What is a Group Visitor Visa?
The Group Visitor Visa is for groups travelling to New Zealand together for the same reason. Everyone in the group will have the same travel plans. A group leader is in charge of organising the trip and making sure everyone completes their own visa applications.
Length of Stay
Up to 1 month.
Possible Extension: Longer stays, such as study tours, may be allowed for specific purposes.
Visa Charges (NZ Immigration)
Starts from NZD $110.
Processing Time
80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks.
Things to Note
- Document Translation: Starting June 17, 2024, all documents must be in English or translated into English.
- Group Travel: The whole group must travel to and leave New Zealand together.
- Individual Applications: Each group member must complete their own visitor visa application along with the group visa application.
Benefits of the Group Visitor Visa
- Group Travel: Travel to and from New Zealand together as a group.
- Extended Stay: You might be able to stay longer for study tours.
Note: The cost and availability of New Zealand visas can change because of decisions made by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.
Reach out to us today, to find out how we can assist you in reaching your immigration goals.
Application Requirements
Your Group Visitor Visa application needs the documents listed below.
Group Leader
A group leader needs to handle the group visa and travel plans.
Individual Visitor Visas
Each person in the group must fill out their own visitor visa application.
Document Translations in English
You need certified English translations for any documents that are not in English.
Application Process
The application process for the Group Visitor Visa is different for each country. We have described a process below which you can use to apply from your country of origin.
Initial Steps
Go to the Immigration New Zealand website and enter your country details to find the right application information.
Required Information
Give all the needed details and supporting documents as instructed.
Application Submission
Submit your application through the channels specified by Immigration New Zealand.
Conditions for the Visa
There are certain conditions that you would need to follow as a holder of the Group Visitor Visa in New Zealand.
Entry Permission
- Entry Application: When you arrive in New Zealand, you need to apply for entry permission by completing a digital New Zealand traveller declaration (NZTD) or a paper declaration.
- Customs and Biosecurity: New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity will check if you meet their entry requirements.
Travel
- Group Travel: All group members must travel to and leave New Zealand together.
Onward Travel
- Proof of Travel: Unless your visa says otherwise, you must have a travel ticket or enough money to buy one.
Funds or Sponsorship
- Financial Support: You need enough money to support yourself in New Zealand or have a sponsor.
Work
- Employment Restrictions: You can’t work in New Zealand on this visa, but you can do volunteer work.
Visa Expiry
- Expiry Date: You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
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Years of Expertise
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Visa Success Rate
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Group Visitor Visa Process at ICL
At ICL Immigration, we understand that navigating the Group Visitor Visa can be a little hard sometimes. This is why we help you with our tried and tested step-by-step method in helping you get the visa successfully.
Step 1: Initial Consultation
Assessment and Advice: Our advisors will check if you qualify and give you detailed advice for your application.
Step 2: Document Preparation
Checklist and Assistance: We provide a detailed document checklist and help you get certified English translations.
Step 3: Application Submission
Form Completion and Submission: We help you fill out all forms correctly and submit your application for you.
Step 4: Follow-up and Support
Tracking and Updates: We keep track of your application and give you updates. If more information is needed, we help you respond.
Step 5: Visa Approval
Notification and Guidance: When your visa is approved, we let you know and guide you through the next steps, like travel preparations and arrival in New Zealand.
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years of experience
1000+
satisfied clients
97%
visa approval rate
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assurance
Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
Success Stories
FAQs
What is a Group Visitor Visa?
The Group Visitor Visa is for groups of people travelling to New Zealand for the same purpose and with the same travel arrangements. This visa allows the group to travel together and participate in activities as planned. It requires a group leader to organize the trip and manage the visa application process.
How long can we stay in New Zealand with a Group Visitor Visa?
- Typical Duration: The standard stay duration is up to 1 month.
- Possible Extension: If your trip includes more extended activities, such as study tours, you may be eligible for an extended stay. Extensions are considered on a case-by-case basis and must be justified with detailed plans and purposes of the visit.
How much does the Group Visitor Visa cost?
- Application Fee: The fee starts from NZD 110.
- Additional Costs: Additional expenses may include fees for document translations, medical examinations, and police certificates if required.
What are the processing times for this visa?
- General Processing Time: Approximately 80% of applications are processed within 2 weeks.
- Factors Affecting Processing Time: The processing time may vary based on the completeness of the application, the need for additional information or documentation, and the specific circumstances of the group members.
Do all group members need to apply individually?
Yes, in addition to the group visa application completed by the group leader, each group member must submit an individual visitor visa application. This ensures that Immigration New Zealand has complete information on each person travelling.
What documents need to be translated into English?
From 17 June 2024, any supporting documents not in English must have certified English translations. These documents may include birth certificates, marriage certificates, educational certificates, medical records, and police certificates, ensuring that all necessary information is clear and understandable for Immigration New Zealand.
- Birth Certificates: Proof of identity for each group member.
- Birth Certificates: Proof of identity for each group member.
- Marriage Certificates: If applicable, to prove relationships between group members.
- Educational Certificates: If the trip is related to education, such as a study tour.
- Medical Records: If required, for proof of health.
- Police Certificates: For evidence of good character, if needed.
Do group members need to travel together?
Yes, all group members must travel to and from New Zealand together. This ensures the integrity of the group visit and adherence to the visa terms. The group leader is responsible for coordinating travel arrangements.
What are the financial requirements for this visa?
- Sufficient Funds: Each group member must have enough money to support themselves in New Zealand. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and any other expenses.
- Sponsorship: Alternatively, a sponsor in New Zealand can provide financial support. Sponsors must meet specific criteria by Immigration New Zealand and agree to cover the costs of the group’s stay and any other associated expenses.
Can we work on this visa?
- Employment Restrictions: You cannot work on a Group Visitor Visa in New Zealand. The visa is intended solely for visiting purposes like tourism, study tours, or other group activities.
- Volunteering: You can engage in volunteer activities, provided these do not involve paid work or replace a paid worker.
What happens if our circumstances change after the visa is granted?
You may be refused entry to New Zealand if:
- Character Requirements: You need to meet character requirements at the time of entry.
- Changed Circumstances: Your circumstances have changed significantly since the visa was granted, such as changes in health, criminal activity, or misrepresentation of information.
- Biometric Information: If requested, you refuse to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints or an iris scan.
- Onward Travel Evidence: You need evidence of onward travel or funds required by the conditions of your visa.
What are the requirements for entry permission upon arrival?
- NZTD Completion: Upon arrival, you must apply for entry permission by completing a digital New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) or an NZTD paper declaration.
- Customs and Biosecurity: You must meet the entry requirements set by New Zealand Customs and Biosecurity. This includes declarations about goods you are bringing into the country and adherence to biosecurity regulations to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
What if we need to extend our stay beyond the visa expiry date?
- Visa Expiry: You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.
- Extensions: If you need to stay longer, apply for an extension before your visa expires. Extensions are granted under specific conditions that require valid reasons and supporting documentation.
Can we travel to other countries during our visit and return to New Zealand?
- Re-entry: If you plan to travel outside New Zealand and return during your visit, ensure your visa conditions allow multiple entries. Multiple-entry visas are granted based on the specifics of your travel itinerary and the purpose of your visit.
Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.
