Situated on the eastern end of Australia, the island nation of New Zealand primarily consists of two landmasses – the North Island and the South Island. Being the sixth-largest island country in terms of total area, its territory is mostly known for its stellar mountain peaks, such as the Southern Alps, and its varied topography.
Known for its high standard of living, New Zealand’s history dates back to the 17th century, when the Dutch explorers established their colonies within the island. And it was not until 1835 that the country signed its Declaration of Independence. Since then, New Zealand has been on the trajectory of creating a free-market economy, ultimately becoming one of the largest national economies across the globe.
It should be known that New Zealand’s service sector contributes more than 60 per cent of the country’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product), followed by the manufacturing and mining industries. In addition to that, the New Zealand Dollar is the tenth-largest traded currency in the world. So, if you are planning to step into the beautiful land of Kiwis, then obtaining a New Zealand visa should be your objective. However, if you have already applied for one, then proceed to go through our in-depth guide as to how you can check its status right away.
What are the Steps to Check Your Visa Status
Before you decide to check the status of your visa application, keep in mind that it takes time to process an application – depending on the type of visa that you have applied for, the circumstances you are currently in, and the information that you have provided in your application. In any case, if your application is deemed incomplete, you will have to wait for a longer period to know the status.
By attempting to check the status of your visa application, you can also find out whether the New Zealand Immigration authorities require more information from your side, including any other crucial tidbits. To start the status-checking process, simply follow the below-mentioned steps judiciously.
- Begin the process by visiting the official website here.
- On the landing page, click on the “Log In” option present in the top-right corner of your screen.
- You will then be required to select the type of visa that you have applied for. For instance, if you have applied for a work visa, then click on the “Work Visa” option.
- Once done, a login option will appear at the bottom of your page. Proceed to click on it.
- You will then be redirected to a new web page, where you will be required to sign in to your “RealMe” account. A RealMe account is a secure online identification where you will be able to use a variety of digital services from the New Zealand Government, using just a single username and password. If you do not have a RealMe account, then you have to create one.
- After signing in, head over to your “My Visas” tab and then click on “Submitted Applications”.
- Once done, you will be able to see the status of your visa under the “Status” column. Additionally, you can also view more details on your visa application progress by simply selecting the “View Application Progress” option. Keep in mind that the “View Application Progress” option will only be valid for applications submitted after 30th July 2023.
Please note that if you have applied for your visa through a VAC (Visa Application Centre) that is located outside of New Zealand, then you will not be able to obtain a status on your visa via the aforementioned process.
How to Contact For Help
The ideal way to get in touch with the New Zealand Immigration authorities is by getting in touch with the contact centre via phone at 0508 558 855 (toll-free and only for New Zealand landlines).
For people living in Auckland, the contact number is +64 9 914 4100, while for Wellington residents, the contact number is +64 4 910 9915. Lastly, for the rest of the world (especially if you are residing outside of New Zealand), the contact number is +64 9 914 4100. Phone lines are available 24×7.
Lastly, if you have feedback that you want to provide to the authorities, then you can proceed to fill out the online form here.
Overview of Visas
The New Zealand Immigration Department has successfully created a collection of visa types, depending on the needs and preferences of the applicant. To learn more about them, be sure to go through the below-mentioned list carefully.
If you are looking for job opportunities in New Zealand, then obtaining a work visa is necessary. A work visa will only be provided when your employer is willing to provide you with an employment contract, which also includes post-study work visas.
For business people or investors who want to open businesses in New Zealand with an investment of 100,000 New Zealand Dollars or more, a business visa is mandatory.
Visitor visas are ideal for short business trips, vacations, or meeting your loved ones. They usually carry a maximum validity of up to three months. If you are working in New Zealand under certain conditions (in a specific field and within a specific income bracket), then you will have the opportunity to apply for a resident visa.
When visiting New Zealand, your family members can choose from several family visa options, which include the Child Visa, Partner Visa, Parent Resident Visa, etc. Also you have student visas specifically created for students who are moving to New Zealand to complete their education.
