Understanding Visa Conversion
There is no option to “convert” a visa, but you can apply for a different visa type while in New Zealand on a visitor visa. If your circumstances meet the specific criteria for the NZ Work Visa or New Zealand Student Visa you’re applying for, INZ may approve your application. Please note that immigration policy may change from time to time, so it is best to check the latest policy before you apply for a visa.
Common Questions About Visa Changes
Job Hunting and Work Visa
Question: “I’ve been job hunting from overseas but haven’t had success. Can I apply for a visitor visa to come to New Zealand, job hunt, and then apply for a work visa if an employer offers to sponsor me?”
Answer: Yes, you can apply for a work visa if you secure a job offer while in New Zealand. However, your application will need to meet the specific criteria for a work visa.
Holiday to Study Visa
Question: “I’m on holiday in New Zealand and really like it here. Can I apply for a student visa while on a visitor visa?”
Answer: Yes, you may apply for a student visa while on a visitor visa if your personal circumstances meet the student visa criteria.
Key Points to Keep in Mind
No “Conversion”
You cannot simply “convert” one visa to another. Instead, you need to apply for the new visa, and INZ will assess whether you meet the criteria for approval.
Bona Fide Intentions
For any temporary-class visa, including visitor, work, or student visas, INZ will assess your genuine intention to be in New Zealand temporarily with a lawful purpose and your plan to return to your home country at the end of your visa’s validity. For a student visa, INZ will evaluate your intent to study in New Zealand and how your personal circumstances (such as financial situation and future plans) align with the visa’s requirements.
Also read: How Long it takes to Process a New Zealand Visa Application?
How Immigration Chambers Can Help
We frequently assist applicants with various New Zealand visa applications if their circumstances are likely to meet INZ’s approval criteria. There are two key factors INZ looks at when making a decision:
1. Personal Circumstances
INZ assesses whether your situation aligns with the requirements for the visa you’re applying for.
2. Demonstrating Eligibility
We can help ensure that your application clearly demonstrates how your circumstances meet INZ’s criteria for approval.
Handling Declines
In many cases, people come to us after receiving a decline from INZ. After a consultation with our Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA), we often find that their personal circumstances actually met the criteria from the start, but they were unsure how to present them effectively.
Your Options After a Visa Decline
If your visa is declined, you have two options:
Reapply Yourself
If you fully understand the concerns raised by INZ and are confident in your ability to address them, you can reapply independently.
Consult to an Immigration Expert
If you want to minimize the risk of another decline and ensure your application meets INZ’s expectations, consulting an immigration professional may be a wise decision.
Whether you consult Immigration Chambers before or after a decline, we cannot represent your case without fully understanding your unique circumstances. INZ will assess your situation before deciding whether to approve or decline your application. We aim to be your safety net, reducing the chances of adding a decline to your immigration record.