All New Zealand visa applications for Canadians are processed through Immigration New Zealand's online system at immigration.govt.nz. There are no paper applications accepted at NZ diplomatic offices in Canada, and the NZ High Commission in Ottawa does not process visa applications on INZ's behalf. The entire process - from application to decision - happens online.

Here is the exact sequence.

Use INZ's visa finder tool at immigration.govt.nz/visas to compare options. The key decision is whether you need a temporary visa (Working Holiday, AEWV, Student, Visitor) or a residence-class visa (Green List, Skilled Migrant Category, Partnership, Parent). Do not assume based on your occupation alone - the Green List is updated and your specific job title may have a different tier than a similar-sounding title.

If you have health disclosures, a criminal record, or an occupation not clearly on the Green List, consult an IAA-registered immigration adviser before proceeding. The adviser register is at iaa.govt.nz. A consultation costs NZD $200–$400 and can prevent a refusal that would delay your plans by months.

Each visa page on immigration.govt.nz lists the exact eligibility conditions, documents required, and processing timeframes. Read the page for your specific visa - not a summary or third-party guide - before gathering documents. Requirements change. The page was last updated more recently than any guide.

Documents commonly required across most NZ visas:

• Passport valid for at least 3 months beyond your intended departure from NZ (12+ months preferred)
• Passport-quality photograph meeting INZ's specifications
• RCMP Criminal Record Check (order this 8–10 weeks before you plan to submit - it is the most common document causing delays)
• Medical certificate and chest x-ray if your visa duration exceeds 12 or 24 months (must be completed at an INZ-approved physician - find the list at immigration.govt.nz)
• Proof of funds (bank statements, employment contract, or sponsor letter depending on visa type)
• Visa-specific documents (job offer letter for AEWV, acceptance letter for Student Visa, evidence of relationship for Partnership Visa, etc.)

All documents must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation.

A RealMe account is New Zealand's government identity verification system - used by INZ, IRD, and other agencies. Go to realme.govt.nz and create an account using your email address. You need this account to access Immigration Online. If you already have a RealMe account from a previous NZ interaction, you can use the same login.

Log into immigration.govt.nz using your RealMe credentials. Select "Apply for a visa" and choose your visa type. The enhanced Immigration Online system uses smart forms that adapt to your answers - you will only be asked questions relevant to your situation. The system saves progress automatically.

For Working Holiday Visas, the form takes approximately 20–30 minutes. For residence-class applications, expect 60–90 minutes across multiple sessions.

Upload all required documents in the formats INZ accepts (PDF, JPG, PNG). File size limits apply per document - compress large PDFs if necessary. Your passport photo must meet INZ's specific dimensions and quality requirements, detailed at immigration.govt.nz/photographs.

Fees are paid by credit or debit card within the online system at the submission stage. Fees vary by visa type. Current fees are listed on each visa's page at immigration.govt.nz. As a reference point: the Working Holiday Visa fee is NZD $770, and residence visa fees range from NZD $2,000 to $3,900 depending on category. Fees are non-refundable, whether approved or declined.

After submission, INZ generates an application reference number. Save this. You will use it to check status and respond to any INZ requests.

INZ may contact you via your RealMe email address to request additional documents, medical certificates, or clarification. Respond within the timeframe stated in the request - typically 10–15 working days. Delays in responding extend your processing time proportionally.

Decisions are delivered via the Immigration Online portal and by email. Approval grants your visa with specific conditions (start date, employer conditions for work visas, permitted activities). Read the conditions carefully - your visa is only valid within those conditions.

Processing times are estimates. INZ does not guarantee timeframes. Do not book non-refundable flights until your visa approval letter is in hand.

Official application portal: immigration.govt.nz | IAA-registered adviser register: iaa.govt.nz