New Zealand Immigration Information


Immigration to New Zealand - Frequently Asked Questions

Q: May I vote in the New Zealand elections?
A: If you are a permanent resident and have lived in New Zealand for at least 12 months, you are eligible to vote in the local body and national elections.

Q: Can I bring my pet (cat, dog, etc.)?
A: Yes, but only after prior approval from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF) in Wellington. Quarantine and vaccination requirements exist and are strictly adhered to.

Q: Should I bring electrical appliances?
A: Yes, but be advised that the power standard in New Zealand is 240 Volts, 50 Hertz. Your appliance might need a transformer or require modification. Please consult an electrician and/or weigh up the cost of conversion plus shipping versus cost in New Zealand. A new power plug will almost certainly be required, which is easy to do and cheaper than buying a new appliance. Some precision instruments may be sensitive to the voltage in NZ and may not work well.

Q: Will my television and VCR work in New Zealand?
A: The TV standard New Zealand is PAL B/G. So if the standard in your country is different the answer is probably: No. However, there are so called multi standard TV/VCR's on the market which can handle more than one standard. Some only offer playback and not record in the other system.

Q: English is not my mother tongue but I speak very good English. Do I still have to sit the IELTS test?
A: Yes, you may have to. Every person over the age of 17 years from a non English speaking country is required to submit prove that he/she passed in the IELTS (International English Language Testing System) test. However, exceptions may apply. IELTS tests are conducted in most countries in the world and details can be obtained from the Cultural Officer at most British Embassies or Consulate offices.

Q: Do I have to pay duty or tax on my personal belongings upon importation when emigrating to New Zealand?
A: Permanent residents, and those on a Work Permit for 2 years or more, may import ALL personal belongings free of duty and tax into New Zealand, providing the goods have been used and you were the legal owner before the goods were shipped. However, the Customs Department has the right to decide otherwise. Detailed information is available from the Customs Department.

Q: Can I import my car, even if it is a left hand drive vehicle?
A: Yes, but in the case of a left hand drive vehicle, prior permission (before shipping it) has to be obtained from the Land Transport Safety Authority office in Wellington. You will be given a licence in your name, not for the car. This means you cannot sell the vehicle, unless it's age is 20 years or more or the vehicle has been converted to right hand drive. Importation for Customs is a separate matter. The vehicle may not be sold within a period of 2 years, otherwise duty and GST will have to be paid. Contact the Customs Department for details. On importation proof of ownership and use is required. On temporary imports, often the deposit of a bond is required. Vehicles for commercial use can not be imported under the migrant's concession. MAF will require most vehicles to undergo steamcleaning to ensure no infections enter the country.

Q: Should I engage an immigration consultant or lawyer to get a visa?
A: That would certainly be advisable, even if you only have your chances/options assessed before starting the process, but is not compulsory. It's like hiring a customs agent to import goods, having a tax consultant or accountant do your tax return, or even you could sue someone to court yourself but most people ask a lawyer to do it. Hiring an immigration consultant is the same. And although they charge for their services in many cases they could save you money, certainly frustration, delays and in the end a negative result.

Q: I have been convicted for offences or crime(s). Will this affect my chances?
A: The NZ government is very concerned about criminal convictions. Every case will be decided upon its merit, depending on severity of the crime, the conviction and how long ago it happened. You must declare all criminal convictions. In fact, should it later be revealed that you did have any convictions, your residence or citizenship status may be cancelled.

Q: What about medical condition(s)?
A: Any medical condition of importance must be mentioned to the examining doctor and on the medical form. Withholding information can be grounds for withdrawing a visa/permit afterwards (even years afterwards). The NZIS Medical Officer will make the final decision on whether entry on the grounds of a medical condition is to be refused or not. The concern is about possible 'danger' to the New Zealand public and consequences to the country's medical / health resources.

Q: My aunt and uncle already live in New Zealand. Can I claim points for family sponsorship when applying for residence?
A: No. Only direct family members (child/parent/brother/sister) can offer sponsorship to an applicant.

Q: I was given a 3 months Visitors Visa. Can I extend it?
A: Yes, up to a maximum of 9 months in an 18 month period. You will be required to prove that you have sufficient funds for you to live on, have a valid reason for staying and that your departure is secured by outbound travel having been booked/arranged and paid for. A sponsor in New Zealand may do this for you. The government's main concern is that you do leave the country after the visit.

Q: Can I use my current driver's licence in New Zealand?
A: Yes, but it would be advisable to also obtain an International Drivers Licence. If you take up residence in New Zealand, technically the IDL is invalidated. This may be an issue when trying to obtain insurance cover. When applying for a NZ driver's licence you may be exempt from some of the examination requirements.

Q: Will my qualification(s) be recognised in New Zealand?
A: This will largely depend on the qualification, where obtained and/or how it is assessed versus a New Zealand qualification. The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the government organisation dealing with qualification assessments. Recognition of your qualification does not automatically mean that you may carry out your profession in New Zealand. Occupational or Professional registration (practising certificate), prior or after immigrating, may be required by the industry organisation. If this is the case, then you must obtain registration before you can apply for residence. For example applies to all medical professions, lawyers, architects, electricians, plumbers, and more).

Q: Can I get government support?
A: NO! Immigrants are not entitled to any statutory benefit payments (unemployment, sickness, etc.) within 24 months after arrival. In fact before being issued a residence visa, applicants must sign a statement that they understand this and also may have to demonstrate how they intend to support themselves for these first 24 months.

Q: How can I find a job in New Zealand?
A: There are many different ways: personal job search programmes, 'cold calling/door knocking' on prospective employers, mail outs, work wanted advertisements and asking the people around you. However, in all fairness we have to say that it is very difficult, even for local people. People not already present in New Zealand have an even lesser chance. You'll understand that no employer is likely to hire a person they don't know; unless he/she has exceptional qualities and is desperately wanted. When you can use some help with finding employment, use the link to New Zealand Job Search

Q: I have written to several companies in New Zealand about a job, but I get no reply. Why?
A: Due to a competitive labour market, employers have often the choice out of many applicants and are therefore less likely to be interested in someone who is not in New Zealand, and/or who does not (yet) have a valid immigration status (PR or Work Permit). Unfortunately some businesses do not adhere to the standards of common decency in giving you a reply.

Q: Does the NZ Government provide us with accommodation on arrival?
A: No. Only those with a legal refugee status receive assistance from the government. You may however seek the help of the former government body, Housing New Zealand, for assistance in looking for a place to live, but in most cases you will be entered on a waiting list and the rents charged for 'state housing' are only marginally less than standard market rental rates. Consultants will assist their clients in these matters via real estate agents or private rental accommodation. There is virtually no shortage of rental accommodation in New Zealand. We also help you where possible.

Q: When can I get New Zealand passport?
A: After five full years residing in New Zealand you may apply to become a New Zealand citizen. Applications are processed by the Department of Internal Affairs. A citizenship certificate is issued after a swearing-in ceremony and then the new citizen may apply for a New Zealand passport. Some countries do not allow dual citizenship and an applicant may therefore have to give up their original citizenship and passport.