Guide to apply a New Zealand Visitor Visa for Filipinos online

Philippine nationals require a visa to visit New Zealand. How long you can stay depends on if you have single entry that you can stay for up to 9 months or multiple entry visa for 6 months. You can read more details in New Zealand Immigration website.

STEPS TO APPLY

1. Create a RealMe account
2. Draft your application
3. Upload requirements (supporting documents)
4. Submit draft application
5. Wait for the visa to be processed

Create a RealMe account

RealMe account is a form of secure online identification that allows you to use a wide range of New Zealand Government digital services using a single username and password. You will need this account to login to the New Zealand Immigration website so this is the first thing you need to do.

There are 2 types of RealMe account: 

• unverified - unverified RealMe account is just having a RealMe login. This is enough for you to login to the NZ immigration website and start drafting your visa application.
• verified - verified RealMe account identify if you prove who you are in all situations. It is more involved than getting a RealMe login because you need to upload your passport and birth certificate then you need to wait for the RealMe officers to verify that what you have provided were certainly true.

Draft your application

Once you have created your RealMe account, you can now login by clicking Apply Online button or Log In.

A window screen will display to login your RealMe username and password.

Once you are logged in, click My Visas button. It will bring you to a new page that displays your draft and submitted application.  

If you are applying as a group, creating a network (Create a Network) is helpful to work collaboratively. You may follow Sharing your online application | Immigration New Zealand for more information.

You can now start drafting your application by clicking Apply for a visa. If you already have a draft application, you can click Continue from the dropdown arrow to complete it.

Upload requirements (supporting documents)

Upload as many supporting documents as you can to help the immigration officer assess your application. They refer to this evidence to verify that you are eligible for the visa you are applying for. Note that you can only upload files in PDF format. The evidence that you can provide are:

Identity evidence

• Passport
• Visa Photo (must be in .jpg or .jpeg format)
• National ID (UMID)

Purpose of visit evidence

• Evidence of your plans in New Zealand 
• This could be a travel itinerary or a document detailing your plans. (I can also provide a letter of invitation and wedding invitation. Please contact me.)
• Evidence of multiple journeys to New Zealand 
• This could be a travel itinerary or a document that details your intended multiple journeys in and out of New Zealand.

Evidence of genuine intent

• Evidence from your employer showing that your leave from work is approved
• Provide a proof that you have an intention to return to work in your home country. This is an optional requirement.
• Evidence of your Australian visa – if applicable
• Upload your Australian visa if you plan to travel to Australia immediately before or after your visit to New Zealand
•  Other evidence of genuine intent
• Cover letter
• Family declaration- if you are a family member or relative of mine, I can provide a letter to prove this.
• Home country government evidence 
•  a retirement certificate or evidence you receive a pension
• evidence of assets you own in your home country, such as your home or a business.
• Letter from employer 
• evidence of your employment, such as a letter from your employer approving your leave and confirming your return to work
• financial evidence of your employment such as payslip
• Personal circumstances
• evidence showing you are a student in your home country, such as a letter or student identity card from your school or other education provider. 
• evidence of your relationships with close relatives in your home country. 
• Other country immigration status
• Other genuine intent evidence

Other evidence

The more evidence you provide the more chance that the immigration officer can easily verify your eligibility. The following are other evidence that you can upload:

• Academic Transcript
• Additional Passport
• Birth certificate
• Cover letter
• Driver's license
• Evidence of character 
• Household Registration
• IELTS certificate
• Medical insurance confirmation
• Other document, not listed
• Other evidence of English language
• Other evidence of identity
• Other financial information
• Other medical information
• Police certificate

Submit draft application

Before submitting your application, ensure that you review your application details carefully and update if any changes are required. Also, you must read and understand the declaration before you submit your application.

When you select Next, your selected payment page will display. Fill in the information and confirm payment processing.

Note: Do not select the back button or close your browser until you see the payment success message like below.

There is no visa application fee to New Zealand if your trip is less than 3 months. You only need to pay the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). The IVL is a way for you to contribute directly to the tourism infrastructure you use and to help protect and enhance the natural environment you will enjoy during your stay in New Zealand. Find out more about the IVL.

Wait for the visa to be processed

You will receive an email from New Zealand Immigration once you successfully submitted your application. You may log in to your dashboard at Immigration Online account apply.immigration.govt.nz using your RealMe username and password to view your application status, fee receipt, etc. You may also receive an additional email if the Immigration Officer will require more evidence from you or need further clarification.

For more information, refer to Visitor Visa: Visa details | Immigration New Zealand

Keep calm and have a safe trip! See you all soon!  😉