In a significant and applicant-friendly move, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced a major simplification for visitor visa applicants:
Starting 26 May 2025, you will NO LONGER need to submit certified translations of your supporting documents if you’re applying for a New Zealand visitor visa!
Yes, you heard that right! This long-awaited change brings New Zealand in line with Australia’s more streamlined policy—making the process smoother, faster, and more affordable for international tourists, students, and short-term visitors.
What Has Changed?
Old Rule: All non-English documents for visitor visa applications had to be translated by a qualified translator and certified as true translations.
New Rules (Effective 26 May 2025):
✅ Translations of supporting documents no longer need to be certified.
✅ You must still provide translations, but they only need to include:
-
- Name of the translator
- Their qualification or experience
- Declaration that the translator is not the applicant, a family member, or immigration adviser.
Note: Resident visa applications are NOT affected—you still need certified translations for those.
Why This Matters for New Applicants?
This update cuts down costs and speeds up preparation for your visa application. Many applicants previously faced delays due to long certification times or high fees charged by certifying authorities. Now:
- You can use qualified translation services without worrying about formal certification paperwork
- You save money and time
- You’re no longer at a disadvantage if you’re applying from a country where certified translations are hard to obtain.
This is particularly helpful for travelers from non-English-speaking countries preparing for upcoming visits, family reunions, conferences, and short study tours.
Who Should Celebrate This New Update Issued by New Zealand?
- First-time visitors to New Zealand
- Short-term language learners or study tour participants
- Families visiting loved ones
- Tourists booking last-minute trips
- Frequent travelers between Australia and New Zealand.
Final Word: Still Play by the Rules!
Even though certification is no longer required, accuracy and credibility of your translations remain essential. If INZ finds that a translation is unclear, misleading, or completed by someone ineligible, it can lead to delays or visa refusals.
So be smart, use qualified translators, and don’t try DIY tricks—it could backfire!