New Zealand visa status: Track your application

Discovering New Zealand's unparalleled beauty starts with a simple yet essential step: tracking the status of your visa application.

In this blog, we provide a clear guide on how to check the status of your New Zealand visa application online. Keeping track of your application helps you plan effectively and prepares you for your upcoming travels. Our goal is to make this step simple and worry-free, allowing you to focus on the excitement of your trip to New Zealand. Let's start this journey together.

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Requirements for your New Zealand Visa check

To check the status of your New Zealand Visa application, you'll need:

A RealMe® account: This is a secure online identity service provided by the New Zealand government that enables access to various government services online, including immigration services.
Application details: You need to know the type of visa you applied for.
Passport information: Have your passport details, including the passport number, at hand.
Application reference number: This could be your transaction reference number (TRN) or visa grant number, provided when you submit your application or your visa is approved.

Exploring INZ resources: Your go-to for official status updates

When it comes to checking the status of your visa, the official channel is the New Zealand government's official immigration website, Immigration New Zealand (INZ). You'll need a RealMe® account, which gives you online access to various government services.

You can also contact the nearest New Zealand embassy or consulate for information about your visa application status. Ensure you have your passport details and application reference numbers when making inquiries.

For offline inquiries, you can contact the New Zealand immigration department directly at +64 9 914 4100.

Step-by-step tutorial: How to check your New Zealand Visa status

Here's a quick guide on how to check your visa status online through the INZ website.

First, visit the Immigration New Zealand website and use your RealMe® account.
Once logged in, navigate to the 'My Visas' section under 'Submitted applications.' Here, you'll see the status of your application.
For some visa applications, click on the 'view application progress' link to get more detailed updates.

Types of New Zealand Visa statuses

When checking the status of your New Zealand visa application online, you'll come across various status indicators. Each status provides specific information about the stage of your application in the processing system.

Submitted: Your application has been received and is entering the processing system.
Preparing application: Your application is being checked for completeness and entered into the system.
Waiting for you to provide travel documentation: Additional documents are needed.
Waiting for your supporting partner: Awaiting documents from the supporting partner.
Waiting for your sponsor: Awaiting documents from your sponsor.
Gathering information: Additional checks and possible need for medical information.
Under assessment: The application is being fully assessed, and a decision is pending.
Further information required: Additional information is needed from you.
Approved: Your visa application has been successful.
Declined: The application hasn't been approved.
Withdrawn: The applicant has withdrawn the application.

Common issues and solutions: Troubleshooting your visa status

Here's a rundown of potential problems you might encounter when checking the status of your New Zealand Visa and how to address them.

Processing time variations: Application processing times can vary due to factors like application complexity, peak seasons, and the volume of applications. To mitigate delays, ensure your application is complete and straightforward, avoid including unnecessary extra documents, and ensure all documents are in the correct format and, if needed, translated into English. When planning your application, remember the busy periods for visitor visas (October to February) and student visas (December to April).
Requirement for more details: Your application might be paused if extra documentation, like medical records, is needed. Promptly provide any requested information.
Encountering technical glitches: If you face technical problems using online platforms like Immigration Online, try different browsers or devices and clear cache and cookies. You might need to contact the platform's technical support team if issues persist.
Status indicating additional documents needed: This is a frequent cause of delays or rejections. Double-check to ensure all required fields are accurately filled out and necessary documents are included. Regularly check your email, including junk and spam folders, for any correspondence asking for more information.
Visa application rejection: If your application is declined, it could be due to errors, applying under an unsuitable visa category, health or character issues, or concerns about your bona fide status as an applicant. You can address these issues by submitting a new application, requesting reconsideration, or consulting an immigration adviser. In cases of health or character concerns, it's essential to address them before reapplying.

new Zealand lighthouse

Understanding New Zealand Visa categories

New Zealand's visa system is designed to accommodate various travel needs, whether planning a vacation, a business trip, studying, or looking to work or reside permanently in the country. Here's an overview of the primary visa categories available.

NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority): The New Zealand ETA is required for visa-waiver visitors and transit passengers. It's a quick online process that requires basic details like name, date of birth, and passport information.
Visitor Visa: The New Zealand Visitor Visa is for those who want to explore New Zealand's beauty as tourists. It involves a straightforward application process and typically requires proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket.
Business Visa: Catered to business travelers, this visa comes in several types, including the Temporary Retirement Visitor Visa, Entrepreneur Visa, and Global Impact Visa, among others. The application process usually requires financial proof and a medical certificate.
Student Visa: If you're aiming to pursue education in New Zealand, a student visa is what you'll need. It requires proof of enrollment in a recognized educational institution in New Zealand.
Work Visa: Work visas are available for those seeking employment in New Zealand. This includes the Accredited Employer Work Visa and specific visas for skilled migrants.
Family Visa: This category is for those looking to join family members already in New Zealand.
Investor Visa: For individuals interested in investing in New Zealand, the Investor Visa category offers a pathway.
Permanent Residence: Those looking to make New Zealand their permanent home can explore options like the Skilled Migrant Category, which has specific criteria based on skills, experience, and job offers in New Zealand.

The importance of visa status checks

Regularly checking the status of your New Zealand visa is important for several key reasons:

Timely updates on application progress: By frequently monitoring your visa status, you're informed about where your application is. This knowledge helps in managing expectations and planning accordingly.
Awareness of additional requirements: The visa process might sometimes require you to provide further information or documents. Regular checks ensure that you respond to these requests promptly, which can avoid delays in processing your application.
Avoiding overstay penalties: Knowing your visa status, especially its expiry date, is crucial to preventing overstaying. Overstaying can lead to legal complications, including penalties and potential issues with future travel or visa applications.
Preparation for upcoming steps: If your visa is nearing expiration, or any changes in your circumstances require a different type of visa, regular checks allow you to take timely action, such as applying for a visa extension or an other visa category.
Compliance with immigration policies: Staying updated with your visa status helps ensure you comply with New Zealand's immigration laws, thus avoiding unintentional legal issues.

new Zealand red train

Dealing with visa expiry, renewals, and overstays

When dealing with visa expiry, renewals, and overstays in New Zealand, here's what you need to know:

Visa expiry: You cannot extend a visa in New Zealand. If you wish to stay longer, you must apply for a new visa before your current one expires. It's recommended to apply at least a month before the expiry date.
Renewals: New Zealand visas cannot be extended beyond their expiration date. You should apply for a new visa to continue staying legally.
Overstays: Staying in New Zealand after your visa expires is illegal. Overstayers risk deportation and may be banned from returning. If your visa expires, you can leave immediately or request a special visa under Section 61 of the Immigration Act 2009, which is only granted in some cases.

Check New Zealand Visa status: Need more information?

If you have any questions about checking New Zealand Visa status, please contact our customer service team, who are ready to assist you, or email us at [email protected].