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Travelers to New Zealand might encounter situations where they want—or have—to stay in New Zealand past the expiration date of their visa. Whatever the reason for extending your stay in New Zealand, you’ll need to extend your visa as well. New Zealand’s immigration policies often require visa holders to apply for a new visa as their method of extension.

Here’s how to extend or renew your New Zealand visa.

New Zealand Visa Types for US Citizens

There are multiple types of visas for foreign nationals looking to enter New Zealand. Some of the visas available to US citizens are extendable, and others are not.

  • NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority): Not renewable. If you are already in New Zealand and want to extend your stay, you must apply for a visa, not another NZeTA.
  • Visitor Visa: Renewable under specific conditions; you must reapply for a new visa.
  • Business Visitor Visa: Renewable under specific conditions; you must reapply for a new visa.
  • Entrepreneur Work Visa: Renewable under specific conditions; you can stay 12 months in the start-up stage of your visa, then another 24 months once you have shown that you have set up your business.

Important Information About New Zealand Visa Extensions

If your situation changes while you’re in New Zealand, you might need to make changes to your visa. If visa holders have a single entry visa, they’ll need to apply for a variation of travel conditions.

How to Extend Your New Zealand Visa

For all the visas listed above that can be extended or renewed, those eligible will follow the same process. It’s recommended that you apply for your visa extension at least two weeks prior to expiration day. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a New Zealand visa extension.

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1. Gather Your Documents in Advance

For a New Zealand visa extension, travelers are required to apply for another visa or a temporary visa before their current one expires. Begin gathering the documents required so you’re ready to apply for a new visa at least one month before your original visa’s expiration date.

2. Apply for Another Visa Before Your Visa Expires

Visa holders must start the extension process before their current visa expires. You will need to fill in all the details of the online application form, including personal information, passport details, health declarations, employment details, and upload supporting documents, such as your passport photos, passport, bank statements, and itineraries.

If you have traveled to New Zealand under a visa-waiver scheme, there is a different process that needs to be followed for its extension.

Documents Needed for New Zealand Visa Extension

  • Copy of your passport
  • Copy of your current New Zealand visa
  • Recent photos in JPG format, max size 1 MB; passport size, 3.5 x 3.5 cm or 3.5 x 4.5 cm
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Medical or Medical Attendant Visas

For a Medical Visitor Visa, applicants must declare in their visa application that they’ll pay for the costs of any health care or medical assistance received while in New Zealand.

An Escort of Medical Patients Visitor Visa requires an applicant to be a medical professional, a family member or friend of the patient, or required due to the nature of the patient’s condition.

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Business Visas

If you possess a Business Visitor Visa and want to stay longer, you need to apply for a new visa.

New Zealand Visa Extension Costs

Costs for extending your New Zealand visa vary depending on the type of visa and your country of origin. Booking a visa with Entriva ensures you get the right visa in time, every time.

The government fee for an NZeTA for a US-based US passport holder costs $52. Most international visitors coming to New Zealand will pay an IVL (International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy) of NZ$35. It is paid when travelers apply for a visit or request an NZeTA.

In addition to mandatory government fees, Entriva charges amongst the industry’s lowest handling fees, starting at just $50.

Penalties for Overstaying Your New Zealand Visa

If you’re unable to extend your visa and overstay your visa duration, the government of New Zealand imposes fines in New Zealand dollars.

If you remain in New Zealand after your visa expires, you become unlawful in New Zealand and you are therefore liable for deportation.

Visiting New Zealand on Non-Extendable Visas

If you want to enter New Zealand using the NZetA, consider applying for one of the longer-stay options to give yourself some flexibility. In order to extend the NZeTA, you’d have to leave New Zealand and submit a new NZeTA application before you can return to the country.

With a Visitor Visa, however, travelers to New Zealand can apply for another three-month stay and extend it to 12 months within a 24-month period.

New Zealand Visa Extension FAQs

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What happens if I stay in New Zealand after my visa expires?

If you choose to stay after your visa expires, you will be breaking the law. The longer you stay after your visa expires, the greater risk you run of being deported and not being able to return to New Zealand in the future.

When should I apply for a visa extension?

You should apply online for another visa at least one month before your current visa’s expiration date. Don’t wait for your New Zealand visa to expire.

How long does it take to process a visa?

Depending upon the type of visa, the New Zealand government’s immigration officials aim to process applications in a specific number of weekdays (Monday through Friday). Processing times are based on applications that  immigration officials have either approved or declined.

For example: On average, working-holiday visa applications are processed in two weekdays and visitor visa applications in seven, while the majority of NZeTA applications are processed within 72 hours.

Can I change the travel conditions on my visa from single entry to multiple?

Your visitor visa expires when you leave New Zealand, unless the travel conditions allow multiple journeys. If you hold a single-entry visa, you’re allowed entry for one journey only, so you’ll need to apply for a variation of travel conditions.

Preparing for Your New Zealand Trip

Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected requirements before your New Zealand trip. At Entriva, we can easily and efficiently help you with every aspect of getting a New Zealand visa. Start your New Zealand visa application process now.

For more information on other aspects of travel to New Zealand, such as travel restrictions, health and safety, and culture and traditions, visit our New Zealand content hub.