Visa vs Permit

Moorf · Posted: Fri Jun 04, 2004 12:59 pm Post subject: Visa vs Permit

I thought I saw this thread previously but couldn't find it - basically I'd like to know, in a nutshell, the difference between a work visa and a work permit (if there is a simple way of explaining it?!) Nutcase

Cheers
Moorf

abdul · I Like It Here Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 75

Hi

A visa allows you to travel to NZ and then be given a permit at the border/airport for you to stay in NZ.

In most cases you apply for a visa when you are overseas and want to travel to NZ.
You can get a visitors visa or a work visa whcih allows you to travel to NZ
When you are at the airport passport control, they will issue you with a permit depending on the type of visa ie a vistors permit ot a work permit.

There is often a clause that says that although you land in NZ with a valid visa, you may be refused a permit ( this depends on the immigration officer at passport control/airport, and how he/she feels about the genuine reason for the visit to NZ)

Also now there is some border control rules in place and often you will be checked at the airport before you are given the boarding card or allowed to board the plane for your inbound flight to NZ.

When you are in NZ you will always apply for a permit, though often you will asked if you need a visa in case you want to travel abroad and return to NZ

regards

Abdul

Dave & Sandra · Posted: Sat Jun 05, 2004 12:29 pm Post subject:

Hi Moorf

I asked Dave the same question, as I was confused, I thought they were the same thing Embarassed

He replied:

I have got a work permit. If I want to leave NZ on holiday for example, I need to get a re-entry visa (which is not a problem, the Immigration man said). It would be a problem if I exit without getting one first and then try to get back in.

I think a work visa allows you to have multiple exit and re-entry.

Sandra

sesame · Posted: Sun Jun 06, 2004 3:43 pm Post subject:

this is what the nz maual from that newjobz outfit says: (i quote)

"VISA: is an endorsement in a passport that indicates that the visa officer, at the time of issuing the visa, knows of no reason why the holder of the passport should not be granted the relevant permit.
the visa merely entitles a person to travel to nz and is not, nor does it have the effect of a permit, nor does it entitle the holder to a permit as of right.
a temporary visa authorizes the granting of a temporary permit until a specified date or for a specified time (time specified in months or weeks) provided an application has been made and any conditions stipulated in the visa have been met.

PERMIT: is an endorsement by an immigration officer in a passport which confirms that the holder is a person who requires a permit to be in nz, and may lawfully remain in nz while the permit is current.
it is unlawful to stay in nz for longer than the time specified in your permit."

sesame Shy

Jenkins · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:13 pm Post subject:

Does this mean that the visa is issued by the visa officer while thepermit is granted by the immigration officer upon arrival to NZ? Do you apply a for a work permit once you land in NZ?

sesame · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 11:04 am Post subject:

sorry, i'm not the expert here (at all!!) - hopefully someone will be along shortly to answer your question! Hmmm

Raeven · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 12:01 pm Post subject:

Hi, Jenkins,

I'm no expert, either, but the way I think this works is:

The Consulate or Embassy where you submit your paperwork will issue a visa to you in your passport to travel to NZ to work. Upon your arrival in the country -- on whatever date you specify in your original paperwork to the Consulate -- the Customs/Immigration person you stop and see on your way through the airport and who stamps your passport will stamp it with a work permit. There is no need for you to file any further paperwork to apply for a work permit once you have arrived.

You would still have to apply for permanent residence if you are seeking same.

If I'm wrong, I'm sure someone will be along to tell me so!

Good luck, Rae