The most important part of your migration process will be obtaining and preparing the documents required for your visa application.

We strongly recommend that you:

1. Read the Visa Application Document Checklist and find out exactly what you need to provide in your application. Keep in mind that each visa category will require specific documents, so be sure to find out which documents are required for your specific visa category (e.g. work visa, residency, etc.).

2. Take the necessary steps to obtain the original or certified copies of these documents. Most government immigration departments only require the original or certified copies of specific documents (i.e. birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, reference letters, qualifications, etc.) and photocopies may not be accepted . For example, if you must provide original job reference letters from previous employers, contact these previous employers and request that a signed and dated letter be mailed to you confirming your employment with their company. Do not assume that photocopies or emails are sufficient evidence.

3. If you have lost important documents (eg transcripts, birth certificates, etc.), please contact the relevant departments / officials who can provide you with a new certified copy of these documents.

4. If you need to certify documents, find the closest authorized person. In New Zealand, you can go to a justice of the peace or a lawyer. The titles of authorized persons differ in each country: in the US they are called ‘Notaries’ and in South Africa they are called ‘Commissioners of Oaths’. It is important that you go to the correct authorized persons, as government immigration departments will not accept documents that have not been certified by recognized authorities.

You should start preparing the documents at least two to three months before applying for your visa. This will save you a lot of time and stress in the long run, and will allow you to obtain the necessary documents before the shipping time. One of the common dilemmas our clients experience is the delay in obtaining important documents.

If you are shipping your original documents via container, we strongly recommend that certified copies be made of each document which you can then mail to your address in your new country. We do not recommend bringing these certified copies on board the flight to your destination country, as this will raise suspicion among immigration officials at the airport.

For more information on how to apply for your New Zealand visa, visit our website http://www.silverfernimmigration.co.nz.