Ensure your
best chance of success
The desired outcome of any visa application is a speedy approval. However, doing things incorrectly can cause delays, a lot of stress, monetary loss, sometimes even result in a declined application. The following tips may help you increase the chances of success for your application.
Know the instructions
The best starting point is to read the Immigration New Zealand INZ website thoroughly, look at all their requirements (also known as immigration instructions), and ensure that you are eligible for the type of visa based on INZ’s definition and not your own assumptions. Also make sure you understand the process and do things in the correct order, otherwise it may cause delays or jeopardize your immigration prospects.
Stay up to Date
Unfortunately, there has been many on-going changes to New Zealand’s immigration policies and requirements recently. Even if you were eligible when you started to plan your visa application, things can change by the time you lodge your application. Or even if you weren’t eligible before, you might be eligible now due to changes. Always stay up to date and read the INZ website before application lodgement.
fact check
There are many online forums with overwhelming information from people who are very willing to give you advice regarding their past experience. Be aware that some of this information may be outdated, only applicable to their specific situation, or heard from unknown sources. Always double check against INZ website and make sure the information is correct and applicable.
Respond promptly and accurately to INZ
If you have been given a letter with potentially prejudicial information (called PPI letters) by INZ, it is a serious warning that there are certain areas where you are not meeting their requirements. If you do not respond with complete and accurate information that prove you meet the requirements within the given deadline, your visa will be declined. It may be time to think about getting help from a professional because a decline decision may affect your future immigration prospects.
organise your documents
Organise and lodge your application with supporting documents in a complete and professional manner. Sending INZ a pile of papers without any logical arrangement will only cause delays in your application process. Help the case officer understand your documents; a cover letter outlining how you meet all requirements and explain what supporting evidence you have provided with your application is crucial to your success.
if in doubt, get help from a licensed adviser
To maximise your chances of success, it may be best to seek help from a licensed immigration adviser or an immigration lawyer. Anyone who provides advice regarding New Zealand immigration matters must be licensed, or is a person exempt from licensing such as a New Zealand lawyer. You can search on the IAA website to see if a person is licensed and what type of license they hold.