Effective June 17, 2024, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will mandate that all supporting documents for visitor visa applications be submitted in English. Any documents originally in a foreign language must include certified translations. This new policy aims to expedite the application process by minimizing the time required to review non-English documents.
Previously, submitting documents in languages other than English without translations could delay visa processing. The new requirement for English translations is expected to help INZ process applications more efficiently.
Documents Needing Translation
All supporting documents for visitor visa applications must be in English or accompanied by a certified English translation. Examples of these documents include:
- Proof of Funds: Bank statements and pay records.
- Flight Itineraries: Including return tickets.
- Proof of Employment: Employment verification in the applicant’s home country.
- Leave of Absence Documentation.
- Identity Documents: Such as the Hukou for Chinese nationals.
It’s important to note that English translations for medical and police certificates have already been a requirement for visitor visa applications.
Certified Translation Requirements
Certified translations can be completed by:
- Reputable private or official translation businesses.
- Community members known for their accurate translations (excluding the applicant, their family members, or their immigration adviser).
- Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIA) recognized for their translation accuracy who are not advising on the same application.
Applications submitted without the required English translations are likely to be declined. This new measure highlights the importance of ensuring all documents are properly translated to avoid processing delays or potential rejections.
INZ’s policy change is designed to make the visa application process smoother and faster by eliminating language barriers. Applicants should ensure all their documents are accurately translated to meet these new requirements and facilitate their visa approval process.
 will mandate that all supporting documents for visitor visa applications be submitted in English. Any documents originally in a foreign language must include certified translations. This new policy aims to expedite the application process by minimizing the time required to review non-English documents.){kind=link}