Brown & Brown Financ Group

Australia and New Zealand, the captivating nations of Oceania, beckon travelers with their stunning natural beauty, vibrant cities, and unique cultural experiences. From the iconic Sydney Opera House to the majestic fjords of Milford Sound, these Antipodean gems offer an abundance of adventure and relaxation. For prospective visitors, securing the appropriate visitor visa is the essential first step. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to obtaining an Australian Visitor Visa and a New Zealand Visitor Visa, outlining the key requirements and application processes.

The Australian Visitor Visa: Subclass 600 and its Streams

The Australian Visitor Visa (subclass 600) is the primary visa for individuals wishing to visit Australia for tourism, to see family and friends, or for short-term business visitor activities. It has several streams, each catering to a slightly different purpose:

• Tourist Stream (apply outside Australia): This is the most common stream for those planning a holiday, cruise, or visiting family and friends.¹

  
  

• Sponsored Family Stream: For individuals sponsored by an eligible family member in Australia.²

  
  

• Business Visitor Stream: For short business visits, such as attending conferences, negotiations, or general business enquiries (not for work).³

  
  

• Frequent Traveller Stream: Available to citizens of certain countries (including some in Southeast Asia) who travel often to Australia for tourism or business.⁴

  
  

Key Requirements for an Australian Visitor Visa (Tourist Stream from Pakistan):

For applicants from countries like Pakistan, the Australian Visitor Visa application is generally made online through the Department of Home Affairs' ImmiAccount portal.⁵ The primary requirement is to demonstrate that you are a "genuine temporary entrant" – meaning your intention is solely to visit and you will return to your home country.⁶

Essential documents and criteria typically include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in Australia and include scanned copies of all pages, including previous visas and stamps.

• Completed Application Form: The Subclass 600 Visitor Visa application form must be accurately filled out online.

• Recent Passport-sized Photo: Meeting Australian visa photo specifications.

• Proof of Funds: Comprehensive evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay and for your departure.⁷ This can include bank statements (for the last three to six months), pay slips, audited accounts, tax records, and credit card statements.⁸ If sponsored, a letter from your sponsor stating their financial support and their financial evidence is required.

  
  

• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Strong evidence that you have significant reasons to return to your home country (e.g., employment letter, property ownership, family ties, ongoing studies).⁹

  
  

• Detailed Itinerary: A clear plan of your activities, including flights, accommodation bookings, and places you intend to visit. It is advisable not to purchase non-refundable tickets until your visa is granted.

• Character and Health Requirements: You must meet Australia's character and health requirements.¹⁰ This may involve providing police certificates and undergoing health examinations from panel physicians.

  
  

• Visa Fee: The applicable visa application charge must be paid online. For the Tourist Stream, fees start from AUD 200 (as of current information, subject to change).

• Biometrics: All applicants from Pakistan will need to provide their biometrics at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre (ABCC) after submitting their online application.¹¹

  
  

Processing Times for Australian Visitor Visa:

Processing times for the Tourist stream can vary significantly, from a few days to several months, depending on the volume of applications and the completeness of your submission. For Pakistani citizens, it typically ranges from 15 to 33 days, though complex cases can take longer. It is highly recommended to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

The New Zealand Visitor Visa: Gateway to Aotearoa

The New Zealand Visitor Visa allows individuals to visit New Zealand for holidays, sightseeing, visiting family and friends, or short-term study (up to 3 months). For many countries, including Pakistan, a visa is required before traveling to New Zealand.¹²

Key Requirements for a New Zealand Visitor Visa (from Pakistan):

Applicants for a New Zealand Visitor Visa can apply online through the Immigration New Zealand website.¹³ The core requirement is to satisfy immigration officials that you are a genuine visitor who will comply with visa conditions and leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Essential documents and criteria typically include:

• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure date from New Zealand, and you will need to provide a digital copy of your passport.

• Completed Application Form: The relevant Visitor Visa application form (e.g., INZ 1017 or INZ 1189) must be completed. Online application is generally preferred.

• Recent Passport-type Photograph: Meeting New Zealand visa photo specifications.¹⁴

  
  

• Proof of Funds: You must demonstrate you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This typically means NZD $1,000 per person per month, or NZD $400 per person per month if accommodation has been prepaid. Evidence includes bank statements (usually for the last six months), salary slips, and income tax returns. If sponsored, a completed Sponsorship Form For Temporary Entry (INZ 1025) and evidence of the sponsor's financial capacity.¹⁵

  
  

• Proof of Onward Travel: Evidence of a pre-purchased return or onward travel ticket out of New Zealand.

• Proof of Ties to Home Country: Similar to Australia, you need to show strong ties to your home country to demonstrate your intent to return (e.g., employment, family, property ownership).¹⁶

  
  

• Health and Character Requirements: You must meet New Zealand's health and character requirements. This may involve providing a police certificate and, for stays over a certain duration or for specific nationalities, medical certificates or chest X-rays from an approved panel physician.

• Visa Fee: The applicable visa application fee must be paid.

• New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD): You will also need to complete the NZTD, which collects travel, customs, immigration, and biosecurity information.¹⁷ It can be completed online or via an app.

  
  

• International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL): Most visitors need to pay an IVL (NZD 100) to fund tourism infrastructure and conservation.¹⁸ This is usually paid when applying for your visa or NZeTA.

  
  

Processing Times for New Zealand Visitor Visa:

Processing times for New Zealand Visitor Visa applications from Pakistan can vary. While some sources indicate within 20 to 25 days, others suggest it can take 4-5 months. It's crucial to apply well in advance, ideally several months before your trip, to account for potential delays.

General Tips for Both Visas:

• Accuracy is Paramount: Ensure all information provided in your application forms is accurate and consistent with your passport and supporting documents. Even minor discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.¹⁹

  
  

• Genuine Visitor Intent: Both countries heavily scrutinize the "genuine temporary entrant" criteria. Provide compelling evidence of your ties to your home country and your clear intention to return.

• Organize Documents: Submit a complete application with all required documents, translated into English if necessary, and properly organized.

• Official Websites: Always refer to the official government websites for the most up-to-date information on requirements, fees, and processing times.

• Avoid Booking Irrevocable Travel: Do not purchase non-refundable flight tickets or make irreversible accommodation bookings until your visa has been granted.²⁰

  
  

• Seek Professional Advice (Optional): If your case is complex or you are unsure about any requirements, consider consulting a registered migration agent or an experienced visa consultant.

By diligently preparing and submitting a strong application, aspiring travelers from Pakistan can enhance their chances of securing an Australian Visitor Visa or a New Zealand Visitor Visa, opening the door to unforgettable adventures in these incredible nations.