Going to New Zealand

Making Plans

We have already agreed that our next step is for me to visit him in Christchurch but no definite plans yet because he still has to save up for my airfare.

If I have never procrastinated for the longest time, I shouldn’t have waited until he saved up enough for the airfare that we’re advised not to pay for yet anyway.

Once he had saved up enough, he checked out the embassy website for all the requirements and things I have to do to apply for a visitor visa. Still I thought it was still a long way ahead to start working on it.

It was only lately that I checked out the website and downloaded the application form.

I read everything I need to know about applying for a visitor’s visa and even the things I have to do when I get there.

We also checked with the travel agency to make sure we have enough fund for the tickets.

Now that I’m informed and we have enough fund, the journey begins.

Checklist

I have three checklist or list of requirements that I’m comparing, so far they say the same things, that I would need the following:

A completed, signed application form
Application fee - if you want to stay in NZ for more than 59 days, below that processing is for free (which would be the case for me so yey! It’s free)
A valid passport valid for three months
A recent passport size photograph which will be attached to the application form
Evidence of financial support while in NZ.

Aside from those requirements, the manila NZ embassy also wants:
Supplementary questionnaire
Leave certificate from employer.
Confirmed 2-way booking certificate from travel agent/airline showing onward travel

Application Form

You can download the application form and fill it up. The first time I browsed through it, I found it totally silly that according to the category section, I only have to answer question A26 to A29 of the form. When I got to the specified section, I found out that I only have to answer A29! Gosh! Of course I didn’t believe that it would be all I have to fill up but just the thought of it made me giggle.

When I reread it, I found out that I have to fill up all the items, aside from the questions on specific categories like limited purpose visa, for purpose of a culturally arranged marriage (I can’t believe there is still arranged marriage to this day! What happened to love?), legal guardians and other special visitor categories.

Upon knowing the list of things that I need, I emailed the embassy to know how long it would take for my application to be processed.

They said that for an application with good travel history, it would only take up to 5 days. For applications that may need verification of documents or interview, it may take up to 45 days.

Valid Passport.

I already have my passport for a year already and it wouldn’t expire in the near future yet so that’s already done and checked.

Recent passport size photo.

I’m still trying to feel for a prettier-me day. *smiles* I want to look nice and friendly so that the visa officer wouldn’t doubt that I will not go return to the Philippines. Plus I’m also trying on my clothes to see which one looks the most smart-looking combination.

Evidence of Financial Support while in NZ.

This one is tricky. There are different examples of evidence. Bottom line is, you have to have at least NZD1000 for each person included in the application or NZD400 if the accommodation is already paid for or a completed and signed sponsorship form by a NZ citizen or resident.

Evidence can be in the form of:
a. Cash
b. Bank draft or certificate supported by bank book showing savings history
c. Personal assets - land titles, shares, stocks, business registration, etc.
d. Employment certificate showing monthly income, supported by income tax return
e. And if you're self employed, provide business registration, permit, SEC, bank acccounts, income tax return

I have enough savings for the NZD400 that they required because my accommodation is free (I'm staying with him for the duration of the trip) and I also have some peso deposit on my own account.

Supplementary Questionnaire.

This one is just like the application form but with additional information specifically if you have a good travel history (meaning, if you travelled to any two of the listed countries: NZ, Australia, UK, USA, Canada) and your level of education. (I wonder, would your application be affected if you're a college graduate or not? Just asking...)

Leave Certificate from Employer.

This is not a problem since they can't wait to get rid of me. *giggles*

Booking Certificate.

Since they don't recommend to purchase the ticket before the application is approved, a booking certificate to show that you have travel arrangements and will leave NZ when the visa expires.

So these are the things I have to prepare and collect to apply for a visitor visa to NZ. And now I have to get going...