Organising your visa

Once your visit is confirmed, it's time to arrange your visa. This must be organised in advance. You can request a letter of invitation from your host researcher to support your application.

Visits of up to 3 Months — Visitor Visa

For research visits lasting up to 3 months, you may consider applying for a Visitor Visa. Learn more about the Immigration NZ Visitor Visa Policy on their Operational Manual.

This visa allows you to:

  • Holiday and sightsee in New Zealand
  • Undertake family and social visits
  • Study for up to 3 months

If you are from visa waiver countries or territories, you may travel to New Zealand with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA) without first applying for a visa.

Important: The visa does not permit any form of employment. While on a Visitor Visa, you may undertake volunteer work, provided that no form of payment or reward is received. There is no expectation of gain (monetary or non-monetary).

Gain or reward includes:

  • Accommodation (e.g., board or lodging)
  • Goods (e.g., food or clothing)
  • Services (e.g., transport)
  • Wages, salary, or stipend

If you expect or receive any benefit for you work, you will not be considered a volunteer under New Zealand immigration policy. For more information, refer to Volunteers, Internships, and Studentships – Employment New Zealand.

Visits Longer than 3 Months — Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa

For visits exceeding 3 months, you may consider applying for a Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa (valid for up to 12 months).
 
This visa is intended for individuals who are coming to New Zealand for a clearly defined activity and who possess skills, knowledge, or expertise that benefit the institution or country.
 
Key points:
  • You must demonstrate a legitimate purpose and relevant qualifications or experience.
  • There must be no risk of negatively affecting employment opportunities for New Zealand citizens or residents.

For more information, visit Immigration NZ - Specific Purpose or Event Work Visa – Operational Manual

You may be eligible for a working holiday visa if you are from an eligible country. However, it is important to note that you can only be granted a working holiday visa once. If you obtain a working holiday visa and, later on, wish to return to New Zealand, you will not be granted a second working holiday visa.

For more information, visit Immigration NZ - Working Holiday Visas.
 

What next?

Ready for the next step? Click the button below to get some tips on organising your visit.

Planning your trip

 

Alternatively, you can go back to the main, Visit us for a postgraduate research collaboration.

Related links