New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Why should I use a Licensed Immigration Adviser?
  • How long will a visa application take?
  • My application has been turned down. What can I do?
  • I have a health condition - how does it affect my visa application?
  • What is NZQA? Do I need it?
  • How long does an NZQA assessment take?
  • Can we help you find a job?
  • Do I need to become a New Zealand citizen after obtaining residence?
  • Why should I use a Licensed Immigration Adviser?

    Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs) are regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), a government body set up to promote and protect the interests of people receiving New Zealand immigration advice. LIAs have to abide by the IAA's Code of Conduct or risk facing penalties.

    No one is allowed to provide New Zealand immigration advice unless they are licensed or exempted under the law. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will not accept visa applications from unlicensed immigration advisers; so using LIAs ensures you have protection against exploitation and a significantly reduced risk of failure.

    Our advisers at Best Value Visa Services are properly qualified and licensed, and are able to guide and advise you on the best pathway to take to reach your immigration goal.

    How long will a visa application take?

    The processing time for a visa application depends on various factors, namely:

  • the type of visa you are applying for;
  • the completeness of your application;
  • the amount of verification required on the information and documentation you supplied; and
  • how well and fast you respond to queries raised by INZ.
  • Work and residence visa applications typically take the longest to process as they require a fair amount of verification.

    A surprising large number of applications have been declined or delayed due to technical errors on the application or submission of wrong or incomplete documentation.

    At Best Value Visa Services, we ensure that your application goes well by firstly, making certain that you meet all the visa requirements; and secondly that your application and documentation are checked thoroughly before they are lodged.

    We will also respond, on your behalf, to INZ on any concerns raised about your application and work to resolve them.

    My application has been turned down. What can I do?

    It depends on the reasons why your application has been turned down. We can advise you whether there are any grounds to appeal against the decision. If there are no grounds to appeal, we can also advise on any other possible options that may be open to you.

    I have a health condition - how does it affect my visa application?

    If your health condition results in you being assessed as not having an acceptable standard of health, your case will be referred to INZ's medical assessor to determine if your ailment is likely to place significant demands or costs on New Zealand's health services.

    It is best to disclose all medical issues upfront. We, as your immigration advisers, can then advise you on the likely outcome, and possibly seek a medical waiver on your behalf if you are eligible.

    What if the job I apply for is not on any of the Skill Shortage lists?

    Your prospective New Zealand employer can apply for a temporary work visa but he/she is usually required to provide evidence that the job vacancy cannot be filled by New Zealand citizens or residents.

    What is NZQA? Do I need it?

    The NZQA or New Zealand Qualifications Authority is an independent government body. One of its functions is to evaluate and recognise foreign qualifications.

    Skilled Migrant visa applicants need to have their foreign qualifications assessed unless those qualifications are recognised and exempted from assessment.

    How long does an NZQA assessment take?

    An application for a standard assessment generally takes up to 35 working days to process and complete.

    Can we help you find a job?

    We can direct you on where to look for job opportunities within New Zealand but we do not give employment advice.

    Do I need to become a New Zealand citizen after obtaining residence?

    No, you can retain your country's citizenship. You may wish to apply for New Zealand citizenship after you have obtained residence and lived here for at least 5 years.

    You might like to know that New Zealand allows dual citizenship - this means you can become a New Zealand citizen and still keep your country's citizenship but only if your country's laws allow the same.