Visas

In general, you will need a visa if you wish to:

• visit as a tourist(external link)
• work temporarily(external link)
• have a working holiday(external link)
• reside permanently(external link)
• study(external link)

The Immigration New Zealand(external link) website provides comprehensive information in English about visa requirements when coming to New Zealand including information on:

• Forms and guides(external link)
• Fees(external link)
• Doctors for immigration medicals(external link)
• Where to lodge your application(external link)
• Visa-free countries(external link)

Visa applications

The receiving office for New Zealand visa applications has changed. From 27 November 2012, applications can no longer be lodged with the New Zealand Embassy in Santiago, and instead need to be sent to the New Zealand Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Washington D.C.

Immigration New Zealand is committed to ensuring a smooth transition for its customers and is working closely with the New Zealand Embassy in implementing this change.

There is a $USD38.00 handling fee per application, in addition to the relevant visa fee.

Please refer to the website of VFS Global(external link), Immigration New Zealand’s agent, for information regarding courier options.

All fees are to be paid in United States dollars, and can be paid with credit card only.

Applications lodged in person have also the option of payment in cash.

Payments for application, facilitation and courier fees (where applicable) are to be made payable to “VFS Global”.

All applications should be lodged in person or by mail to:

Visa Application Centre Washington DC

Address: 1120 19th Street NW, Suite No. 415, Washington DC 20036
Telephone: +1 202 223 3400
Fax: +1 202 223 3900
E-mail: info.nzus@vfshelpline.com
Website: https://visa.vfsglobal.com/usa/en/nzl/attend-centre/Washington%20DC(external link)

Office hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday EDT

Call Centre hours: 9.00am to 4.00pm, Monday to Friday EDT

For information on New Zealand visas please visit www.immigration.govt.nz(external link)