Every visa application, regardless of category, is assessed against four eligibility criteria: health, character, English language, and qualifications.

The Acceptable Standard of Health requirement is a risk-weighted evaluation, not a blanket pass/fail test. Minor conditions do not disqualify. Conditions requiring expensive ongoing treatment may trigger a Specific Medical Assessment.

A chest x-ray is mandatory for all applicants aged 11 and over applying for a visa of more than 12 months. A full medical examination is required for visas exceeding 24 months. Both must be completed at an INZ-approved physician in Canada, with results submitted digitally through INZ's eMedical system.

All applicants aged 17 and over must provide a police certificate from each country they have lived in for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. For most Canadians, this means an RCMP Criminal Record Check. The paper certified version takes 6 to 8 weeks. Order it early - it is the most common document holding up Canadian applications.

A DUI conviction more than 5 years ago with no further offences is disclosed but does not automatically trigger a refusal. A DUI within 3 years or involving injury is assessed more stringently. All disclosable offences must be declared - failure to disclose is treated as a character issue in itself.

Canadians who completed a full degree or trade qualification in English in Canada are exempt from English language tests on most visas. Some professional registration bodies require independent evidence regardless of nationality. The Nursing Council of NZ, for instance, requires IELTS Academic 7.0 in each component (or OET grade B) for nurses trained outside NZ or Australia.

The New Zealand Qualifications Authority assesses overseas qualifications against the NZ Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Assessment is required when SMC points depend on the qualification level, or when a professional registration body requires it.

• Standard assessment fee: NZD $612 per qualification (as of 2025)
• Processing time: 20 to 40 working days
• A Canadian bachelor's degree is assessed at NZQF Level 7; a master's at Level 8 or 9; a PhD at Level 10
• Red Seal trade certificates are assessed by NZQA and then submitted to the relevant registration board

Work visa applications do not have a formal funds requirement, but settling-in costs create a practical minimum. NZ landlords require a bond of up to 4 weeks' rent plus rent in advance. Add vehicle purchase, furniture, and daily costs before first pay - the realistic reserve for a couple arriving in Auckland is NZD $35,000 to $50,000.