Today, we’ll be answering a question that many people frequently ask me: “Can a New Zealand tourist or visitor visa be converted into a work permit?” Let’s dive into this topic and see if it’s possible.
Tourist Visa Categories:
New Zealand’s tourist visas are divided into different categories, with the two main types being:
- Tourist Visa
- Visitor Visa
The tourist visa is generally for people coming to New Zealand for holidays or vacations. The visitor visa is for those whose family members reside in New Zealand, and they want to attend family events or visit relatives.
Required Documents for a Tourist Visa:
When you apply for a tourist visa, you need to provide certain important documents. The most crucial is your bank account statement, which proves you have sufficient funds to cover your trip. New Zealand’s government checks this to ensure that the visitor won’t become a financial burden during their stay.
Duration of the Tourist Visa:
A New Zealand tourist visa is usually granted for a minimum of 3 months and can last up to 9 months. The length depends on the immigration agents processing your visa, but in most cases, you’ll receive a visa for 3 to 9 months.
Visa Conditions:
Your tourist visa will come with certain conditions that dictate what you can and cannot do. When you board your flight, you must not give the immigration officers the impression that you intend to convert your visa. Instead, you need to clearly state that you are visiting as a tourist, and you’ll need to show them your return ticket as well.
How to Find a Job in New Zealand?
Once you arrive in New Zealand, your primary goal should be to find a job. I’ve previously shared links to some job websites where you can search for employment. If you work in agriculture or any other specific field, you should look for jobs related to your profession.
How to Apply for Jobs:
- Don’t apply for every job you come across; focus on the two or three jobs that best match your skills.
- Your CV (Curriculum Vitae) should not be generic—tailor it to each job by reading the job description carefully and customizing your CV accordingly.
- After applying for a job, if you don’t hear back, you can follow up with the recruiter. In New Zealand, follow-up calls are appreciated.
What to Do Once You Get a Job?
Once you secure a job and the company provides you with a job agreement, you can use that job contract to apply for a work visa. You may seek help from a lawyer for this process or apply on your own. The visa fee is typically around 100 to 200 dollars.
Can a Tourist Visa Be Converted Into a Work Permit?
This is a crucial point. A tourist visa cannot be directly converted into a work permit. The purpose of a tourist visa is purely for visiting, and you are not allowed to work while on this visa. However, if you get a job, your tourist visa will be canceled, and you will need to apply for a new work permit.
Important Reminder:
If anyone tells you that you can convert a tourist visa into a work permit, that information is incorrect. Avoid trusting such misleading tips. Always follow the legal process, as I’ve explained above.
