launch to me. Basically, the system is yet to evolve. For example, why we need to pay the visa fee again? Why can’t NZ immigration provide a Singapore contact number given that they have a visa application centre in Singapore (or a toll free number)? The New Zealand immigration looks to be 20-30 years behind the Australian immigration, and may be 50 years behind Singapore – metaphorically speaking. How can we have an efficient New Zealand tourism if the visa system itself is clumsy?
Thank god, I got the visa and finally I was ready to explore the New Zealand tourism.
That’s it for this post. I have also written an article about Australian visa application in Singapore. In future I intend to write separate posts for the Chinese Visa, Malaysian Visa, etc.!
You can also check out my other posts about New Zealand tourism from my trip, or the other countries, or the complete navigation list. You can also find more about me.
Hope it helps!
Last updated: Thursday, October 19, 2017
Hi, would like to clarify if your flight ticket in NZ was already paid? in the 1st part of your article it stated there need only a flight itinerary which can be download for free
Officially there it’s not compulsory to book flight tickets in advance for NZ Visa application. However, I’d personally urge you to book flights in advance and upload the pdf files of your confirmed ticked. Avoid taking risk. The more info you provide to the NZ immigration, higher the chances of Visa approval. Just my opinion.
In my first application, I didn’t upload flight tickets (although I had booked). I uploaded them during 2nd application. 🙂
I had the same bad experience with NZI. The reasons are totally not making any sense and yet no appeal is permitted. My second attempts got rejected and now i’m stuck.
I totally understand your situation. Please try again, there is no other way as the appeal is simply not allowed by New Zealand immigration (once a visa decision is made or NZ Visa is declined). If I can be of any help, fell free to drop a comment below. Best wishes. 🙂
Hi I’m a resident here in Dubai with a Philippine passport. My application, sad to say, was just declined today. I planned my travel on May, I have booked the tickets with a return trip in Dubai, booked the hotel as well and I got the same reason of your denial “that i’m not intending to leave NZ”. Unfortunately, I did not provide my residence visa here in Dubai and I have been residing and working here for the past 10 years. As you have mentioned on your blog, can you apply immediately?
Hi there!
Yes, you can reapply for the New Zealand visa as soon as possible, there is not official time duration for reapplication of NZ visa (after a visa is rejected). Do make sure that you have addressed all the concerns raised by the New Zealand immigration. The more documents you upload, higher the chances of avoiding a NZ visa rejection.
Good luck!
I booked my NZ flight yesterday and got the rejection letter today, so I have no choice but to reapply. Good thing I have a month and two weeks to prepare for this again and submit new documents.
Question, how long did it take for you to get your NZ visa approved the 2nd time?
I hear people get their approval for just 3 to 5 days. Mine got rejected quickly though, only because I had the same problem:
1. No visa status
2. No tickets
Although even if I placed a big amount on the bank, they still provided me a rejection letter saying that “your financial commitment in your home country would encourage your return after your declared stay in New Zealand”. And I had more than 5000 NZD as show money but it still got rejected. Ouch.
Hope you can provide enlightenment in timeline. Thanks!
Well, my visa (following 2nd ) application was approved within a week’s time.
I think $5000 is a good amount – but may be NZ immigration feels it’s not enough for your duration of stay in NZ. Probably you could put around 8k in your account, and upload the financial statement with your bank’s official seal on it.
Good luck!
I have re-applied for my visa including a cover letter stating that I am unable to submit my passport. I still haven’t received any mail from New Zealand stating that I do not need to submit my passport. I just wanted to know whether you received any mail from them stating that you do not need to submit you’re passport?
Don’t worry. It’s not compulsory to submit your passport with the second NZ visa application (given that you had submitted your passport with the first application – an NZ visa application that was eventually rejected). Just make sure you mention the situation clearly in the cover letter of 2nd application (and provide previous client number) that why you are unable to submit the passport second time.
In my case, I had already booked flights to Australia and I was about to fly from Singapore to Sydney in a few days’ time – obviously, I couldn’t have afforded to not have a passport. So I urged the NZ immigration to consider my case. Basically, I didn’t submit my passport for the second time, and my visa was still approved.
Hope I answered you!
Good luck!
Thank you. I am just worried that I did not receive any email from INZ. I called to VFS Singapore and they said its mandotary to submit my passport regardless of my situation.
Well, VFS is only an intermediary channel, they don’t decide visa application outcome. The actual visa decision is made by the New Zealand immigration, Bangkok (for Singapore applications).
The immigration office could be too busy with workload to reply the emails. They didn’t reply my emails as well.
Just wait a few days, hopefully you’ll get the good news soon.
Cheers!
Yeah you are right INZ has terrible system on visa applications. Hope there will be changes on their processing because i am too is so stress on waiting my visa, Applied 7 feb till now 13 march no news ..my booked ticket dsted 18March.
I suppose fly with my newzealander husband but j fo not think so j can go with him. Frustrating to speak buy..ohh feel do bad
Sorry to hear about your long wait. Let’s hope NZ learns from its mistakes.
Best wishes!
Hi! I found your article very informative and I hope you can help me too. I repeatedly called VFS Global here in the Philippines and asked if I could include my brother as a dependent of my mother who also applied for a visa. He is 45 years old but is a Person with Disability(Intellectual) hence is incapable of gainful employment and rely on family support. They said only 19 yrs and below are considered dependent. I admit that I failed to send documents like his PWD ID, results of his diagnostic tests and others because I relied on their checklist. He was denied and I emailed the Immigration Officer and same as yours, suggesting to re apply again.
In Section F3/F4 of Character, should I check refused entry/refused a visa because he was denied in the first application? Section H, using your own funds(to include my mother’s)
We have all been granted visa except him so I think I should also include his US Visa to prove that he is a constant companion of my mom.
Thank you!
Hey, sorry to hear about the New Zealand Visa rejection. Providing information about the medical proof, US visa, etc. will indeed add value to your application. Do explain your situation in the application cover letter when you reapply for the NZ visa.
I think we should be honest with the immigration officers, and at the same time, explain your situation with utmost clarity.
All the best.
Hey, I found your articles very interesting and useful. I would like to ask if previous travel experience say a one-year UK student visa (obtained in the past), for example, can improve the outcome of the NZ visitor visa application and if so how can the evidence of this be provided on the online application system.
Cheers
Thanks! Well, if the UK visa is still valid, may be the NZ immigration would give you some bonus points. 🙂 Btw, there is no harm in providing the previous info. You can scan the visa and upload the pdf/image file during NZ visa application.
Hi, I’m an indian passport holder, will be applying for NZ visitor visa in april 2019 fron India.
I have all the needed documents. Just wanted to know how much fund proofs i need to show in bank statements?
I’m visiting NZ only for 13 days.
Reason: going to meet friends and going to South Island with them!
I will have 1.5 lakh rupees in my account. Do i need to show more?
Please let me know!
Hi there!
Well, there is no fixed amount specified by the New Zealand immigration, so it’s difficult to guess the amount (there is a lot of scope for speculations). However, I personally feel that a bank statement proof of an amount equivalent to (or more than) NZ $6,000 would be a good evidence that one can support himself during a couple of week’s stay in New Zealand.
Of course, you can manage your 13 days New Zealand stay for a much lesser amount.
Good luck.
NZ$1,000/ month of stay
OR
NZ400/ month of stay, you if you already have accommodation (show proof like a hotel booking or tenancy agreement of the one who invited you)
but of course, the higher amount would be better… but not too high enough to be suspicious..
hi dear
i want to apply for new newzeeland tourist visa can you send your city travel plane
thanks for your time
Dude, it’s easy to prepare an itinerary for New Zealand trip. Just put the relevant travel attractions and things to do in a work file and add some dates when you intend to visit those places. Don’t forget to add your accommodation details.
Cheers!
how to email New Zealand immigration. U mentioned about a query link where can find that link?
Please google, it’s not difficult to find the link.
Hi
There is a lot of useful information in your posts. I just got a rejection mail from INZ today for my visitor visa application and feel really frustrated with that. I basically planned to visit my childhood friend who is my sponsor and he provided all details with sponsorship form filled by him saying he is liable to bear all my expenses and accomodation. I attached an employer NOC letter from my current job in India and my current bank statements holding around 2 lakhs and some additional FDs. I waited to get visa before I start booking flights. Now that I have got a rejection I am feeling even less confident to book flights to show in a visa application being unsure to get a visa.
Main points they showed objection in refusal mail is concern over my stability in my country (I am guessing they are referring to less funds or some more details of my employment) and their concern that I might stay there or work unlawfully (I have no plans and I am super happy living in my country) now that I can not apply for reconsideration , I will have to apply again.
Please suggest what more documents will be helpful and is it really important to book flights just to secure a visa when it’s not even guaranteed.
They seriously need to look at their processes if they want more tourism
Please help wherever you can to help me in my 2nd application which I will be filing soon.
Many thanks in advance
Well, you should show about US $5,000 or equivalent in your bank balance. Do add slightly detailed ternaries. You can book a return flight (one month in advance) and add the copies of the tickets during the online application. Basically, you’ll have to convince the NZ immigration that you’ll 100% return from New Zealand (that means, you do have enough commitments back in your home country, such as a full-time job).
Good luck!
Hi, thank you so much for your post. It really gave future NZ visitors like me so much help and information.
My query is as a person who just graduated from college and has travelled to Europe (just Italy and France), Singapore, Sri Lanka, Qatar, Egypt, Australia, Canada, US and UK (US and UK since my sisters and their families live there respectively) in the past and still has a valid US and Canada visa at the time of application, what are the chances of getting a visitor visa if I’m travelling with my father (he will be sponsoring our trip) who’s been working for the past 34 years and earns a really good salary? I will anyways attach proof on everything what I stated above but will the fact that me being neither a student nor employed be a concern or a flag to the NZ immigration authorities?
Well, you have to convince the NZ immigration officers that you will visit NZ and leave NZ on time. The NZ guys don’t want to risk anything about illegal immigration or overstaying. That’s why a lot of drama for visa approval. You need to show them your bank balance (to survive in NZ) and commitment in your country of residence (so that you will return back). If you can convince the NZ immigration that you are visiting 100% for tourism, your visa will be approved.
Best wishes.
I had sent an earlier comment but didn’t get published.
Just replied. 🙂