Moving To New Zealand From Canada? Here’s A Tip On Visas

One reader, Gabrielle, had this to say about the Visa process in her move from Canada to New Zealand:

“As of right now, the only thing I could share is the grueling visa process. I found that even though the NZ Immigration Website was loaded with information, I wasn’t able to find the answers I was actually looking for (hence the reason I wrote you). I ended up writing personal emails to the NZ Immigration Rep in Canada and she was able to help me more. I would definitely recommend doing that if you have specific questions as they always replied within a few working days. As far as the visas themselves… I looked at several options: Working Holiday Visa, Temporary Working Visa and the Partnership Visa. For people that are only planning on going to New Zealand for a year or less, I would definitely recommend the Working Holiday Visa. It is the least expensive to apply for by far (approx. $120 NZD) and it’s also the easiest. The application was only a few pages long – super easy to fill out – and we received approval in less that 24 hours!!! The other two visa’s are more appropriate for people wanting to stay in New Zealand longer than 12 months. I don’t know too much about the application process for them, but I do know it’s much lengthier and more intense… and I believe it costs several hundred more dollars to apply for.”

In our move from the U.S., we found that calling the NZ consulate was the absolute easiest way to find information on visas. Websites are great and all–but actually talking to someone that can guide you first-hand through the process is even better.