New Zealand Visa from Bangladesh: Everything You Need to Know
Getting a New Zealand visa from Bangladesh isn’t that easy since you have to apply through the New Zealand High Commission in India, situated at New Delhi. Although New Zealand is a popular tourist and student destination for Bangladesh, they don’t have an embassy here. This makes the visa processing from Bangladesh a complex, time-consuming, and lengthy one.
New Zealand provides a variety of visa options for individuals with different purposes, such as business, family visits, student enrollment, employment, tourism, etc. You can apply for both short-term and long-term New Zealand visas, but you must mention what category you are applying for with proper reasons in your application.
For a visa, you need to fill out the application form with the RealMe Account, pay the fees, and upload the required New Zealand visa documents. The process takes multiple weeks, so it can be nerve-wracking.But, don’t worry! We are here to help you with all the updated information about different visa types, required documents, correct application process, fees, etc. so that your visa processing becomes much easier and quicker. So, stay tuned!
Step 1: Determine the Visa Type
Selecting the right visa category is your first and essential step. It sets the foundation for your entire application process.
Step 2: Complete the Application Process
Follow the application procedures for either visitor, working, business or student visas, ensuring accurate form submission, fee payment, interview scheduling
Step 3: Monitor Your Visa Status
Regularly check your visa application’s progress on the official website to stay updated on its various stages, from submission to decision.
Types of Visas New Zealand Offers
When applying for a visa, you have to mention a category. For this, you should know first which category is more suitable for you.
Visitor Visa
If you want to go to New Zealand to enjoy the scenic beauty of the country, then you have to apply for a visitor visa. It has a duration of 6 to 9 months. Other facilities of the visa include:
- You can apply for a group visitor visa and spend a holiday with your friends and family.
- Visitor visa allows you to study in New Zealand for up to 3 months.
- You can use the visa to come for a job interview.
- It is possible to add your partner and dependent children to your application.
You must remember that visitor visits do not permit you to work in the country. You can only use the visa to travel around the country and enjoy the natural beauty there with permission to study for a few weeks.
90% of the processing usually gets done within 33 days. However, since there is no official visa center of New Zealand in Bangladesh, it can take a few days extra for the people of Bangladesh.
Working Visa
New Zealand has multiple visa categories that allow immigrants to work. In most cases, there is a requirement to be under the age of 55 to apply for a working visa. The types of visas that let you work include-
- Skilled migrant category resident visa
- Transport work to residence visa
- Care workforce work to residence visa, etc.
These visas are expensive and can cost you a multi-thousand NZD. However, the facilities of these visas are exclusive too. This type of visa offers you the following:
- Permission for an indefinite length of stay
- Live, work, and study at the same time
- You can include your partner, dependant children who are 24 or under in age
- You can claim 3 to 6 points if you have a bachelor’s degree
Here is a thing that you must remember. You need to already have a job or job offer to apply for the visa. The job offer also must be from an accredited institution.
Business Visa
There are a few differences between work and business visas. Business visa will let you invest and set up your business in the country. From multiple schemes, business visitor visas and active investor plus visas are more popular among Bangladeshi people.
For an active investor plus visa, you have to possess at least NSD $15 million or equivalent assets of the fund. You will be permitted to stay for an indefinite length.
With a business visitor visa, however, you will be able to stay for up to three months. You need to have the financial ability to bear all your expenses yourself.
In any business visa, you can include your partner and dependent children in your online application.
Student Visa
You can apply for a fee-paying student visa, which offers a 4-year stay in the country. This type of visa goes through a lengthy process. It can take up to 49 weeks for 90% of the processing to get done. This one is ideal for students who are seeking a bachelor’s degree in New Zealand.
You will get the following permissions with a student visa:
- 20 hours of working time while studying
- Full-time work permission during the holidays, though it will depend on the condition of your visa
Here are a few things that you may find useful. Your English speaking or writing ability is not a requirement for a student visa. You can also include your partner’s name if you want to bring them along.
Students are only allowed to live on their own who are above a certain age. Otherwise, a legal guardian will have to accompany the student. For this, the parents or legal guardians need to apply for a guardian’s visa.
Documents Required for New Zealand Visa
You will need a variety of documents to get a visa from New Zealand. You must gather all the necessary papers and documents beforehand. Otherwise, the visa processing will get lengthier. Here are the documents you will need:
Original Passport
This is a mandatory requirement to apply for the visa. You can upload an electronic copy when applying online. If you are submitting a paper reallocation, you will have to submit the original or a certified copy.
Your passport has to be valid for at least three months after the date you want to leave the country. In case you do not have a passport, you need to provide a certified identity issued by the government. You will have 20 days to send your passport to the visa application center. If you fail to do so, your application can get rejected.
Passport Size photographs
You are required to upload your photo to an online application. For physical application, you will have to attach 2 Passport Size photographs of yourself. Make sure your face is clearly visible in the pictures.
It’s always recommended to add the most recent photo of yours. The best practice is to attach pictures that are not older than six months. Here are some requirements for photos for a New Zealand visa:
- Size: 35mm x 45mm
- Color: Photographs must be in color.
- Background: The background must be plain white or light-colored.
- Facial expression: You must have a neutral facial expression.
- Head covering: Head coverings are not allowed unless they are worn for religious reasons.
- The photo needs to be original and of great quality.
- The photo must be unedited
- Make sure there is good lighting on your face, no red eyes, and no shadows on your face.
- There must not be any blurry effect in the photo
Evidence of Your Good Health
No matter what visa category you are applying for, proof of your good health is a must. You can be asked to do a chest X-ray or other medical examination. They will consider you healthy when:
- You are physically able to study or work properly, depending on your visa
- You do not pose any threat to the health of the New Zealand population
- You do not possess any disease that can cost a large amount of money
You will have to visit a certified panel of physicians for physical tests. Their approval is crucial for you to get a certificate. You may have to attend a medical examination if:
- You are going to stay more than a year or permanently in New Zealand
- You are applying for a parent or grandparent visa
- You are a woman over 45 years old.
Proof of Your Genuine Intentions
You should have a legal reason to visit New Zealand. You have to submit evidence of your intention as well. If you are applying for a student or working visa, then the authority will ask for proof of your work or study offer.
If you are applying for a visitor visa, you will need to show a permitted reason. It can be spending a holiday, getting married, playing amateur sports, or staying with family and friends.
You must provide the following proof to ensure that you are going to leave New Zealand:
- A letter from your office employer who will confirm that you have a job and will go back to work.
- A letter from your school stating you are enrolled there and will return there for study.
- A letter from your family explaining that they are tied in your home country, and you are tied to them and will be back to live in your home country.
Financial Statement and Trade License
You must also submit a proper financial statement for a New Zealand visa from Bangladesh. The financial statement requires you to submit the following documents:
- Bank statement for 6 months that isn’t more than 7 days old
- For job holders, pay slip or salary statement
- TIN certification with at least 3 years of ITR
- For Businesses submit the trade license too
The bank statement shows your financial ability to support your expenses in New Zealand. Ideally, it should be above 500000TK for a better visa approval chance.
Copy of Marriage and Birth Certificate
If you are married, you must submit a copy of your marriage certificate. It should be in English or translated and duly notarized with your visa application. Moreover, you are recommended to provide copies of the birth certificates for children too. It’s necessary if the child is under 12.
Cover Letter
For all types of New Zealand visas, you must submit a cover letter too. You must submit the cover letter with your visa application. The cover letter should explain the purpose of your visit to New Zealand and your intended itinerary. You must also sign it with the proper date.
Ticket Itinerary and Hotel Booking
You must submit a copy of your ticket itinerary and hotel booking with the visa application. It highlights a firm travel plan. Also, it shows that you intend to return to Bangladesh from New Zealand. So, your chances of getting a New Zealand visa will be more.
Other Requirements
Apart from the above-mentioned documents, you will need some other certificates or documents as well. You need to arrange the following papers:
- A character certificate issued by an acceptable government organization
- Return ticket, in case you are coming for a short visit. Or you will have to show that you have enough money and a proper reason to get back to your country.
- Have you ever been refused a visa to New Zealand in the past? If so, you must disclose this information in your visa application.
How to Apply for a New Zealand visa from Bangladesh?
Applying for a New Zealand visa from Bangladesh requires careful planning and adherence to the specific procedures outlined by the New Zealand High Commission in India. Follow these six steps to navigate the application process smoothly:
1. Identify Your Visa Category
Determine the type of New Zealand visa that suits your purpose, whether it’s a visitor visa, working visa, business visa, or student visa. Each category has its own set of requirements and eligibility criteria.
2. Gather Necessary Documents
Collect all required documents well in advance to avoid delays in the application process. Essential documents include your original passport, passport-sized photographs, evidence of good health, proof of genuine intentions, financial statements and more.
3. Create a RealMe Account
Before initiating the application process, create a RealMe account, unless specified otherwise for certain visa categories. This account will be used for the online application, making the process more streamlined.
4. Complete the Application Form
Fill out the New Zealand visa application form online through your RealMe account. Provide accurate information and specify the visa category you are applying for. Pay the required fees using Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay.
5. Submit the Application
After completing the online application, submit it through the designated channels. If you prefer a paper application, download the latest form from the official website and submit it to the visa center.
6. Monitor Application Status
Keep track of your visa application status regularly. The processing time may vary based on factors like your location, visa category, and the overall number of applications. Be prepared to provide additional information if requested.
Process of Getting a New Zealand Visa
After you have collected everything you need, you can now apply for the visa. You will have to go through the following steps:
Decide Your Visa Category
The first thing you should think of is which category you are going to apply for. Different visa categories have different requirements, processing duration, and facilities. The cost also varies depending on your visa type. Check the visa categories once again and make sure you have legal reasons for that particular visa.
Cross Check All the Necessary Documents and Requirements
Once you have decided which visa you should apply for, you need to gather the documents. The common requirements are:
- Health certificate
- Character and identity certificate
- Evidence of financial situation
- Proof of your skills and qualifications
- Necessary documents of invitation, if applicable
Based on your visa status, you may need some other documents as well. You can consult an expert regarding this and keep them ready so that you can provide the moment you are asked.
Apply Online or on Paper
You can apply for a New Zealand visa both online and on paper. To apply on paper, you need to download the latest application form from the authority site. Once you have checked and provided all the information and attached documents, submit it to the visa center.
You can apply online with more ease. The online application process goes through the following steps:
- You have to create a RealMe account first. However, in some cases, like Skilled Migrant Categories, you may not need a RealMe account.
- After creating the RealMe account, you will be taken to the online application form.
- You need to pay the necessary fees using Mastercard, Visa, or UnionPay.
Visa Processing
Once you submit the online form, you will have to wait for some time. The waiting time can be influenced by your location, visa categories, and how many other people are applying at the same time in Bangladesh.
You can be contacted for additional information or requirements if needed. You should be prompt to provide them with the necessary information or data they ask for.
Cost for New Zealand Visa from Bangladesh
It will be helpful if you learn about the visa cost beforehand. It will also help you take proper preparation. Here is an estimated cost for different types of New Zealand visa from Bangladesh:
| Visa type | Duration | Cost | Cost in BDT (approx) | Processing Time |
| Visitor Visa | 6 or 9 months | $211 | 13538/- | 33 weekdays (90%) |
| Fee Paying Student Visa | Up to4 years | $375 | 24062/- | 90% within49 weekdays |
| Guardian Visa | Valid as long as student visa | $211 | 13538/- | 90% within42 weekdays |
| Exchange Student Visa | Up to 4 years | $375 | 24062/- | 90% within11 weekdays |
| Work Visa | Indefinitely | $4290 | 275270/- | |
| Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa | Indefinitely | $2750 | 176455/- | 90% within15 months |
| Business Visitor Visa | 3 months | $211 | 13538/- | 90% within12 weekdays |
| Entrepreneur Resident VisaVisa details | Indefinitely | $6860 | 440176/- | 90% within18 months |
*Note: The cost can change with time. The cost in Bangladesh currency can change due to several factors.
Tips You Should Follow to Get Your New Zealand Visa with Much Ease
New Zealand is considered one of the safest countries in the world. And one of the reasons for that is they take enough precautions while issuing their visa. Therefore, you should be careful and follow some suggestions to have a smooth experience with your visa.
- The visa processing is often a lengthy process. You should apply for the visa way ahead of your intended time. It is especially difficult to get an emergency for Bangladeshi people.
- Keep your necessary documents ready. Some documents can take time to be prepared. You should, therefore, start working on getting the documents, keeping time in hand.
- You should make multiple copies of the necessary documents, and They can be essential in crucial situations.
- You must never give any wrong or false information intentionally. They are too strict regarding this. Giving any false information can result in rejection.
- It is a good practice to check the status of your application regularly on the official channels.
- Take professional help in case you are not well-updated with the immigration systems.
- You must take proper preparation for a visa interview. Sometimes, an interview is required, though not always. You can take advice from those who already have visas or seek guidance on relevant social media channels.
VISA Process Timeline
The total time needed to get a New Zealand visa can vary depending on the type of visa, individual circumstances, and processing times.
Total time from making payment to BDV: 30.5 – 38.5 months
*Timing fluctuates and changes, since this is a government processing. Each individual will have a unique process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you curious about learning something more about New Zealand visa from Bangladesh? If so, check the following FAQ section.
Having a New Zealand visa can open a huge opportunity to visit different countries across the world. You should be well prepared while applying for the New Zealand visa. Follow the necessary requirements and steps, and hopefully, you will get your New Zealand visa without any trouble.
