What core documents are required for the application process? (e.g., academic credentials, employment certificates, criminal record checks)

Hello! When it comes to preparing documents, it's definitely the step in the whole application process that takes the most time and effort, but it's also the most crucial one. With well-prepared documents, the subsequent processes become much smoother. Think of it like assembling all your gear before playing a game – it makes boss battles much easier.

Based on my experience and knowledge, regardless of which visa you're applying for (Skilled Migrant, Work Visa, or Family-based), the following items are essentially the "standard set" – core documents that Immigration New Zealand will absolutely require.

1. Identity Documents (Who are you?)

These are the basics, proving "you are you".

• Passport: This is paramount! Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of the application and an additional period beyond. You'll need a clear, colour scan of the personal information page.
• National ID Card: While the passport is primary, it's best to also have copies (front and back) and a translated copy of your national ID card ready.
• Birth Certificate: Used to prove your date and place of birth, and parental information. This is especially important for family-related visas. Requires notarisation and translation.
• Photos: Usually recent passport-sized photos are required, with specific rules for background, expression, and size. It's best to get these taken at a professional photo studio and tell them they're for a New Zealand visa application.

2. Character Documents (Are you a good person?)

Immigration New Zealand places great importance on this. They need to ensure newcomers won't cause trouble for society.

• Police Certificates:
  • Crucial point: This isn't just one certificate from China. You must provide Police Certificates from every country where you have lived for 12 months or more since turning 17.
  • For example, if you studied at university in Australia for two years, besides the one from China, you also need to obtain an Australian Police Certificate.
  • These certificates usually have a validity period (typically 6 months), and processing takes time, so you MUST plan well in advance!

3. Health Documents (Are you healthy?)

They need to confirm you won't place excessive demands on New Zealand's public health system.

• Medical Examination:
  • You can't just visit any hospital. You must attend an examination at a panel physician appointed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The list of approved panel physicians in your city can be found on the official INZ website.
  • The medical tests are standard, and the doctor will upload the results directly to INZ; you won't receive the full report yourself.
  • This report also has a validity period, usually 3 months. Therefore, don't get the examination too early – time it closer to your application submission date.

4. Qualification Documents (What knowledge do you have?)

For Skilled Migrant applications, this is a core part of your points assessment.

• Educational Certificates, Degree Diplomas and Academic Transcripts: You'll need all your graduation certificates, degree diplomas, and academic transcripts, starting from high school up to your highest qualification.
• NZQA Assessment (Qualifications Assessment):
  • Extremely Important! Unless your qualification was obtained in New Zealand or another exempt country (e.g., UK, Australia), your Chinese qualifications need to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
  • This process essentially involves NZQA "translating" your qualification into the New Zealand standard, informing INZ what your qualification is equivalent to in New Zealand (e.g., Bachelor Degree at Level 7).
  • This is also a very time-consuming step. It is strongly recommended that you start this process concurrently while gathering other documents!

5. Work Experience Documents (What skills and experience do you have?)

This is another major points component for Skilled Migrant applications and crucial proof that you are competent for the job. Documents should be as detailed and convincing as possible.

• Employment Contracts: Proof of your employer-employee relationship.
• Reference Letters / Employment Verification Letters:
  • This isn't just a simple letter. It must be printed on company letterhead, signed by a manager with their contact details, and clearly state your start and end dates, job title, hours worked per week, salary, and most importantly – a detailed description of your key responsibilities.
  • The description of your responsibilities should closely match those listed for your nominated occupation (ANZSCO occupation code).
• Pay Slips and Tax Records / Bank Statements:
  • This is the strongest proof of the genuineness of your employment. Contracts and letters alone aren't sufficient; INZ needs to see evidence you were actually paid.
  • It's best to provide individual income tax records (covering the relevant work period) or bank statements showing salary deposits that correspond with your employment period.

6. English Language Ability Documents (Can you communicate effectively?)

• IELTS (Academic or General) or other Approved English Test Results:
  • Skilled Migrant applications have specific requirements for total band score and individual scores (e.g., overall 6.5).
  • Test results are valid for two years, so carefully plan your test timing.
  • If you completed significant study or work in an English-speaking country, an exemption might be possible, but check INZ's specific requirements.

Tips:

• All documents not in English require a certified translation. It's best to use a professional, accredited translation service.
• "Notarisation" and "Certified Translation" are different things. Check INZ’s requirements carefully to see which documents need notarisation vs. just translation.
• Honesty is ESSENTIAL! Never provide false or misleading information or documents. If discovered, the consequences are severe.
• Organise all your documents systematically, scan them into clear, legible PDF files, and name them logically. This will make uploading them during the online application much less chaotic.

Hope this checklist helps! Best of luck with your application!